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On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…
Today’s prize is a set of tools that you can use for prepping all of your holiday meals, including: (1) Kyocera The Ultimate Ceramic Knife Set Red, (1) Clean ‘n Stuff, (1) Cuisipro: Silicone Spoon, (1) OXO Cheese Plane.
With this set you’re on your way to creating some of your favorite dishes! Take a look at one we love below!
In order to win today’s gift, all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post telling us:
Do you take any shortcuts when it comes to prepping for the holidays?
Receive an additional entry by leaving a comment on the recipe featured above!
Today is the second day of our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can enter each day to win the prize of the day! Contest rules and how to enter are below.
- There is a maximum of one entry per person (+Bonus Entry). The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
- The winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post plus bonus entries.
- Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
- You have until tonight, Tuesday, December 2, at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this blog post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
- Contest open to anyone 18+ in the Continental U.S.
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!
Rosemary Lukenbill
Please be sure to check your email, so we can send you your prize!
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I take all of the shortcuts that I can. Time is always too tight, have to find ways to do as much as possible.
I love it all.I have been using a lot of these recipes they are easy and good.I made the chicken and dressing in crockpot it was so easy and good my family love it.I will used it again at Christmas and other recipes .Love them
The salad looks good, but no one would eat it with a name of garbage. I’d have to rename it.
LOVE THIS SITE
In the past, I have tried to prepare as much of the food as possible before hand. Cutting up veggies was done a few days beforehand. This year, I’m delegating things to other family members. 🙂
i make dressing and cassoroles day before and bake day of holiday…I prepare things that keep well the day before and save things that are best cooked fresh for the day of holiday
I would love to have this!! I’ve been down loading all kinds of recipes
I don’t take any shortcuts as a rule. Would love to win!
Preparing for a large family, you can’t help but have shortcuts! Doesn’t mean that you have to skip on flavors or presentation but making cooking and baking easier is key to spending the much needed time with family.
Merry Christmas
I enjoy making new food dishes for the holidays.
Love these items!
I love trying out new kitchen gadgets!
I make lists, then organize ingredients by when they have to be made. I do as much as possible ahead of time.
Yes!! I take all the short cuts I can. ..being a grandma nanny to 5 grandkids and a care giver to our parents, almost homemade is better than nothing (99% of the time no one knows the difference …I made stove top stuffing in the oven and every raved over it)
When I bake cookies , all the assorted batters are made day 1 then baked on day 2
I mostly shop on Amazon. This way I can get free shipping and I don’t have to wait in line at the store.
I do not take shortcuts if at all possible when it comes to holiday meals.I just prep ahead of time.
I like trying out new kitchen gadgets!
I love trying new products and kitchen gadgets that can make things easier in the kitchen….don’t we all?
My short cuts are making things ahead and then freezing them. such as cookies
I always take shortcuts.
I take shortcuts as appropriate.
I try to chop up all my veggies for all my dishes at once, so I only have to get the cutting board out once.
Definitely–shortcuts at the right time are the only way to keep your sanity!
I try and enlist as much help from my family as they are willing to give. 🙂
no, we always see to find long cuts, unintentionally
Anyway to help make meals easier, I love new gadgets
I like to buy fresh fruit, chop it up ahead of time, and freeze it to make preparing my pies easier!
I try to make things ahead of time. It makes it much easier when it comes time to cook everything and serve.
I have a lot of things that need to be done, so I take shortcuts whenever I can.
I love Mr. Food! i look to it everyday for new ideas and food tips! Love it keep up the great work!
I write down the planned menu for both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day dinner. I go through all the ingredients of each to make sure if I have them in my pantry or if I need to purchase anything that I don’t have. I prep cutting the veggies, baking the cakes, pies and whatever desserts, make the Shrimp Gumbo, prep a tray of Lasagna for Christmas Day, all on the day before Christmas Eve. It makes the rest of Christmas Eve appetizer of stuffed clams and a fish dish much easier. The same with Christmas, day just having to put the Lasagna in the oven so, I can enjoy Christmas Day with the family.
no shortcuts…every thing from scratch
i try to take all the shortcuts I can but I never scimp on quality or presentation. I love the Christmad Holiday
Sometimes when it calls for baking something I will use a dry mix and not start all the way from scratch.
any short cut that will free up my time is utilized in my kitchen. i love to cook but i love spending time with my family more than anything.
Always prepare as much as possible ahead.
great site
I take shortcuts whenever they are needed. Sometimes it means buying bakery cookies instead of baking. Usually, we are all better off. 🙂
We have fondue for Christmas so I cut everything up ahead of time and group in the refrigerator together so everything for cheese fondue is together in one place and ready to go, the broth fondue meats and vegetables are cut and together in bags or containers. That way, too, I can make sure I haven’t forgotten something.
Love trying new things
I love planning and preparing meals for the holidays.
Can’t wait to try all the new recipies I’ve come across this Holiday season–Merry Christmas to all
Im all about holiday shortcuts! The first and for most being trying to make a lot of one pan meals and using the fewest amount of dishes when making my holiday cookies etc!!!
My favorite season of the year, I try not to do shortcuts but when it gets to a time crunch is when use a shortcut for backup , as long as it’s something my boys will eat I’m game at times..
I do take shortcuts when I need to. My family is more important to me than anything else & I want to spend as much time as I can with them. Thank you for the giveaway!
If I have to cut a lot of veggies up, Or grate a lot of onions, I try to do this the nite before to get it out of the way. So I have more time to get everything else prepared for my meal.
I make an antipasto for Christmas. I cut up all the ingredients the day before and put them into Ziploc bags. Using the bags instead of a bowl also saves refrigerator space. Then on Christmas morning when I start putting the dinner into the oven, I dump all the antipasto ingredients into a bowl and put into the fridge until dinner time.
Because there is only my husband & myself left at home, I no longer make cut out cookies. I buy maybe a dozen, just so everyone can have one if they want. Then I bake maybe 2 or 3 other cookies that will freeze if not eaten right away. Your salad looks delicious & I will be trying it. Thank you.
I prep and freeze as many items as I can and I often get herbs etc already chopped/prepped to make things go faster at assembly time.
Some recipes i use pre-prepared items
This recipe, although the name may not be appetizing, is very similar to one I have been making for years that we called the antipasto salad. It is very yummy and I always have requests for the recipe.
I buy uncooked homemade noodles from a friend at church,and buy excellent quality frozen pies.If it is not made from scratch, “homemade” I can say with confidence, “I made it at home”
Because I cook A LOT during the holidays, I take what short cuts I can without losing the quality or flavor of my foods.
I don’t know if it is a shortcut, but we divide and conquer all the different dishes so no one has all the pressure on them.
Coming from a large family…we do baking together…can make lots more cookies with tons of family fun time. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Holidays with the family.
nice prizes, would be great to win
I am open to shortcuts! But not for Holiday cooking. I go all out
I prepare as much ahead of time as I can.
Don’t always make fresh homemade rolls, I sometimes buy the frozen ones and let them rise.
I always purchase seasoning already cut up. This saves time. And if a recipe calls for chicken, I will sometimes buy a Rotisserie Chicken to save time as well.
Do as much as possible beforehand!
Love it! Great giveaway! Thanks!
Any foods I can get pre-sliced, chopped, etc saves a ton of time on prep work for me.
This was very informative. I love the ideas and recipes. Thank you for sharing !
Wow, love this salad, looks like something for everyone, Great idea! Thanks
My time saver is organization. I prepare my dishes the night before and the next day just pop them in the oven. I get to enjoy the day without spending the whole time in the kitchen.
I do take shortcuts and I that salad looks good
No shortcuts here. I learned old school from my grandmother.
I don;t really take any shortcuts; I enjoy preparing an entire holiday meal. It is the only time I really cook everything without cans, boxes, or microwaves
I’m commenting!!
Hmmm, i try not to take many shortcuts when prepping forbthe holiday meals. You can taste the difference wjen you sit down to enjoy that meal. I like to show my care to family amd friends when i do things right. But i do appreciate shortcuts from products to help me cook faster!! Love the prize pack today!!
I prep as much as I can the night before. I usually cut veggies and store them in ziploc bags.
We shortcut sometimes by buying pre-prepped ingredients. The pre-diced onion at the grocery is fab!!!
Absolutely! Whatever shortcuts I can do, I do!
I sometimes take shortcuts when it comes to prepping for the holidays by either buying stuff that is partially chopped or part pre made or maybe I might par bake something or prep it halfway one day and bake on another day.
I only take a short cut when it comes to pies…. I buy them 🙂
I use convenience foods to add to classic family recipes
The recipe has olives and that along with mushrooms are two things I absolutely cannot stand to eat. If I left that out, it would be perfect.
I take as many shortcuts as possible. Our local Italian deli has an array of delish items that I must say are better than my own so appetizers come from them.
nope no shortcuts
I try to do alot of pre-cooking prepping by cutting up and cooking anything I can ahead of time. As far as shortcuts, not one shortcut when it comes to the actual recipes!
I like those knives
Yes I take shortcuts! Blue Apron delivers ingredients for healthy meals right to my door! Love it!
I sure do take shortcuts! I allows me more time for family, friends and fun!
I don’t really have any short cuts but lately it seems I have less & less time to get everything done so I am probably going to start planning some.
Shortcuts are always good to save time, just don’t rush and mess it up!
I do take advantage of shortcuts all season long. While I love good food, I enjoy more time to have it with good company.
Some dishes that I take shortcuts on are congealed salads, refrigerated pies and cakes. They are best if made ahead of time.
I plan to incorporate this recipe into my Christmas repertoire. Thank you.
When in a hurry over the holiday, I use the pre-chopped veggies like onions and green peppers I think that it saves me time.
The recipe looks like a nice break from sweet and heavy foods during the season. It’s a should try for me.
Depending on how much of the drippings is left from cooking the turkey, I will add a box of chicken broth
I try to buy food that I am going to serve that are made, and then I add a homemade touch. Less time consuming and I still get homemade quality food to serve!!!
nice products, I see a few items I definitely want!
i try to prep the day before cooking big meals for the holidays
I love to make things from scratch so I like to prepare things the night before so on the day of cooking it all comes together quickly!
I prepare as much as possible ahead of time to avoid the last minute rush
I don’t like to take shortcuts, when preparing a holiday meal. but if I’m short on time I would prepare everything before hand.
I really do not know of any short cuts when preparing for the holidays except to BE PREPARED, ha! Freezing turkey broth for future use is one thing you can do. I also try to prepare and freeze dressing and casseroles ahead of time, then take out and thaw and cook for the holidays or I will be overwhelmed with cooking at once!
I take some shortcuts, but not on the food. The pre-lit tree is a good example – that should save us a ton of time.
I never take short cuts, if you’re in the kitchen, doing it right so it tastes PERFECT!
yes I do. I usually buy some great candy to go along with my homemade. This way I have more to share.
I make cookie doughs, pie fillings and cakes ahead of time, and freeze until needed.
I’m all about the short cuts. The one thing I hate making is salad, because I really don’t know what to put in it. My husband says I make the worse salad. I think he is gonna change his mind when I make the garbage salad. Yummy
As many short cuts as I can like prepping early so I can spend more time with my family
Sometimes short cut don’t turn out so well.
I cook ahead as much as possible, starting 3 or 4 days prior, then on feast day I have time to enjoy my guests.
Pre-lit tree , early shopping for gifts and food. The less stress the better the Holiday
Yes, but nearly all of my “shortcuts” consist of pre-chopping, and using my freezer for anything that can be done ahead of time, without losing ANY flavor (or where I can add flavor to when needed).
No shortcuts…don’t want to negatively affect the process
Shortcuts-don’t take them. Simplifying and paring down my grand plans–definitely.
I love to cook some things ahead. I do try to take short cuts when I can.
I do all my chopping ahead of time and put the ingredients in baggies/containers so they are ready to go when I need them.
I do as much as possible & make sure I have all of the ingredients ahead of time. Prep the dough & put it in the fridge while I make something else.
I cook ahead as much as I can. The more I can make ahead, the less stressed I’ll be when it comes time to get everything together.
these look great!
I prepare casseroles head and order my ham. I also make my desserts ahead of time. I do make homemade rolls ahead also.
Yes, I will prep day before so day of I can just pull out of fridge and toss together
Oh I sure do! I buy pre-made pie crusts….saves me a lot of time when I am in charge of all the pie making for get togethers! 🙂
I was just telling myself I need a new knife since mine seem dull. Thanks for the chance to win.
I usually try to get as much done ahead to make my holiday easier. as in food…I may buy pre made gravy or possibly stuffing to help my meal go together faster.
The only short cuts I take are in the prep work. I like to get that all done ahead of time
Definitely take short cuts, especially if the food will take just as good.
I do use shortcuts, usually find a small business bakery for breads and pies.
yes, I buy pre-made apps.
Sometimes I buy ready made or prepared items to save on time.
I’ve been cooking pretty much the same for over 40 years………so it’s tradition….and what I’ve learned from my Mom………no shortcuts for me.
love it would love to win and make some nice holiday dishes 🙂
Yum yum Good!
I take a lot of shortcuts. Found out that my family really doesn’t care if everything is made from scratch. They often prefer the easier method. When I have lots of time, I do the baking and candy making from scratch. That’s where they love it when things are home made.
I love these gadgets
Sometimes i buy Christmas treats instead of baking.
No, I do not take shortcuts at holiday time. A number of the things I do are very traditional to my family and they need to be done a certain way.
I like to utilize as many shortcuts as possible. One of the best shortcuts I use is to buy vegetables already cleaned and diced if possible.
I like to use the crock pot whenever possible!
I chop and freeze all my seasonings before hand.
I make everything I can ahead of time and sometimes have the meat catered instead of doing it myself.
My middle name is shortcuts, I work smarter not harder especially at the holidays because I am so busy. Winning the 2nd day of the 12 days of Christmas giveaways would go a long way in me doing just that.
Yes, I delegate some of the chores and cooking to my children and husband. In our family we all pitch in and everyone helps. If I can prepare things ahead of time and freeze I will do that too.
I like to buy all my meats at one time and then divide into freezer storage bags with marinades
If I can make it ahead of time, I will. Peeling/boiling/freezing potatoes, chopping veggies, prepping doughs–anything to save time day of!
“Shortcut” is my middle name. 🙂 I usually do part homemade and part “shortcut”
The only shortcuts I take is asking everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to our big family get together.
We make some food the night before to heat up. We also buy 2 pies and make 2 pies
My shortcut is trying to do as much prep work ahead of time as possible.
I use as many “bags” for gifts vs gift wrap.
I do make things ahead and freeze them, but I don’t think that is considered a shortcut, just good planning!
My husband does the cooking while I decorate and clean-up for guests.
i do, sometimes I buy my veggies in the bag all ready chopped up ,it cost alittle more but saves time
Cook ahead, and enlist the family in menu planning, serving, and prep.
Sometimes I will use a bag of frozen chopped onions and peppers. I keep them on hand in the freezer for emergency dinners. Or they make a quick addition to eggs in the morning.
I take short cuts every day of the week. Like canned biscuits for dumplings or boxed stuffing . But never for the Holidays.
I take shortcuts everyday, hehee. We don’t entertain for the holidays, but usually take something when we visit and know the hostess is planning a “cooperative” meal. I’m usually responsible for a side dish or (especially) a dessert. These tools would not be wasting away in a drawer.
And, yes, “Garbage Salad” needs a new name.
I like to take a short cut sometimes especially with pies and breads i use store bought ..i say why not it saves me time and taste great
Sometimes I do take short cuts such as using Mrs. Smith’s Pies instead of making my own or buying frozen biscuits. Everything else has to be done from scratch because freshness always tastes better.
My family does not take any short cuts when it comes to holiday cooking. We have a big family so it makes it really easy to create a homemade family dinner for about 30 the morning of the gathering 🙂 I personally love to cut up the vegetables 🙂
Yes I take as many shortcuts as I can during the holidays.
We take a few shortcuts to make things easier and so we can enjoy time with friends and family.
I use some shortcuts .
I do, the holidays are exhausting as it is. Anything to help make the day go easier I do
I chop up what I can early and have it ready so when I need it its already there
as much as possible
I make my mashed potatoes a few hours before dinner and place them in a crock pot on low to keep them warm. It makes for an easy clean up and they can be served directly out of the crock pot.
Love these kitchen gadgets, makes cooking so much fun!
Yes, I have my ‘helper’ do some of the easy stuff.
yes, I cook what I can the day before and chop/prep beforehand (and get the kids involved)
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I take shortcuts if at all possible!
I don’t take shortcuts on prepping food , but I do take shortcuts nowadays on gifts. Everyone is older and really only seem to want gift cards, rather than physical gifts. I don’t think I enjoy the shopping much anymore, but it is a shortcut to buy gift cards.
I don’t usually take any shortcuts. But I don’t do that much to begin with.
This thanksgiving we shortcutted the mashed potatoes and bought rfridgeratd Bob Evans.
knycks1(at)aol(dot)com
We chop up all the veggies the day before! That recipe looks yummy!
If there’s a shortcut I’ll take it!
only take shortcuts when it doesn’t change the taste or quality of my food
With kids I have to take short cuts in my cooking so I try to buy already chopped veggies, or frozen veggies and fruits, pre-cooked chicken
I chop all of my ingredients such as onions, peppers, etc each Saturday so they’re ready when I need them later in the week.
No I dont.
No I dont.
I prep cookie & pie doughs to freeze ahead and prep, cook, and bake whatever I can a day or two before the big day.
My shortcut is buying prepped food like onions and green peppers already cut up and store brought stuffing. I add the vegetables in make it taste better.
sometimes it depends on how busy I am
we like to cook our meat( turkey and ham )the day before on the smoker. Then I slice it and put in pan use to warm up next day. My stuffing is put to gather the day before cooking. This allow the season to absord in stuffing.
I am a sucker for new kitchen gadgets. thanks
I really try to get all my vegetables prepped and chopped and put into small bowls to make things go quicker. Also measure out ingredients and put in small containers so I can grab and go!
I Like to have the stores wrap my Christmas Gifts. It saves me time and money.
I always prepare ahead. If it’s a turkey or a ham I start it early in the morning and have everything cut and prepared to go into it the night before. Always always cook ahead!
Yep, sure do. I make my cornbread for the dressing a few days ahead and freeze it. I make my pie the night before, and I brine my turkey overnight.
I don’t. I know I should, but I like feeling the thrill of everything during Christmas season. I have some help though, but it is fun. That’s a great giveaway!
I’m guilty of using frozen foods to make things easier 🙂
The shortcut I take during the holidays is that I try to make a lot of the menu items from my pantry and freezer. Grocery stores are more crowded and traffic is heavier during the holidays. If I can skip a shopping trip it saves me hours.
I never take short cuts when it comes to holiday meals. I love cooking everything for my family from scratch ..they love it.
yes if i have to lol
I try not to, but sometimes its hard no to.
Not sure if you’d call it a shortcut. But I try to get as much done in advance as possible.
Prepping things ahead of time whenever possible. Saves so much time that you could be spending with family.
love the web site and the recipes
I use paper plates and stove top stuffing !
Go to someone else’s house. That cuts down on work lol.
Go to a relatives house!
With as much as there is to do for the holidays (house cleaning, decorating, wrapping presents, last minute shopping, last minute parties, etc) I have to take all of the short cuts that I can on preparing our holiday meal, plus accept any help that is offered. Anything that I can prepare ahead of time, I do. If it can’t be prepared ahead of time, then I try to at least prep the ingredients ahead of time such as chopping the celery for the dressing, boiling the eggs, etc.
I don’t usually buy already made or processed foods–except frozen pies for baking–but I try to do as much of the prep work beforehand I possible can.
I do take shortcuts, when possible! I used canned pie filling, cake mix, ready to go crust or roll-out crust. I try to keep baked goods as homemade, as possible. There are always ways to upgrade it and make it your own!
Love those holiday items
I try to peel, dice, slice and portion out anything the day before I cook.
this looks like a nice gift!
I prepare as much as I can in advance.
I like to cook so I don’t take shortcuts. I love the process and the smells of the food cooking. It’s all fun to me.
I do lots of baking ahead. Also use veggies that I preserved from my garden.
I do take shortcuts at times. I use prepackaged cookie dough when I am in a pinch & short on time.
i used to think shortcuts were the way to go and tried to fit as much as possible into a short time. Now I realise it is important to slow down and take enjoyment in the preparations. It takes time to put the love and caring into it.
I only make one shortcut during the holidays and that is to make my refrigerated homemade from scratch potato rolls and put in the frig until the next day. Otherwise everything I make is made the day of and EVERYONE enjoys every bite.
I take shortcuts whenever I can, never enough time to get the holiday cooking together
I take shortcuts – I prepare as much ahead of time as I can and I delegate
I did a few shortcuts, like buying frozen pie shells for the pumpkin pies, but most of the dinner I made myself. Thanks for having this nice contest.
yes I take a lot of them
I take as many shortcuts as I think I need. If I feel like I’m running short on time then I definitely take a shortcut. If time is not an issue I don’t.
Always prepare ahead of the big day.
no shortcuts
Your recipes and tips are great.Thank you so much.
When I don’t have much time or am overly exhausted, I order out for Chinese…that’s my short cut!
Oh, yes. With two kids, shortcuts are always welcome!
I take short cuts gulor. I’d rather be by the tree with the kids watching them guess what’s in each wrapped box. Than in the kitchen all day missing their smiles.
I’ll make the main course and my short cut is to have everyone bring a dish to pass!
I love all types of kitchen gadgets. So many helpful things out there now. How did they survive 50 yrs ago?!
Always prepare as much food as I can ahead of time
Wow! I just joined a few weeks ago and had no idea you hosted
giveaways. This is wonderful and, win or not, I just want to say “Thank You” for your generosity in these times when it’s not always easy to give free (and helpful) gifts away.
Cheers!
Lee
Not too many shortcuts for me. But, I do like to make my pies early in November. Freeze them unbaked & backe them the day before the holiday.
I sure do take shortcuts, like maybe a bakery dessert but the main meal is lovingly crafted by me the long and slow old school ways
The holidays can be very hectic so yes I do take as many shortcuts a s I can, but not when it comes to the food. I don’t like to rush the food at all.
yep sometimes i get precut veggies instead of whole
My husband and I always have Chinese food for Christmas dinner. : )
I take shortcuts when necessary. I’m not much of a planner, though, so doing things the day before isn’t happening here. lol
I take a lot of shortcuts, sometimes messy shortcuts.
I agree with most of the other posters that I also take “shortcuts galore!” lol Start cutting and prepping my veggies a day or two before, and buying pie crusts instead of making them, would that be considered prepping? 😉 A wonderful shortcut would be just to have the Mr. Food Test Kitchen Chef’s come on over and cook with me! Ahhh, we can dream. Thanks for the giveaway, Merry Christmas!
I like to do all my prep work a day or two before a big get together. Chopping all my veggies & putting them in cold water or lemon water will keep them from turning color & make it easy to throw things together on the big day. I can even boil eggs a few days ahead. I put together some dishes, cover them well & keep them in the fridge, ready to go in the oven a day ahead. Desserts can usually be made several days in advance & kept in the freezer until the morning of the big dinner, then just thaw & serve.
Yes I usually buy premade cookie dough to make cookies it is much less messy
Would love to have!! Thanks for all the recipes and tips!!
I try not to take many shortcuts, but often end up buying frozen items or using an electric mixer instead of hand churning and fresh ingredients.
Shortcuts? No…I just jump on the freeway and drive straight to Grandma’s house, lol.
But seriously, if there is any time that most of us cook from scratch and make the “slow food” that is traditional, isn’t it around the holidays? The meal itself is a reward, but the process is gratifying and comforting also (if you can avoid the trap of feeling burdened to do too much for too many too quickly).
When I do shortcuts I buy Hamburger helper and precut meat to make a meal.
The only shortcut I take is preparing as much as I can in advance.
I take short cuts all too often in cooking for the holidays. Wish I had time to not to have to…but that’s life. Would love to get to a point in my life where things weren’t so from a box, or a can…and more made by scratch…that’s my goal for the year ahead.
The Garbage salad looks yummy. Easy to make as well. It reminds me of the salads I would get at Italian restaurants in Europe!
I take as many shortcuts as possible. Prep and planning helps. I make to do lists.
I use premade pie crusts during the holidays….too much other stuff to make from scratch.
I buy premade pie crusts and use the crockpot when possible.
all these gadgets look awesome! Would love to win them and try them out
I do as much in advance as possible.
Not so much a shortcut, but I do try to double up on recipes…putting one aside or into the freezer…knowing that it’s already ready & just needs to be heated up!
We do not really use any shortcuts. We use teamwork instead by giving everyone a designated role if we are running short on time. Sometimes we will get a head start on food prep to make things easier the next day.
Shortcuts? Depends on what event is going on. Holiday dinner,? NO. Decorations,? Yes I am not a fan of Decorating, but I love cooking. Being a vegan hosting a holiday dinner is a challenge. I try to make everything taste better than my guests think it will taste.
I will often get things done ahead of time if possible, leaving only a few things to do last minute.
No real shortcuts that I can think of, except that we buy a gingerbread house kit instead of making it homemade.
Not really.
I always use all the shortcuts I can, so that I have plenty of time to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.
I take as many shortcuts as possible!!…Lots of goodies…not enough time! So, I save time where I can.
I don’t make homemade dinner rolls and I have my husband and/or kids help me with some of the prep.
I don’t take shortcuts. I like everything to be home made and I take my time.
No shortcuts. Traditional all the way.
I actually dont take any shortcuts aside from preparing certain foods in advance. Aside from that, everything takes me a long time!
I chop everything I can in advance – chopping takes so much time! I also have family members help with preparations and use the crock pot if possible.
I prep everything early, and freeze cookies ahead sometimes.
I don’t know if it counts as “shortcuts”, but I prep in stages, because hours of doing something tires me out too much! I may go into the attic and bring down a box or two each day for a couple of days, then start unpacking one box at a time. For dinner, I try to get the cookies done and frozen the week or two before and I do the dessert baking (our celebration is on Christmas Eve) the day before Christmas Eve. I will prep almost all of my food to the part where it goes in the oven/on the stove ahead of time – that way, on the day, I can simply pop it into the oven or on top of the stove when it’s time to begin cooking 🙂
I take it day by day and do what I can. I just try to get my hubby to help!
only shortcut i take is on the pies i buy ready to bake crusts as mine never turn out quite right
This is a great win having this would be great.
I take shortcuts when I can so that I can spend more time with my loved ones! 🙂
I make several cookie recipes and then get all my cookie sheets out, line them with parchment and then bake away using the same cookie sheets as I move from one cookie dough to another–saves on dish washing and cleanup.
As many as I can, if planning a large get together, otherwise I stick to scratch for smaller gatherings. It’s simply a time management issue with large groups.
any that saves me times
if it saves me time i will
Cooking with new tools is so much more fun!
I take short cuts when I can, in the end it doesn’t matter all that much anyway.
don’t take any shortcuts Would love to win
Prep and planning is essential!!
Thanks for the giveaway… we will prepare & freeze side dishes, desserts, main dishes, etc. whenever we are able; also use pre-packaged / washed salads & vegetables to save time.
No short cuts on Christmas recipes!
Depending on the meal sometimes I take a short cut
My husband and I love to cook. These items would be a wonderful addition to our kitchen.
I nuke everything that can possibly be nuked. Thanx for the chance! 🙂
I do not take any short cuts during the holidays. I do everything the same each year.
I make cookie recipes ahead of time and refrigerate until the day I cook them all.
Short cuts are fine so long as they don’t compromise the taste/quality of my dishes
The day before I begin cooking I spend the day prepping everything from chopping veggies, making cornbread for stuffing and dicing nuts for recipes. This way all of the prep is done the next day and all I need to do is combine and cook the recipes that I have planned.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I always make desserts the morning before and the cold salads the evening before Christmas.
Not really
Yes I take shortcuts some times just due to being so busy. I used prepackaged veggies for snacks and things
I do as much as possible the night before, chop and peel veggies and then put them in freezer bags instead of tupperware so I can save room in the fridge. Some things I will par-make like stuffing which will finish cooking the next day. I always get desert ready the night before too including whipping the cream. My favorite part is saving ALL the veggie peelings and cutting and put them in freezer bags in the freezer to make stock as needed… it’s so much cheaper than the stores and tastes amazing. Especially with leftover fresh herbs instead of letting them go to waste, I’ll freeze them too.
I don’t take shortcuts for the holidays. It’s my chance to cook and bake from scratch.
Sometimes I use shortcuts because I’m in a rush and can substitute something already made.
That’s not garbage salad it’s an antipasto LOL
Yes i do take a few shortcuts i make fudge and cookies 2 days ahead and i premeasure some ingredients together and tag them to have ready to save time
Yes, I I always prepare things a day ahead
No shortcuts, careful planning is all it takes to get it all done without stress! I even render my own local lard for pie crusts..do it ahead and freeze and easy!
Every chance I get, but sometimes it just seems that time is not on your side.
I wish I knew shortcuts to take and I would. It is not beneath me to take a shortcut or three.
If it’s possible to take short-cuts while decorating for Christmas I will, but you either “do” or “don’t”…..not much room for shortcuts.
IF I can take shortcuts when decorating for Christmas I will, but it’s really either “do” or “don’t”….not much room for shortcuts.
I definitely take shortcuts , especially cutting /chopping items and having them ready to go. The more shortcuts, the better as long as it doesn’t skimp on flavor
Kathryn C
i take all the shortcuts that i can
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(Ok, I hope I’m doing this correctly by leaving the comment here about the Garbage Salad)
It looks delicious! I’m going to make this! my mouth is watering!!
Kathryn C
Yes, I take as many shortcuts as possible.
I take shortcuts often. Some work well some not so well. Shortcuts give me m ore time to spend with family over the holidays!
Love the site and the gadgets !!
I enjoy making new food dishes for the holidays.
love your recipes on tv
Yes I take shortcuts during the holidays to help me be less stressed. I do whatever I can in advance and I get other family members to help me wherever possible.
I am the shortcut queen!! Spare time is something I have little of. I cut corners whenever I can. This garbage salad looks awesome!
I bake and freeze Christmas cookies, so I have less baking to do near Christmas
I try to do as much prep work in the days before.
Prepare as much as I can in advance.
These would be a big help with holiday cooking! Thanks!
I would love to win!!!! We recently moved and we still have not located the cooking utensils. So I am short cutting every chance I get. Dress up bought Apple pie with sugar butter and cinnamon spread on top, the bake for bout 10 min. Will look like homade!
i really like chocolate.
With young kids helping out, I take a few shortcuts to make things more success-assured and fun!
I don’t take shortcuts when it comes to baking Holliday cookies and candy because they just taste better homemade but I do take short cuts when making my holliday meals to have more time to spend with family.
Yes, I used the microwave rather than the oven
Yes. I mix my cookie dough a few weeks before the holidays and freeze it. I bake my cookies right before Christmas so that they are fresh.
I don’t use shortcuts for the holidays, but I try to prep as much ahead of time as is possible.
Perfectly perfect!
I don’t use short cuts I like to keep mine as close to the original as possible just call me old fashion but OH IT’S SO GOOD!!
Yes. I do have a shortcut. My husband works retail, and his only day off work is Christmas Day. So, our shortcut is a restaurant or take-out and a movie.
I take as many shortcuts as I can, as long as the quality seems the same. Sometimes a shortcut isn’t worth the time saved.
getting the presents bought and wrapped way before 12/25- does that count as a shortcut? 🙂
I buy some things premade but only because if not I’d be so stressed by the time I made everything, I wouldn’t enjoy myself =)
I buy boxed dressing!
I take all the short cuts I can. The faster the better.
I tend to dream big and want to make big fantastic dishes, but then I look up and it is one hour until we leave for the festivities. Thank you
I don’t exchange gifts, I don’t decorate, I don’t have a party, and I don’t make a holiday dinner. The only thing I do is send cards. Otherwise, it’s all shortcuts for me.
I don’t take any shortcuts.
Yes. Anything to make life easier.
Absolutely! I do all my baking and prep work the day before.
I use a prelit tree, other than that not much in the way of shortcuts.
I usually don’t take shortcut because I want everything to go right.
I don’t need a lot of “shortcuts”. We spend the holidays at my parents so I’m never doing much cooking and as far as the shopping, decorating, and wrapping goes; I LOVE that part 🙂
I try to do things ahead of time if I can.
My wife makes all the sweets in the week leading up to the big day. My contribution? I try not to eat all of them ahead of time.
These are great kitchen tools!
I take as many shortcuts as I can. I like being prepared !
Planning and preparation =)
I like to take shortcuts but then still add my personal touch to make things special. Like I will use jarred pasta sauce in dishes but add some fresh herbs or spices.
I use a food processor for quick chopping
Nice Kitchen tools! I can use this!
i take no shortcuts when it comes to Chirstmas and Thanksgiving as well as New Years! They are very special to me
My shortcuts involve getting helpers (kids/friends) to do things like the chopping for recipes and sometimes doubling/tripling a recipe then freezing some for another occasion.
Unfortunately, I have to take some shortcuts. I work 50+ hours a week, so sometimes instead of making cookies from scratch, I have to use a mix, stuff like that.
I take shortcuts when I can, but nothing to compromise the taste of the food.
Do my chopping ahead of time.