How early should you start baking for the holiday season? Well, it really depends on how much you want to accomplish. Are you baking as gifts, treats for the team, or just to have a variety of family favourites to munch throughout the holidays?
Whatever the reason, preparation is the key ingredient in reducing holiday baking stress. Create a work-back schedule to organize your baking goals. Recipes can be chosen, supplies checked and the pantry restocked. Remember: Some cookie dough can even be made ahead of time and frozen! And to help reduce stress, get your friends and family involved. You got this! Imagine that your baking apron is just your super cape tied around your waist!
6 Weeks Before
- Make a list of all the baking you need to do. Include cookies, cakes, pies and sauces.
- Now revise that list! We’re always much more ambitious at the onset of a task. Be realistic. Cross off some unnecessary items from your list to make it much more manageable.
5 Weeks Before
- Take inventory of your pantry and create your shopping list. Chances are you will need to pick up some essential holiday baking items – cinnamon, dried fruit, nuts and sprinkles to name a few. Shop early, icing sugar, cornstarch and vanilla are often out of stock.
- Check store flyers for upcoming sales, compare prices and stock up.
4 Weeks Before
- Be sure to test new recipes. Whip up a batch for friends and family to sample. They may look good on paper but taste like cardboard. Tried and true, family favourites are the way to go for the holidays.
- Many cookie doughs can be frozen for up to 3 months in advance, which saves so much time and stress. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
3 Weeks Before
- If your baked goods are going to be a gift, you’ll need to pick up a few gift boxes and ribbon. Dollar stores always have a large selection of lovely boxes during the lead up to the holidays.
- If you’re like most people, you can also find storage containers, decorative liners, trays and gift bags you stashed in different areas of your home last year.
2 Weeks Before
- Look at your calendar and block off a day (or two) for baking. Clear your schedule and stick to it. Be sure to make family members aware of your plans to avoid any interruptions.
Give yourself the greatest gift of all this holiday season: more free time to do what you love! Whether it be baking large batches of goodies for friends and family, spending more time in the snow with the kids, or just kicking back to relax, you can count on MOLLY MAID for a professionally clean home. Click here to find your local MOLLY MAID, and get inspired!
