What can i cook now and freeze?

[shoptilidrop]

Ive got two weeks off work soon as im having an operation. I thought id try and make the most of the time off ( as long as i feel ok) and be super organised and cook and freeze a load of stuff for xmas.

So, what can i do?
So far ive thought:
Mince pies
Extra pastry for more mince pies
sausgae rolls
Stuffing
Gingerbread cake
Can i make and freeze bread sauce?
Going to have a look in my Nigella christmas book for ideas too. Im going to be hosting xmas day and ive only got a small kitchen.. and its only me ( im a lone parent) so the more i can do before will really help.
Im also doing xmas day tea time/nibbles in the evening, so ideas for that will also be appreciated.

thanks

[whomovedmychocolate]

You can freeze bread sauce yes.

I personally cook vichy carrots (honey/thyme/butter glazed) and freeze them.

You can also freeze gravy.

[shoptilidrop]

oooohhhh, do you have a reciepe for that? can you just heat them in a microwave on the day?
What about sprouts/bacon/chestnuts?

Ill def do bread sauce.

fab!

Ill leave gravy as ill want the turkey juice for that.

[OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper]

If you're making your own cranberry sauce that freezes well. Also brandy butter would probably keep in the fridge until needed.
And I've done braised red cabbage before.

[whomovedmychocolate]

Sprouts do not do well in a freezer after cooking, and bacon goes really horrid too. Sorry.

I do the gravy from chicken made beforehand (tastes the same)

Vichy Carrots. Cut 1lb carrots into large chunks diagonally (or use whole baby carrots). Put in baking dish (at least 4 inches deep). Pour in enough water to cover 1 inch. Add a bunch of thyme (cut up - dried is fine but ensure you mix it with the water so it doesn't go bitter and burn on the top of the carrots). Add 50g butter (salted is best) and drizzle two tablespoons of honey on the top. Roast for one hour or until the water is gone and the mixture is syrupy. Make sure you stir it now and then so the carrots get glazed. About 180 is good for temp.

[shoptilidrop]

Fab - ill def do that.

I could do the sprouts etc on xmas eve though couldnt i, and keep in the fridge overnight to just heat up on the day.

Id rather be super organised and be able to spend time with my guests than spend the whole morning flapping about in the kitchen.

[shoptilidrop]

so - can i do parsnips then too?

[kerri100]

You can also do your potatoes beforehand, boil them for about six minutes, then open freeze them until hard, then out them in a freezer bag. You can put them in hot oil/goose fat straight from frozen, just give them an extra 20 mins, just as good as if they were freshly done.

Braised red cabbage is delicious and better dpone the night before. I followed this recipe, it was extremely tasty

www.waitrose.com/recipe/Braised_Red_Cabbage_with_Apple.aspx