How early can you peel potatoes etc?

[katymac]

Christmas eve is looking a bit hectic - can I prep potatoes, carrots, sprouts in the 23rd?

Actually it'll be DH preparing them I just need to find out when & how to keep them fresh

[SpartonDregs]

just put them in a saucepan or bowl of water.

[SheepyFun]

Potatoes go a bit 'interesting' (along with inedible) if left peeled for too long - even in water in the fridge - you might want to do them closer to cooking.

Carrots are pretty much indestructible. Not sure on sprouts.

[katymac]

Yes I thought potatoes went a bit odd if they were prepared too early

[secmumlaley]

Have you thought about freezing potatoes before hand?

Part boil, fluff up and freeze. Cook from frozen on xmas day.

[HeyMicky]

Yes, freeze after parboiling. Do it this weekend!

[foodiefil]

Was coming on to say freeze them as above posters have said. Mash can last for a few days in the fridge as well btw

[LizzieSiddal]

are you all mad?!

I did all mine in September!

[LoniceraJaponica]

Parboiling and freezing them gives better results.

[SaigonSaigon]

God yeah, me too. I've just started boiling the sprouts so they'll be ready on time...

[katymac]

I normally set DH to peeling etc on Christmas Eve morning so i can wrap presents have a lie in

But we are out all day, and I wondered if the 23rd might be OK - not sure about freezing I may have a practise (I need roasties on Thursday next week)

Thanks all

[nightshade]

Cut carrots and sprouts...put in freezer bags in fridge ...they'll do for days...

Peel spuds early Xmas morning and covery well with water...wouldn't do spuds to early as previously said...

[4merlyknownasSHD]

My mother used to peel them early and put them in a cowl of water in the fridge with a piece of coal in the water as well. I don't know what it actually did, but it seemed to keep them better.

[yellowplumpreserves]

I do two things to prepare potatoes in advance.

If I am going to serve roast potatoes, I part cook them, cool, then freeze on a tray so they aren't touching too much. When they are solid I just pop them in a food bag. I'll just pour them into the tray straight from the freezer, add a little oil, herbs, salt and pepper, and pop them into the oven.

You can also make mashed potato in advance, freeze it and then heat it up on the day.