what things can i make ahead and freeze/store easily

[waitingtobeamummy]

And do I cook them before or after (for the frozen things)
First year of working full time and struggling to fit things in!
My dm is making the cake, I want to make mince pies, some biscuits/ fudge truffle things for presents.(and for us [blush¡ We will be having people around for tea a couple of nights.
What can I do?

Any ideas?

Nigella's Chocolate Pistachio Fudge is good to freeze (I have my batch in the fridge now!)

www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chocolatepistachiofu_87639

lots of ideas on the Xmas food thread

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/1613117-What-yummy-home-made-delights-are-you-planning-to-make-this-year-As-gifts-or-just-to-scoff

That's my problem glen not knowing when I can freeze things/how long things store. I'm reading all the lovely things on the thread but don't want to be baking at the last minute/ and don't want to freeze raw when they should be frozen cooked etc.
Am going to have a trial go at nigella recipe, thank you!

This terrine freezes beautifully. I know its not Christmas fayre, but serves as a good antidote to all the 'puddins'!

www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/cream/vanilla-cream-terrine-with-raspberries-and-blackcurrant-coulis.html

Just freeze it in the terrine and defrost it overnight in fridge. Use any red fruit for the sauce even frozen stuff

Thanks blue that looks gorgeous!

I'm making cookies with DD1 now (but to eat now too). Same problem here - do I freeze cookie dough or freeze the cookies once baked? same question for scones and little cupcakes - freeze mixture, or freeze end baked product? Any advice appreciated . I'm going to have a go at that fudge - thanks Glen

frozen cooked mince pies, muffins and cookies can be warmed through in the oven for 15 mins when you have guests- they taste as good as freshly made.

I have tried freezing cupcakes before but the wrappers come off and they look a bit sad.

Thanks ever so much you that means I can get them done a bit earlier!

Thanks Youoldslag. Much appreciated and will give that a go - cheers

Happy to help

Great tips. What about the main meal? Could someone wise give me tips on things that can be cooked or part cooked and frozen to make the big day easier?? And do they turn out as good? Wanting to have a less busy (peeling!) Christmas Eve with the kids this year. Many thanks.

Great thread op I too would like to get ahead a bit

Jamie Oliver's get ahead gravy, bread sauce, cranberry sauce.

Thanks arithmeticulous, will have a look. Any tips on potatoes or veg...can still remember last years frenzy!

Braised red cabbage freezes well. My neighbour also makes parsnip puree and freezes that.

Agree with pp re JO's gravy and cranberry sauce.

Most doughs freeze well (before cooking) I think but I'm not an expert. We use a Nigella biscuit recipe and usually freeze half of that dough. Have also successfully frozen bread dough, pastry and sponge cake.

You could check out the BBC Good Food site too - their recipes usually say whether stuff can be frozen and whether to do it before or after cooking. There is a least 1 mince pie recipe there that suggests freezing them uncooked.

I always freeze bread sauce usually with the onion and cloves still in it! Its fine.

Use Aunt Bessies for your roast potatoes - get them in sainsburys. Red cabbage freezes well. I'm sure butternut squash puree freezes well too.

You could prepare your sprouts and carrots a day or 2 in advance and wrap them up in a poly bag and stick in the fridge.

Thanks everyone! Any idea for gifts- truffles etc and how long they'd last for once made? I'd love a recipe for something truffly that doesn't have to be kept in a drudge but I know that's impossible!

This is a really daft one but, can I freeze Rudolph's carrot? I never seem to remember to buy an extra one for him and we have too few carrots at dinner the next day. I could pre-chomp one and stick it in the freezer right now or would it be all watery and grim after being left out on Christmas Eve?

You can open freeze par boiled potatoes.....just tip them into a roasting pan with hot oil on the day. Ready in about 45 mins, depending on how many there are! It's a great time saver on xmas day.

Pinner have been googling and that is my plan! Thank you! Less peeling on Xmas eve before I feed the hordes!

Or on Christmas Day. It is the most miserable time of the year to be peeling potatoes. Do you freeze them on a tray initially and then put them in a bag?

Parboiled potatoes as listed by Pinner up there and also par-boiled parsnips ready for roasting I think.

I have already frozen my braised red cabbage.

Got baking - shortcrust type doughs freeze well uncooked - I have just frozen a batch of uncooked mini-mince pies.

Also google for 'freezer biscuit' recipes (make sure you get UK recipes though, american "biscuits" are like our scones) - the dough is frozen in sausage shapes and then you can slice off the frozen dough when you need freshly baked cookies. BBC Good Food for example

Sponge type cake batters are better frozen after baking - but un-iced / undecorated.

Raw carrots will come out mushy.

Don't know if anyone has said, but I always do the braised red cabbage ahead of time and freeze (it tastes even better imo). Also, apple sauce freezes exceptionally well. I have also been known to cook and mash swede and freeze that for re-heating on the day.

At the risk of sounding a bit thick can someone talk me through braising and freezing red cabbage? We're hosting for a Boxing Day buffet and I'm trying to do as much as I can in advance, but light on veg options so far. Thanks.

Check out nigella's red cabbage recipe. It has cherry brandy in it! I tend to put a bit less in than she does and I add a baking apple or 2. Tastes fantastic, freezes like a dream, dead easy to make and I just warm it up in the oven (or nuke it) when I need it.