Thrive in the kitchen through the Holiday Hustle

With the holiday season in full swing, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of parties, shopping, sports, and family gatherings. While these moments are precious, it's important to prioritize your meals, especially when schedules are packed. No need to remind me that the average meal purchased at a restaurant is 213% more expensive than a meal cooked at home. So when we start running in the holiday the best way to keep christmas dollars in the christmas budget is to plan to eat at home. 

At Beresfords, we believe that nourishing your family with wholesome, delicious meals is essential, even during the busiest times of the year. By stocking your fridge with our high-quality ingredients, you can easily prepare nutritious and satisfying meals that will fuel your family for all the holiday commitments. We also believe in keeping money in your pocket by cooking meals at home that are simple, nutritious and satisfying. 

Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

• Plan Ahead: Take some time to plan your meals for the week, taking into account any special occasions or gatherings. I like to take a look at what we have that week and cook around it. When I know we'll be coming in late, or only home for a hot minute, I will either cook that dinner the night before so we can heat it up fast or just go with something easy to pull together fast without a ton of dishes. Maybe sandwiches, or something from the crock pot for these nights. When I make this plan it's more of an outline I don't really get serious about this until I make my grocery list. 

• Keep it Simple: Pinterest is an awesome place, but home cooked meals dont have to be full culinary experiences. The most simple execution of a protein, some veggies and a carb nourish us more than a wildly colorful plate. Not to mention the waste that comes from buying a ton of ingredients to get an instagramable plate. They call it meat and potatoes for a reason. Keep it simple. 

• Prep Smart: Prep ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or marinating proteins. This will save you time and energy during the week. I cook chicken breasts like 10-12 at a time. This seems a bit excessive, but I eat them for Breakfast and Lunch and when it's time to put together a salad, nothing beats an already cooked chicken breast. Also these are so useful if the plan falls apart. I can always roast some potatoes, heat up some chicken and throw in some lettuce. This is a pretty common meal around here for a reason, It comes together really easy and I’ve had a lot of practice with it so its always good. 

• Cook Once, Eat Twice: Double your recipes and freeze leftovers for future meals. This is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. I don't really do well with frozen meals reheated. But I will cook 3 pounds of ground chuck in the beginning of the week and use it for 3 different meals. I season the first cook with salt and Pepper and then add any additional flavors when I reheat for the second or third meals. 

• Prioritize Protein: Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, fish, or beef into your meals to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It sounds so simple but having proteins available to cook, makes a big difference. Don't buy so much that you have to freeze or (gasp) throw it away. When I bring home protein from the shop I cook it within 2 days. I may not use it for 5 days but it’ll be cooked and stored within 48 hours. 

• Don't Forget Your Veggies: Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables to boost your nutrient intake. We don't go crazy with vegetables, we know what ones we like, broccoli, green beans, salads, sweet potatoes. So we keep those on hand. I get my veggies from Sam’s club in the off season and I buy the same ones each week or two. 

By preparing mentally for the holidays, you can maintain a consistent cooking rhythm, even during the busiest times of the year. Let Beresfords help you navigate the holiday season with fresh proteins and pantry staples.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!