Where does the time go?

I can't put it off any longer - if I'm to make life easier for you I have to start writing about Christmas.

It only seems five minutes since last Christmas yet here we are again. The familiar merry-go-round of shopping, cooking and feeding family and friends. Cancel “merry-go-round” since I associate it with being happy and carefree – substitute with hamster wheel!

We are bombarded again with posh catalogues from the supermarkets encouraging us to spend a mortgage on food that in all probability won't get eaten. However, the one good thing about them is that it allows you to peruse in the comfort of your own chair – complete with a glass of something festive and fizzy – anything from Prosecco to lime juice and soda!

I'd venture to suggest that you'll discover that some are considerably cheaper and more reasonable than others – to prove my point, here are three prices ...

… if you want to roast a goose this year

£8.99 per kg (2.2lbs)

£12.00 per kg

£15.00 per kg

taken from three different catalogues – yikes!

What they omit to mention, despite the fact you've done as asked and ordered and paid for your food ahead – to save time – yeah right – is the queue to get into the car park and another to collect your goodies on the day – result – meltdown!

Okey dokey enough grumbling, lets get started. My antidote – be resourceful and creative.

Sort out your freezer so that you've space to refill it.

Family dynamics vary as do the number of friends you'll have passing through. You may not be at home for the holidays but you'll still need to eat when you return home! Liberate yourself – make lists – in fact make several, they'll change your life and save your legs too, not to mention the risk of panic buying – do you really need four boxes of 12 canapés just because it's an offer you can't refuse?! You'll be a much happier person and less likely to bankrupt yourself.

Back to resourceful and creative – my contribution to relieving the pressure is to suggest you have the elements ready to produce different dishes - a starter that can morph into a lunch or a supper – whatever is most appealing.

Hold those thoughts …

P.s. Don't panic I've not forgotten the desserts.