Saturday, 30 November 2019

December thoughts – the lists and a little self control


Now you've got the space to store all your goodies … it's time to make the remaining lists – who doesn't love a list? If you've been smart you've made a note of the out of date items from your pantry that you've disposed of that you need to replace.

If you aren't a list maker and you've a house full of guests expected you might want to consider giving it a shot. A list helps you get organised and I should add there'll be more than one – stuff you need to order – stuff you can't get until the last minute, fresh fruit, veggies and salad stuff. It's the little things that guests ask for that tend to fall through the cracks, for example, do you have sauce for the bacon sandwiches?! That example belongs on your previous “pantry and staples” list.

I plan my menus and then make my shopping list(s) from the plan. It's not set in stone but it sure helps. I appreciate that you won't necessarily know whose turning up but you can deal with that eventuality from your freezer and your pantry.

You'll need a note pad, the Christmas food magazines from your supermarket(s) of choice, post it flags and – essential – a glass of wine.

Before we go any further could I just mention - every family has their own traditions and favourites and it matters not, in my experience, how old the kids are – 5 to 25 and beyond - there are certain dishes and treats that are important, nostalgic and stand the test of time so hold hard before you rush out and spend a fortune on fancy dancin' stuff because you think they'll be bored.

Revolutionary I know but you could ask your family what they'd like most.

Now for the self control. I'm a devotee of the browse, browse and browse again method – flag whatever takes your fancy with a post it, leave it be and look again the following day. It all looks delicious and inviting … and expensive! I'm not saying “bah humbug” here – I'm just suggesting you give it some thought.

When you've made your choices …

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