Top Tips
Ask a Question
My best tip for saving time and energy over christmas is first of all being grateful that my partner is a great cook..
Preparing your turkey at midnight on christmas eve and putting it in the oven on the lowest tempreture ....letting it cook slowly all night....and waking up christmas day to a wonderful smell of turkey...my sister shared this tip with me years ago and its a gem.
What are your time/energy saving tips please...
❄
If only cooking for a few I boil all vegetables (except potatoes) in the same water / same pan. Starting with the one that takes the longest to cook and adding the others at the intervals so they're all ready at the same time. The frozen peas (usually last in) actually taste better when they've had a bit of a soak with sprouts, carrots, parsnips and whatever else I've used.
davidstockport What a great tip....do you use the water they are boiled in for your gravy?
ellenmcmurchie I have done but it will depend on how salty the water the veg is cooked in, I don't like to use too much salt in gravy (I usually use granules for most of it and it can already be salty enough). I often, if any available, use a few cut up raw mushrooms in the gravy, they cook while gravy is finishing (thickening) in Pyrex jug in microwave).
davidstockport Got ya David....i dont add salt to boiling veg...great idea with mushrooms.
ellenmcmurchie I like to use salty water for cooking veg - I know it sounds strange but it tends to "sweeten" and most of the salt goes down the drain with the water. On occasions where I've forgotten to put salt in water, adding to the veg afterwards doesn't taste right.
Hi Ellenmcmurchie I always prepare my veg the night before and leave in cold water overnight, i usually also prepare my cauli and broccoli cheese and once cool cover and pop in the fridge. May seem a bit strange but I also like to lay a really nice Christmassy table and like to be left on my own Christmas Eve to do this. I also make a centerpiece with greenery and holly from the garden, candle in the middle. I love the look on my partners face when i'm finished the table and I let him take a peek, he's always like "wow". Makes it all worth the extra time and effort put into it. 
TiaTia omg....i have a huge holly tree in my garden....i have NEVER used it to decorate my home....great tip...thank you.
ellenmcmurchie your more than welcome, it's surprising what bits you can find in your garden to make a beautiful centerpiece. 
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
