Somehow, it feels like the month of October gets shorter every year. I know we’re not losing actual days from the calendar; however, this year in particular I’ve found myself already thinking about the holiday season.
As the seasons slide quickly from summer to fall right to our first taste of winter— which mind you happened all in one week because we live in Indiana — I’ve found myself retooling the way I approach meal planning. This time of the year brings with it both challenges and advantages when it comes to preparing the foods that our family loves and keeping us on track with our budget.
If you’ve feel the rapid pull of the calendar, take a few moments to make the most of this season of feeding your family.
Get ahead of EVENTS ON YOUR calendar
Today, I leafed through the pages of my planner — because I still can’t quite get myself to use the calendar function on my phone. I was shocked at just how many obligations our family has during the months of November and December already. School programs, work related functions, and of course family gatherings for Thanksgiving dot the pages. Plus, there are plenty of “want to” dates too, from family traditions to planning evenings with special friends.
This short exercise helped me wrap my mind around which nights I’d be able to plan meals that required more effort and which evenings we will need to stick with quick and easy fare. Rather than allowing your schedule to sneak up on you during the last two months of the year, get the big picture now. Then, you’ll be able to craft a plan that really works for you.
Clean out your boxes, cans, bags
It’s time for a moment of honesty. Some of those boxes, cans and bags have long overdue expiration dates. During the holiday season, you’ll likely grab extras while you’re in the store. You need the space to store those items when you bring them home. Rather than allowing unnecessary or no longer viable foods to clog the shelves, do a quick clean out.
Rearrange your shelves so you can see as many of the items as possible, stacking and using smaller shelves when necessary. Take an account of staples you might need to replace. And use the items you already have to plan meals for the next week. After you finish the pantry, tackle the refrigerator and freezer next.
Maximize holiday ‘loss leaders’
Your favorite big box retailer and grocery store fight each year for your holiday budget. In order to entice you into the store, holiday staples will drop to the lowest prices of the year. The store actually loses money on the particular sale item. However, they hedge their bets that you’ll spend more money once you get in the doors. Hence the term “loss leader.” When these sales arise, make the most of those price drops.
Be on the prowl for the following goods on special: large cuts of meat (hams, turkeys, roasts), sweet potatoes, baking goods, potatoes, butter, eggs and broth/stock. When you see a great deal and your budget allows, purchase duplicates.
However, watch your wallet closely. You don’t want to overbuy or overspend on the holiday extras.
Work your leftover game
One of the best results of a good holiday meal (aside from a wonderful nap) is the large amount of leftovers from the feast. Plan strategically when it comes to using the extras from fall meals. Of course your first option is always packing lunch for the next day. However, you may also want to consider repurposing your individual dishes into other culinary creations.
For example, turn leftover turkey into turkey chili or even turkey enchiladas. Use leftover ham in an egg casserole. Don’t let the extra food hide in the back of your fridge only to grow enough mold to win a science fair. Instead, be intentional with your leftovers.
Pre-slice veggies
I think we all can admit that we should eat a few more vegetables at this time of the year. You may have more of a sweater bod than a swimsuit bod, but take the time to cut vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers and onions when you bring them home from the store. Store in airtight and see through containers at the front of your refrigerator. Reach for those items before you go for the cookies or special holiday treats.
Keeping prepared healthy options like these on hand also allows you to quickly throw together a meal on a busy evening. Whether you put together a salad, toss the veggies into fajitas, top a pizza, or make a pasta dish, these basic and affordable produce goods help you add flavor and color to every meal.
Enjoy this season. Even in planning your meals, live in the now. Make the most of the opportunities this time of the year provides while avoiding some of the common pitfalls. A few extra steps can bring peace and margin during a time of the year when both are in high demand and short supply.
