How to Prepare Now for December
December always seems to sneak up on us – suddenly the diary is packed with gatherings, family visits, school events, and Christmas shopping, not to mention the everyday routine. Yours is probably pretty full already, no?
So, we know that finding time to cook from scratch can feel impossible. That’s where a little preparation in November pays off. By batch cooking now, you can stock your freezer with hearty, homemade meals that are ready to go whenever you need them, allowing you to get on with the task(s) at hand – getting ready for Christmas. It’s a great way to save money, cut down on food waste, and ensure you’ve always got a wholesome dinner to hand.
The Lakings team is on hand to make sure you don’t compromise on flavour. Here are some of our favourite batch-cooking ideas to get you started:
Stews and casseroles
Few things say comfort food like a bubbling stew on a cold evening. Cuts like Diced Beef and Diced Lamb are perfect for cooking in big batches. Once the meat is browned and slow-cooked with seasonal root veg and rich stock, you’ve got a meal that only gets better with time. Cook once, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and you’ll have ready-made dinners for weeks.
Mince magic
Beef Mince is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your kitchen. A big pot of Bolognese, chilli, or shepherd’s pie filling takes little effort but can feed the family multiple times over. Cook a generous batch in November, freeze it in portions, and you’ll have the base for quick meals in December – whether that’s a midweek lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese, or even spooned over a baked potato for a speedy supper. Batch cooking with mince is also a brilliant way to stretch your budget while still enjoying quality Lakings quality produce.
Roast joints for the freezer
If you’ve got the oven on at the weekend, it makes sense to cook a little extra. Some joints freeze beautifully – try our Pork Shoulder or Lamb Shoulder, you could even call it a practice run! Roast them low and slow until tender, then carve, portion, and freeze. Later on, simply defrost and reheat for instant roast dinners, sandwiches, or even stir through pasta sauces. It’s like having your own homemade ready meals waiting in the freezer.
A little preparation goes a long way
By setting aside a couple of afternoons in November to batch cook, you’ll take the pressure off December and make sure there’s always something wholesome in the freezer. It’s not just about convenience – it’s about giving yourself the gift of time to enjoy the season with less stress.
Stock up with Lakings, batch cook your favourites, and head into the festive season prepared, organised, and well-fed.
