So much to do and so little time!

Well dear readers and or reader and or no reader(s) at all, today is Christmas Eve and I have been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. As all Chefs know, the Holidays are filled with friends, gifts, and most importantly, FOOD. The holidays are very trying for most Chefs as We whip up our most wonderful Culinary creations for those We love. There never seems to be enough time, and if someone else knows that you can cook, you are constantly asked to create such and such for so and so's party. No biggie right? We love to do this (I know I do) but it isn't that hard to find ones self in the weeds in no time flat.

Here are some tips for the Chef to help speed things up a bit this season:

1) Do your grocery shopping as early as possible. Some items you will have to purchase the day before cooking but buy as many non perishable items that you can in advance. Nobody wants to be reduced into fighting some little old lady for a can of evaporated milk in the markets baking lane, all though many Chefs will tell you that they have done exactly that and would do it again if the item was of import for a recipe.

2) Avoid all your non big gift giving friends and screen your calls. Sure, you may not get as many gifts but they were going to be cheesy anyway right? So forget about unwrapping that shiny new bottle opener from your cheap friend Larry and you won't have to worry about making Larry a cheesecake for his party (which he invites you to basically cater). A party? How thoughtful (NOT)!

3) Prep as many items as possible the day/night before Christmas. Chop up all your vegetables and place them in Zip Lock bags. Cut the cheese (oh grow up!) the night before (just not in bed). You can make your party dips the night prior as the flavors will meld nicely overnight. Dips and soups are always best the next day. You can make your cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them and let them thaw out in the morning or an hour or so before your party. If you are baking appetizers make the dough/appetizer the day before and freeze your items so that you can thaw them out in the morning, cut and bake (such as cookies or My amazing bacon swirls). Gather together the items that you will be using to serve your dishes in and get them ready ahead of time. Set the table the night before.

4) Make a to do list and DO IT. Follow your list and scratch off each thing you do after you have completed your task.

5) Get up EARLY (every Chef is used to this) and get ready. Put on your best perfume or cologne, make up that pretty face and get dressed. Depending on your party this could be casual or dressy but if you are dressing up, be sure to wear your apron or put on your dress clothes before guest arrive (not while you are cooking).

6) Get as many people as you can to HELP YOU. If you have family members just loafing around put them to work! If your Sister calls you and ask when to come over and what can she do? CALL HER BLUFF! Tell her you need her NOW and she can do plenty of things. The more help you can get the better (unless you have people in your family that you do not trust near hot objects such as a stove) or sharp objects (such as knives). NEVER and I do mean NEVER let your hefty friends/relatives help you in the kitchen unless you want half or more of your ingredients eaten before it is used in your recipes. Most of all, take a break now and then and count to ten. Go outside for a breather and RELAX. Everything is going to be fab baby (after all YOU cooked it). :)

I am so fortunate and thrilled to be here for another Holiday season. Hug the ones who are close to you and be thrilled that they are here with you as well. It is a great time to be alive!

Happy Holidays to you and yours and to Me and Mine. :D

As always,
Evie.