As humans, we crave social interaction. We also love to eat. But we don’t like pressure or stress – and this combination can make entertaining and even ordinary meal prep a complicated experience, if it wasn’t for the process of planning and preparing ahead of time.
Enter that wonderful appliance, the freezer! Filling the frosty shelves with food for the future is the most effective way to take the stress out of meal prep, particularly when you entertain at short notice. It’s an interesting paradox; planning ahead so that you can be spontaneous. With your freezer packed full of meal elements, the actual meal preparation at the time of entertaining is shortened, and you will be more free to join your guests and enjoy yourself – which is, after all, why you invite them in the first place.
It can be a difficult thing to adapt to sometimes. Not every dish with its separate parts is well-suited to freezing – dairy separates, vegetables go limp and soggy, herbs and spices lose their flavour, things can become unappetising. When you come to prepare for your meal you may be wondering whether a dish will keep well in the freezer or whether it will lose its texture, structure, or flavour, leaving you serving something limply unappealing – but not to worry! We’ve done the work for you, finding a mix of impressive recipes for anything from entrees to dessert to breakfast that are easy to make ahead of time. For a Mediterranean flair, Bolognese Arancini Balls are a popular entrée that are easily frozen and reheated, providing an enticing appetiser for your guests – or you can head to the other end of Europe during dessert with a deliciously sweet and comforting Russian Honey Cake. Those with a sweet tooth will also love Toffee Cornflake Crack or a Spiced Pear Cake, and for overnight guests Asparagus Prosciutto Tarts or Hash Brown Quiches make the perfect breakfast to serve easily and with minimal prep time required, without having to give up your well-deserved sleep.
When you entertain, you do it because you want to enjoy the company – so stocking your freezer with these treats beforehand will let you spend less time cooking and more time with your guests, where you want to be.
