December batch cooking: preparing meals in advance

We often discuss this concept that we love at Les Belles Combines: batch cooking involves dedicating a few hours during the weekend to preparing several meals in a single session. This method not only frees up valuable time during the week but also ensures that children and adults eat healthily despite often busy schedules. In December, this approach makes perfect sense, as it allows you to enjoy the pleasures associated with the magic of the holidays while remaining organized and efficient!

Planning your December menu

Before you begin, it's essential to plan a menu that considers the specificities of the month. Opt for comforting dishes that reheat well, such as stews, hearty soup-meals, and gratins. Also, remember to include seasonal vegetables: squash, cabbage, carrots, and parsnips add color and nutrition to your preparations while helping you stay within your budget.

Each week, plan between four and six different recipes that will allow you to vary your meals. The ideal is to choose dishes that share certain ingredients to optimize your purchases and reduce waste. For example, if you are preparing a beef stew, you could also plan a bolognese sauce that will use the same basic ingredients.

Organizing your session

Reserve approximately three to four hours on a Sunday afternoon (or any other time of the week that suits you!) for your batch cooking session. Start by taking out all your ingredients and containers. Good preparation begins with cleaning and cutting all vegetables at the same time. While your stews are simmering, you can prepare your side dishes or assemble other meals.

Small tip:

Try as much as possible to maximize the use of your appliances. Put your electric slow cooker to use for a stew while your oven bakes a gratin and your pots on the stove are used for preparing soups or sauces. This approach will save you a significant amount of time!

Storage and reheating

Invest in quality containers that go from freezer to oven or microwave. Label each preparation with its name and preparation date; most cooked dishes will keep three to four days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

For particularly busy weeknights, consider thawing your dishes in the refrigerator the day before. Reheating will then be faster and more even. Also, prepare some simple sides that cook quickly, such as rice, pasta, or a green salad, to complete your main meals.

Involving the whole family

Why not make December batch cooking a family activity? Children can indeed help you wash vegetables, mix ingredients, or label containers, a perfect opportunity to teach them culinary skills while spending quality time together.

By adopting batch cooking this month, you allow yourself the luxury of enjoying the magical moments of December even more. Less time spent wondering what to prepare for dinner means more time to enjoy winter activities and precious family moments during this time of year.

For ready-to-use batch cooking suggestions, consult the "Meals" section of our online Magazine!