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Here’s How Ina Garten’s Make It Ahead Is Going to Save Your Holidays
We shared the 6 reasons we’re obsessed with Ina Garten’s new cookbook, Make It Ahead, and now we’re adding a seventh: It’s going to make your holidays a lot less stressful. Aunty Ina includes a few special occasion make-ahead menus in the back of the book, to which we’re adding our own. Bibbidi bobbidi butternut squash soufflé, you’re relaxing by the fire with some mulled cider instead of tearing your hair out over the Thanksgiving turkey. How easy is that?
Ships in 1-2 days.
The Office Potluck
Did you get the memo? It’s the most wonderful time of the year: your office holiday potluck! Casseroles are all well and good, but no party needs more than one Tater Tot Hotdish. Impress your coworkers with one of these sophisticated, Ina-approved crowd-pleasers.
- Pastitsio
- Pear and Parsnip Gratin
- Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
- Spinach & Ricotta Noodle Pudding
- Leek & Artichoke Bread Pudding
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving
Now that we all know gluten is the manna of Satan, it’s probable that one-third of your Thanksgiving guests will request a gluten-free meal. Super Ina to the rescue.
- Cranberry Martinis
- Make-Ahead Roast Turkey (with Apple Chutney instead of Gravy)
- Gingered Basmati Rice
- Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Winter Slaw
- Decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
Carolers Show Up at Your Door
In no other situation save Christmas would it be acceptable for a bunch of strangers to knock at your door chanting 300-year-old songs in the expectation of being fed. Be prepared for Old King Wenceslas & the Pips by having some of Ina’s easy-to-pass snacks at the ready.
- Salted Caramel Nuts
- Parmesan Kale Chips
- Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Grown-Up Holiday Cocktail Party
Gone are those halcyon days when you could throw a cheese ball and a bowl of Chex-Mix on the table next to six magnums of Yellow Tail and call it a holiday party. You’re a contributing member of society now, and you should entertain like one, which also means not running around like a chicken with her head cut off at your own party. Make these ahead and prepare for your guests to fawn.
- Truffled Chicken Liver Mousse
- Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles
- Bruschetta with Sauteed Chard
- Ham & Leek Empanadas
- Ginger Shortbread Cookies
Kid’s Cookie Exchange
Whether your son told you about his class party the night before, or you got suckered into a cookie exchange organized by the overachieving leaders of the mommy message board, Ina’s got you covered with a four-ingredient (and one of them is corn flakes) lifesaver and a couple of fancier options.
- English Chocolate Crisps
- Ginger Shortbread Cookies
- Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
White Elephant Party
The focus of the White Elephant party is the game, not the food, but your friends and family will need refreshment as they plot to steal the Beardo Santa Hat from Uncle Charlie without getting stuck in the end with the Reindeer Poop Dispenser. These make-ahead recipes are hearty but not overwhelming.
- Jalapeño Margaritas
- Greek Meze Platter
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Thyme Roasted Red Peppers
- Marinated Herbed Feta
- Easy Tzatziki
- Ham & Leek Empanadas
Après Ski
You know what Ina doesn’t want to do when she comes in fresh from zipper-lining moguls and shredding some serious pow-pow? Cook. That’s why she created these scrumdiddlyumptious recipes that can be made ahead to warm your cold, aching bones after winter sporting. Follow, of course, with a nap.
- Wild Mushroom & Farro Soup
- Make-Ahead Salt & Pepper Biscuits
- Chocolate Banana Crumb Cake
Someone Brought You a Gift and You Have Nothing For Her
“Oh, I’ve got something for you, too!” Right back here where I keep the stuff I was planning on donating to Goodwill. Sound familiar? Throw some of these ready-made morsels in a tin or a plastic bag with a bow tied around it, and voilà, awkward moment redeemed.
- Salted Caramel Nuts
- Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits (recipient must own a dog)
Hanukkah Dinner
With eight crazy nights of meals to plan, it’d be nice if you could make at least one of them ahead of time. As long as you’re willing to think outside the box (beef filet instead of brisket, poppy seed cake instead of poppy seed rugelach), Ina has something for the Festival of Lights, too.
- Cauliflower & Celery Root Soup
- Warm Fig & Arugula Salad
- Filet of Beef with Béarnaise Mayonnaise
- Spinach & Ricotta Noodle Pudding
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
New Year’s Day Brunch
If you’re feeling good enough to whip up a five-course brunch the morning after New Year’s Eve, you’re doing it wrong. All of these recipes can be made the day before and simply reheated. Pairs well with mimosas and Tylenol.
- Mini Italian Frittatas
- Raspberry Baked French Toast
- Chocolate Banana Crumb Cake