The holiday season is fastly approaching, and as my to-do list grows, I begin planning for my favorite time of the year. Since my children and their family are visiting for Christmas and I host our annual lavish Christmas day dinner, make-ahead meals are a must.

Christmas has been special to me since I was a young girl helping my mother deck the halls, bake cookies, and help with Christmas dinner.

Every December, I start making and freezing soups, stews, and casseroles for easy heat-up meals that are flavorful and delicious. Then, I am not stressed or frazzled by ravenous family members descending on my kitchen while I am busy baking cookies and preparing for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner.

Years ago, I decided to change my middle name to easy! There are two ways to complete any task: the hard way or the easy way. I choose easy every time, and life fills with happiness and joy!

Especially during my favorite time of the year, I embrace joy!

Here are a few of my favorite make-ahead recipes. Remember easy!

White Bean Soup with Kale

https://gooddinnermrsmellen.com/2021/11/07/white-bean-soup-with-kale/

Vegan Split Pea Soup

https://gooddinnermrsmellen.com/2021/10/21/vegan-split-pea-soup/

Porcini Tomato Sauce

Make the sauce and freeze. Then reheat and use over polenta or pasta. If you don’t want to make your own polenta you can purchase a packaged variety in the refrigerated section of the market. I like San Gennaro polenta, readily available at your local market or on Amazon.

https://www.polenta.net/our-products

https://gooddinnermrsmellen.com/2021/11/06/porcini-tomato-sauce-over-polenta/

Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna

This lasagna can be frozen for up to a month. Then just thaw and slowly reheat at 300F for about 30 minutes or until warmed to the center.

https://gooddinnermrsmellen.com/2021/10/19/roasted-butternut-squash-lasagna/

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Spicy Pepitas

https://gooddinnermrsmellen.com/2020/11/30/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-with-spicy-pepitas/

Enjoy!