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Doing things ahead.
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Doing things ahead.
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When ever I have a lot of baking to do I become my own Sous chef:This saves on clean up and time:I measure all dry ingredients out and put in zip lock bags and label,most of it can then be put away an
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Forums » Baking Forums » Beginners and Advice » Doing things ahead.

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Forums  »  Baking Forums  »  Beginners and Advice  »  Doing things ahead.

Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 10/1/2011 9:07 AM EDT
Posts: 6
First: 9/12/2011
Last: 10/1/2011
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead.:
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead. : Good suggestions!  I haven't been quite as efficient as you.  I'd best get started.
Posted by Frances M


Hello,

I have to say it took me a long time (years) to get somewhat organize in my kitchen. I started out slow and worked on one item at a time. I started with items like hot coco mix, cornbread, stuffing…the things I knew my family liked. I’m working on a spice box gift for my daughter . She loves to go through my spice draw and cabinet when she comes to visit. I’ve been picking up jars this past summer to make her a gift of spices. I’ve made labels, and I’m making a small book of recipes to go with the spices so she can replenish her jars when she’s used up what I’ve given her. Hope you have a good day!
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 10/1/2011 11:35 AM EDT
Posts: 1639
First: 8/8/2008
Last: 5/23/2013
Don't for get to clean up as you go also
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 10/1/2011 2:45 PM EDT
Posts: 2610
First: 10/6/2010
Last: 5/21/2013
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead.:
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead. : Hello, I have to say it took me a long time (years) to get somewhat organize in my kitchen. I started out slow and worked on one item at a time. I started with items like hot coco mix, cornbread, stuffing…the things I knew my family liked. I’m working on a spice box gift for my daughter . She loves to go through my spice draw and cabinet when she comes to visit. I’ve been picking up jars this past summer to make her a gift of spices. I’ve made labels, and I’m making a small book of recipes to go with the spices so she can replenish her jars when she’s used up what I’ve given her. Hope you have a good day!
Posted by Lorie T


Lori what an awesome gift.  I wish someone would have given me a gift like that.  Spices can be so expensive.  And to have fresh spices can make a difference in a recipe.
Even the little jars of spices can be a lot to have on hand, it would be nice to be able to share spices and not feel bad about tossing out a jar that is almost full because it has not been used but a few times over the course of a year.

What is your recipe for your hot cocoa mix?  Been trying to come up with one that my grandson likes and it is difficult.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 10/1/2011 9:48 PM EDT
Posts: 6
First: 9/12/2011
Last: 10/1/2011
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead.:
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead. : Lori what an awesome gift.  I wish someone would have given me a gift like that.  Spices can be so expensive.  And to have fresh spices can make a difference in a recipe. Even the little jars of spices can be a lot to have on hand, it would be nice to be able to share spices and not feel bad about tossing out a jar that is almost full because it has not been used but a few times over the course of a year. What is your recipe for your hot cocoa mix?  Been trying to come up with one that my grandson likes and it is difficult.
Posted by nikki p


Hello!

My daughter had made the same comment about how expensive spices are and I thought I could easily put together a good collection for her. Add some specially made ones like a Greek mix, Hungarian, Poultry…so on. I buy the large restaurant sizes containers and bulk bags from a farm market in my area  for some of my spices so it’s easy to create some of those specialty spices like apple or pumpkin pie spice. I have a nice herb garden too, I like to use fresh sage and parsley, I freeze them in a bag for winter. Fresh parsley is so great, dried makes a dish look good but really you can’t compare the flavor to fresh. Spices are expensive and for spices like cardamom, it takes for ever to use it all. I just bought an attachment to my FoodSaver…I hope I will be able to seal my canning jars and keep some of my spices/mixes fresher longer.


The cocoa recipe is as follows:

1 ½ Cups Cocoa

2 Cups Granulated Sugar

4 ½ Cups Instant Nonfat Dry Milk

I mix this in my processor just until mixed. The recipe calls to pace it in a Ziploc type bag and mix. I keep mine in jars, the recipe calls to keep it in the bag.

To make:

½ Cup Mix

1 Cup boiling Water - divided

¼ Cup hot Milk (optional)

Recipe reads:

Shake the bag of mix to incorporate the ingredients. Measure out ½ cup mix into pot, add ½ cup boiled water, stir until smooth. Stir in remaining water and add ¼ cup hot milk if desired.

I also make homemade marshmallows to go with the hot cocoa. They are easy to make and can be made in many flavors. I have a recipe if you want it.


Hope your grandson likes it!

Enjoy!
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 10/13/2011 9:43 PM EDT
Posts: 2906
First: 9/13/2011
Last: 5/21/2013
GRANA here; I do asmuchaspossibleaheadof  iime.I use wholewhet flour& any dry mixes I pkg( beer bread, muufin & & pancake mixes have  to be kept  in he ridge or he flour will  turn rancid, sure saves time on baking days.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 6:19 AM EST
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead.:
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead. : Hello! My daughter had made the same comment about how expensive spices are and I thought I could easily put together a good collection for her. Add some specially made ones like a Greek mix, Hungarian, Poultry…so on. I buy the large restaurant sizes containers and bulk bags from a farm market in my area  for some of my spices so it’s easy to create some of those specialty spices like apple or pumpkin pie spice. I have a nice herb garden too, I like to use fresh sage and parsley, I freeze them in a bag for winter. Fresh parsley is so great, dried makes a dish look good but really you can’t compare the flavor to fresh. Spices are expensive and for spices like cardamom, it takes for ever to use it all. I just bought an attachment to my FoodSaver…I hope I will be able to seal my canning jars and keep some of my spices/mixes fresher longer. The cocoa recipe is as follows: 1 ½ Cups Cocoa 2 Cups Granulated Sugar 4 ½ Cups Instant Nonfat Dry Milk I mix this in my processor just until mixed. The recipe calls to pace it in a Ziploc type bag and mix. I keep mine in jars, the recipe calls to keep it in the bag. To make: ½ Cup Mix 1 Cup boiling Water - divided ¼ Cup hot Milk (optional) Recipe reads: Shake the bag of mix to incorporate the ingredients. Measure out ½ cup mix into pot, add ½ cup boiled water, stir until smooth. Stir in remaining water and add ¼ cup hot milk if desired. I also make homemade marshmallows to go with the hot cocoa. They are easy to make and can be made in many flavors. I have a recipe if you want it. Hope your grandson likes it! Enjoy!
Posted by Lorie T




Hi Lorie,I would love to have your homemade marshmallow recipe.I also make up gifts of spices.I'm very fortunate in that my discount store sells spices 3/$2 .Depending on what I give in the gift baskets I include measuring cups,spoons,spatulas or coffee mugs.
Adding a special recipe is also nice.Dollar stores are a great place to find different utensils without breaking the bank.I make gift baskets for bridal shower gifts also.The one one I made for our nephew and his wife and my son and DIL were  the hit of the shower.I made a honeymoon survival kit.Included were things like a bottle of wine, wine glasses,chocolates,bubble bath his and her back scrubbers one pink one blue and other toiletries and a cute little nighties for her.Just use your imagination.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 7:14 AM EST
Posts: 2729
First: 1/16/2009
Last: 5/23/2013
Doing things ahead can help save. time.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 8:06 AM EST
Posts: 6431
First: 6/23/2010
Last: 5/23/2013
My way of doing cooking things ahead is to make lots and lots of various kinds of cookie dough.  Each variety is spooned into a line on plastic wrap.  The wrap is pulled tightly around the dough, rolled up and both ends are twisted shut.  All dough goes into the 'fridge.   The kitchen is cleaned, all dishes and tools go into the dishwasher.  The next morning (or several hours later) I start baking all those cookies in a clean kitchen.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 8:24 AM EST
Posts: 872
First: 11/14/2008
Last: 5/22/2013
Great idea! Smile
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 4:08 PM EST
Posts: 1089
First: 8/8/2008
Last: 4/18/2013
In Response to Re: Doing things ahead.:
I wish I could do that     I get into a store, realize I've forgotten my shopping list,  get to the far, far end of the giant place for bird food, stopping off in candy which leads me to office supplies - did I need some poster board? - finally find some bird seed and head for groceries - but while I'm passing I should look at the new T-shirts. Finally I'm in groceries -- I need milk but as long as I'm here I might as well get some butter.  Ahhhh, now I can get those potato chips. Oh, wait - I got bird seed but I was supposed to look for a new thistle feeder.  I'll just get back there by cutting through the plastic container aisles.  ooops - I really need one of those.  As long as I'm back in bird food I'll get some suet. Back to groceries ...........................................
Posted by Nancy G


Nancy,
You are my kind of shopper. I do the same thing now. Make a list and forget it on the kitchen table along with my coupons!!!
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/22/2011 5:40 PM EST
Posts: 6431
First: 6/23/2010
Last: 5/23/2013
lol lol Angela ---- I was stumbling around Walmart this morning.  The place was packed.  I bought $89 worth of stuff and stumbled out.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 11/23/2011 9:01 PM EST
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
The Thanksgiving feast is all about doing as much in advance is possible.Once the turkey goes in the oven.I will assemble all the casseroles,veggies and potatoes and get as much trash and throw aways out of the kitchen so there is space to work.once the turkey comes out the casseroles go in the oven,I tent the turkey and let it sit so all the juices redistribute though out  the turkey.This year I'm roasting the turkey breast side down something new to try,it's suppose to keep the breast meat jucier.My pies are baked,my cranberry salad is done,my cheesecake is done.I have cool rise rolls in the frige ready to be put in the oven last so we have nice fresh hot  rolls to go with dinner.It's all about timing and cleaning as you go.I love making a big meal like this.
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Re: Doing things ahead.

posted at 1/19/2012 2:25 PM EST
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
This is something that I do to prevent getting cut.I save a few small boxes in the kitchen (empty popcorn,cereal,hot cocoa boxes) In the event I break a glass or dish I pack the broken pieces in an empty box and tape it shut that way there are no broken pieces sticking out in the trash.I also keep a box under the sink for can lids same reason.
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Forums » Baking Forums » Beginners and Advice » Doing things ahead.