closer, it can be easy to feel like there is too muchto do andtoolittle time. Fortunately, there is no need to panic. The good newsis that there are plenty of ways to make the holidays simple and stress free, cutting down on chaos and making more time for what matters most: family and friends. Now is the best time to utilize your Amana brand appliances to make the mixing, cooking, prepping and baking easy. Here are sometips: Start with smart planning. Two weeks before guests arrive, look over your recipes and write out your menu to make shopping quick, organized and easy. Stock up the week prior to the main event and store produce in your refrigerator crisper to keep it fresh. Make as much as you can ahead of time. A week before the main event, take a closer look at the menu. What can you make ahead of time? Prep deli meats and cheeses and make what you can of your appetizers and even side dishes. Set them on a serving platter and store in the refrigerator. All you have to do is unwrap and serve when your guestsarrive. Make good use of your microwave. With your side dishes already prepped, pop them in the microwave so they're ready to serve in seconds. Reheat as needed during your dinner and— of course—use your microwave whenfeasting on leftovers. ~ Prep the side dishes in advance so you can just pop them in the microwave and have them ready to serve in minutes. Let the freezer be your friend. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or bringing a dish to pass, if your schedule is hectic—fear not. Freeze cookies, dessert bars and breads. Thaw them out and you’re good to go. Keep a few extra batches on hand in the freezer during the busyholiday season and never be left empty handed. Clean as you go. Just like whistling, try cleaning up while you work. Keep dishes moving from the counter to the dishwasherso they’re ready when you need them. It'll keep you from facing a mountain of cleanup at the end of the night. With a head start on holiday planning, entertaining friends and family couldn’t be any easier or more enjoyable. And that’s really the whole pointof the holidays. For more useful tips, visit www.amana.com.
