STOCKING UP TO SIMPLIFY HOLIDAY COOKING

Some of this material appeared in Christmas 2018

Have these in reserve for quick meals and satisfying snacks......

Vegan Egg-free Noodles

Chinese  noodles (eg. egg, rice vermicelli, sweet potato, dieters' delight green bean starch) are super-fast and make ever-so easy Almost Instant Stir-fries.  Soak in very hot or boiling water 5 mins; rinse in cold water, drain 

Available in Chinatowns but basic noodles in most supermarkets.

• Extra eggs make quick canapes (see Tuna Devilled Eggs), filled omelettes and quiches 
• Inexpensive bags of apples or pears turn into terrific crumbles with just flour, fat and sugar
• Pineapple, however ripe they are, make wonderful cakes, fruit sauces for ice cream, fruit salads or on their own; prices now are excellent 
• Ditto: Pomelo, now in many supermarkets but best out of Chinatowns
• Rice cooked according to packet instructions (or see Foolproof Brown Rice) can be made in advance.  Cool by spreading out on a large tray, leave an hour, refrigerate.  Use within 3 days OR freeze in family size portions; defrost overnight before needed
• Pasta, cooked, drained, cooled and sprinkled with olive oil to prevent clumping, will keep well, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days (incl cooking day)
• Small sachets of mixed spices reflecting exotic cuisines will instantly pep up cooked potatoes and veg plus stews and casseroles
• A big bowl of fresh fruit, permanently replaced, will reduce overindulgence in sugar 
• Plenty of flour, sugar & butter plus baking powder for when tweenagers and older get the hungries: hot breads like waffles, pancakes, instant bagels and fluffy breakfast buns are so easy, older kids can make them
• Baking potatoes, bacon, cheese, yoghurt & mayo for low-fat Double Baked (Loaded) Potatoes -- more than a snack not quite a meal
• Onions, carrots and celery: the foundation for any soup with raw or cooked veg (or both)

*Chinese Stir-Fries

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