‘Christmas is all in the preparation!’ Chefs on eight easy things to do now – so you can relax on the big day

No one wants to slog away in the kitchen while everyone else gets festive. Thanks to these hacks and recipes from professionals, you won’t have toWhen it comes to cooking during the festive season, time is tight, fridge space is at a premium and the last thing you want is to be trapped in the kitchen while your family and friends enjoy the fruits of your labour. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get ahead. “It’s all in the preparation,” says Tom Childs, the head chef at Kerridge’s in London. “Get organised like a commercial kitchen and you’ll be relaxed by the time the big day arrives.”From freezable, deeply delicious gravy to flavoured butters guaranteed to give the driest of meats a juicy kick, from preserves to liven up leftovers to lightweight puddings the whole family can enjoy, I tested the recipes chefs recommend making now to guarantee your Christmas larder is well stocked, no matter who ends up at your dining table. Continue reading...