Make a plan and shopping list ‍

Jot down your menus for what you’re planning to cook and at the same time start your shopping list. It’s always great to have this to hand so if you spot a promotional offer you can take full advantage of it. It will also help you avoid impulse buying and over spending if you stick to the list, as much as possible. Remember you can use Plate Up to help you plan your meals and quickly turn recipes into shopping lists delivered by your chosen supermarket including, Amazon Fresh, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Ocado. It’s also a good time to check in with who you are cooking for, family and/or friends and see what dietaries or even preferences people have. Consider ordering specialty items, like a free-range turkey, well in advance.

‍Prep Ahead Roast Potatoes‍

Get ahead on one of everybody’s favourite sides - roast potatoes. Simply peel and chop your potatoes, then boil in salted water for around 5 - 7 minutes. Drain in a colander and shake them to rough up the edges - this gives you super crunchy roasties. Leave to cool on a tray then pop the tray straight into the freezer. Once they are fully frozen transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen until needed. When you’re ready to cook them you can even cook them straight from frozen. Simply heat oil in a roasting tray, then add the potatoes and roast in a pre-heated oven at 200C until golden and crispy (for around 1 hour) - delicious!