The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and sometimes stress) of entertaining family and friends. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or a grand celebration, preparing in advance can make all the difference. This year, why not streamline your holiday meal prep with Eco Green Living’s Zip Lock Freezer Bags? These eco-friendly bags are perfect for storing canapés, party foods, and other delicious treats that can be easily thawed and served when guests arrive.

Why Meal Prep is Essential for the Festive Season

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with the sheer volume of cooking and entertaining. Meal prepping allows you to:

• Save Time: By preparing dishes ahead of time, you can focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
• Reduce Stress: Having your food prepped and ready to go can alleviate the last-minute rush and help you feel more relaxed as your guests arrive.
• Maintain Freshness: Properly stored meals retain their taste and quality, ensuring your dishes are as delicious as possible.

Entertaining Made Easy with Zip Lock Freezer Bags

Eco Green Living’s Zip Lock Freezer Bags are an essential tool for your holiday meal prep. They are designed to keep your food fresh and are perfect for portioning out individual servings. Here’s how to use them to simplify your Christmas entertaining:

1. Preparing Canapés Ahead of Time

Canapés are a festive favourite, and preparing them in advance can save you a lot of time on the big day.

2. Make-Ahead Party Food

Having a variety of party food ready to go will impress your guests and keep them satisfied. Here are some ideas for tasty dishes you can prep in advance.

3. Delicious Desserts

Don’t forget about sweets! Preparing desserts in advance can make your holiday gatherings even sweeter.

The Vegetarian Society:

To add a special touch to your festive preparations, we’ve teamed up with The Vegetarian Society to share one of our favourite festive recipes.

 

Black Treacle and Pepper Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Preparation 15 mins, Cooking 20 mins

Serves 8 as canapés, 4 as a side dish

Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Vegan

 

Ingredients:

For the black pepper sprinkle

• 3 tsp black peppercorns coarsely ground
• 1 ½ tsp sea salt flakes
• 1 ¼ tsp sumac

For the glaze

• 4 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice plus extra to serve
• 40g black treacle
• 40g caster sugar

For the crème fraîche side dip

• ½ clove garlic crushed
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 300g Oatly crème fraîche

For the sprouts

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 900g Brussels sprouts trimmed and any tough stalks removed
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 green chilli halved and finely sliced

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas mark 7.
2. To make the black pepper sprinkle: Combine the ground black peppercorns, salt and sumac. Set aside.
3. To make the glaze: In a small pan, add the glaze ingredients and simmer gently over a medium heat. Stir for a few minutes, to form a smooth paste. Set aside.
4. To make the side dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and Oatley crème fraîche, until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
5. To cook the sprouts: In a large, deep roasting tin, add the oil and place it in the oven for 5 minutes or until very hot. Add the sprouts and roast for 5 minutes. Add the glaze and most of the black pepper sprinkle. Mix well with a spoon and roast for a further 5-10 minutes. Leave to stand for 2-3 minutes.
6. In the roasting tray, mix the Brussels sprouts with the lemon juice and chilli slices, then carefully spoon onto a serving plate.
7. Skewer each Brussels sprout with a cocktail stick or put the sticks in a small ramekin to let the guests help themselves. Garnish the Brussels sprouts with the rest of the black pepper sprinkle and serve with the crème fraîche side dip.

For more information on the Black Treacle and Pepper Glazed Brussels Sprouts click here or for even more beautiful Christmas recipes, visit The Vegetarian Society.

 

This Christmas, make entertaining easier and more enjoyable with meal prep using Eco Green Living’s Zip Lock Freezer Bags. With a little planning and creativity, you can prepare delicious canapés, party foods, and sweets that will impress your guests without the stress. So grab your bags, start prepping, and enjoy a festive season filled with delightful food and cherished memories!

About Eco Green Living:
Eco Green Living is passionate about providing innovative, eco-friendly cooking solutions that enhance your culinary experience while promoting sustainability. With a focus on high-quality products, Eco Green Living empowers consumers to make environmentally conscious choices in the kitchen without compromising on performance or convenience. By integrating sustainable practices into everyday cooking, Eco Green Living aims to inspire a healthier lifestyle for both individuals and the planet.