Top tips for cutting down on your grocery shop over the Christmas period 

<p>We all know that Christmas can be an expensive time of year, and this year is no different! With these clever tips you can save money in the lead up to Christmas and spread the cost of the big day. The queen of budget-friendly food shopping is Mimi from Beat the Budget! Mimi is here to share her top tips, so you sit back and relax this festive season, knowing that your Christmas spread won't break the bank.</p><p>Mimi aka <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beatthebudget/?hl=en" target="_blank">@beaththebudget</a> talks saving money before Christmas, roast meal prep and getting the most out of what you buy...</p><h2>Mimi's top tips </h2><h2>Embrace roasting season</h2><p>'Roasting is the best way to champion the humble veg. Double the quantity of vegetables when making a roast to meal prep for the week &ndash; it's cheap, easy, tasty, and plus it saves money!'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="extra-quick-one-pan-chicken-roast__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/extra-quick-one-pan-chicken-roast__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><p> </p><h2>Mix up the flavours</h2><p>'Each tray you prep for the oven can be flavoured differently to keep it interesting. I LOVE honey and mustard for parsnips and carrots or fresh rosemary and thyme for a yummy chicken traybake.'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="square_27__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/square_27__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><h2>Eat, store & freeze</h2><p>'This is one of the best ways to save money and cut down on food waste. Win-win! Choose your dish for the week and get meal prepping. Cook in batches to maximise your quantity and either keep in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze straight away &ndash; fresh food on demand. Yes please!'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="freezer2__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/freezer2__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><h2>Mess is flavour</h2><p>Funky looking caramelised bits, pan juices = ALL THE FLAVOUR. Pop some gravy granules, water, fresh rosemary and thyme into your baking tray whilst the chicken is resting to get the most delicious gravy. The <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/gravy/asda-chicken-gravy-granules/1000208466124" target="_blank">Asda chicken gravy granules</a> are perfect for the yummiest gravy!</p><p>Utilise the bones after the roast to make some delicious stock. Throw some onion, celery, carrots & garlic into some water with the bones. Simmer on low for as long as you can, sieve and store. Simple.</p><p>Want to save time with your stuffing? Try the <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/stuffing-breadcrumbs/asda-sage-onion-stuffing-mix/19268" target="_blank">Asda onion and sage stuffing mix</a>, it's so perfect for making stuffing balls or stuffing your chicken or turkey.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="gravy5__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/gravy5__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Spread the cost of Christmas </h2><p>'Start purchasing some store-cupboard Christmas items to spread out the costs AND opt for own-brand items for maximum saving.</p><p>How about adorning your Christmas table with Asda's condiments this year? <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cranberry-redcurrant/asda-cranberry-sauce/1000118273105" target="_blank">Asda cranberry sauce</a> is super tangy with a hint of sweetness, ideal for the turkey! Why not also try the <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/mint-apple-horseradish/asda-bramley-apple-sauce/1000133331310" target="_blank">Asda Bramley apple sauce</a>?</p><p>Each week I&rsquo;m thinking of a few items that I&rsquo;ll need for Christmas that can be bought ahead of time, which usually comes to around £10. This ensures that a lot of the expenses can be spread throughout November instead of having a nasty surprise when December arrives. This relieves a lot of stress and also helps with the planning of Christmas (savings aside).'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="gettyimages-1226027390__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/gettyimages-1226027390__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><h2>write a list and stick to it </h2><p>'Always make a shopping list, whether you're shopping online or going in store, and stick to it. That way hopefully you won't be tempted to buy impulse purchases. Not only will this save you time, but it will also help you reduce your food waste in the long term.'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="dinner1__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/dinner1__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Why not start your Christmas shopping now and spread the cost? You will thank yourself when the big day comes around! Stock up on all you need at <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/cat/christmas/3622817917?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-banner-_-christmas" target="_blank">asda.com</a>.</p>

How to prep for Christmas on a budget

By Asda Good Living,5th November 2020

TAGS

RELATED ARTICLES