Stress-free shortcuts are the absolute best.
The holidays are so busy that we're always looking for ways to make cooking and decorating just a little easier.
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So we decided to test out a bunch of popular holiday hacks! Below, you'll find nine of our favorites that worked and that we think are definitely worth your time.
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HACK #2: Slide a sock onto your cup for a reusable coffee cozy.
THE IDEA: Cut the foot off from a lone sock and slide it onto your cup to keep your hot drink insulated. From Diana Rambles.
THE RESULTS: This is super straightforward and was an awesome way to repurpose a lone sock (this one was from my favorite pair😪). Though it was a little awkward to try to stretch a sock around a hot cup of coffee, I surprisingly loved this. The sock also works so much better than that flimsy piece of cardboard from the café because it actually insulates the cup. Plus, it covers the entire thing rather than just a small sliver, so you won't burn your hands. —Emily Shwake
Emily Shwake / BuzzFeed
THE RESULTS: These are great if you're looking to save time. I used frozen hash browns from Trader Joe’s, and about five frozen patties made a big plate of latkes. The Tater Tot version didn’t taste exactly like traditional potato pancakes with their wispy, crisp edges and tender center. (They were much thicker and chewy all around.) But with a dollop of sour cream and chives on top, they were really tasty. After making regular latkes, I can definitely see the appeal in skipping the potato grating and taking the easy way out. —Hannah Loewentheil
Hannah Loewentheil / BuzzFeed
Emily Shwake / BuzzFeed
THE RESULTS: I’d never made challah in my life, so I seriously couldn’t believe how well this bread turned out. First, I made the dough. Then every 30 minutes for the next two hours, I would grab the edges of the dough, fold it into the center, flip it over, let it rest for 30 minutes, and repeat. (If that sounds confusing, the Food52 recipe does a great job of explaining the process.) Once I finished the folding process, I braided the dough into two loaves and baked them in the oven for 20 minutes. To my surprise, the challah came out perfectly. It was yellow and moist on the inside, with a tougher, glossy crust. Not to mention, my apartment smelled like amazing, freshly baked bread all day. If you’re committed to following the directions and taking this methodic approach to baking, anyone can make this recipe. —HL
Hannah Loewentheil / BuzzFeed
HACK #9: Simmer fruits and spices in water to make your home smell like the holidays.
THE IDEA: Boil apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla in a large pot of water, then reduce to a simmer and leave the pot on the stove all day so that the steam can fill your house with lovely holiday smells.
RESULTS: So, I was really anticipating that the house would smell like Christmas on crack. It smelled wonderful around the pot and the steam really warmed up the kitchen, but the smell wasn't as strong as I wanted it to be. That being said, I might've just acclimated to the smell, because when my roommates came home they looked at me and asked, "OMG, what are you making?!" My guess is that the second your guests walk in the door, they'll feel like they just crossed the threshold into heaven. —ES
Emily Shwake / BuzzFeed
via BuzzFeed/Food