The time for feasting has arrived and we are going to have a great time! From aperitifs to desserts, the tables will be overflowing... What if this year, to avoid indigestion, we made festivities rhyme with eco-responsibility? No drastic changes on the horizon, but rather a few simple actions and easy alternatives to lighten this period of abundance.
Giving prominence to vegetables
There is no question of getting rid of capon and foie gras at all costs. The idea is simply to make more room for plant-based products. For example, why not swap shrimp skewers and salmon canapés for seaweed tartare or homemade hummus? The more adventurous will try Faux Gras, a plant-based version of foie gras. It's also an opportunity to surprise your guests and make culinary discoveries!
Let's get our hands dirty by favouring homemade...
What makes the holidays so magical? The anticipation and preparation! So, forget ready-made meals and opt for homemade cooking. Buy exclusively raw products and keep it simple but delicious. You'll see, there are many advantages: reducing your carbon footprint, improving the quality of the products, reducing packaging and, of course, saving money! Frankly, why buy prepared mashed potatoes when it's so simple to make? Why spend tens of euros for a surprise bread or canapés when all you need is a good sliced bread and get the kids involved to spread it?
Let's prepare a comforting and easy-to-make dessert: an apple and cinnamon crumble, yum!
...And we buy quality, seasonal and, if possible, local products!
To be sure to get quality products, turn to short circuits: AMAP, hives, direct sales from producers... Also favour the market rather than supermarkets. For the essential festive products, if you decide not to give them up, choose ethical products, from farms that respect animal welfare and the environment.
Also adapt your meal. Do you live by the sea and have fresh, locally caught fish? Are poultry raised in the open air a few kilometres from your home? Take advantage of it! Parisians, don't be outdone, on your cheese platter, don't forget the Brie from Meaux or Melun! And of course, we respect the seasonality of the products!
Fruits, vegetables, fish and even cheese: discover the list of winter products!
Adjust the quantities to avoid waste
Festive meals mean leftovers. So, before grabbing your basket to go to the market, anticipate buying in reasonable quantities. Think back to previous years: for how many days did you have to stuff yourself with turkey, foie gras, salmon, or worse, did you even throw some away? Limiting excesses is not only good for the planet, health but also for the budget! Spoil your guests and prepare them doggy bags so they don't leave empty-handed!
In addition to the meal, play the game to the fullest with a home-made decoration. Forget disposable dishes, take out your porcelain and a tablecloth and fabric napkins. Create a natural decoration with salt dough, wood, pine cones gathered in the forest, nuts, cinnamon sticks, homemade shortbreads, glass jars as candle holders... From the meal to the decoration, make your holidays more sustainable than ever!
