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Saving Time with Double Batches

By , About.com Guide

It always seems that parties come in bunches. There will be periods when I have nothing social scheduled and then suddenly there will be a series of weekends with multiple events. In those cases it's easy to entertain because you can save time by cooking double batches.

For example, if you are going to a party on a Friday where you will be bringing a dish, and entertaining on Sunday, bake cookies or cook appetizers that you can use at both events. Make sure, of course, that they are recipes that can be made ahead of time. That will save you the trouble of planning, shopping for, and pulling out the ingredients for two different recipes. And as long as you don't see the exact same group of friends, no one will know you took a shortcut.

Do you have a favorite entertaining tip? Share it with other readers in our Tips for Making Entertaining Easier and More Successful. If selected, you will see it on this site with your name in future weeks.

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