Food expert says planning the secret ingredient to getting that perfect Christmas lunch

JOHANNESBURG - The festive season is upon us and planning the perfect Christmas lunch for the family may be difficult for some.

This as many households struggle to balance the high cost of living with salaries which barely make it to the end of the month.

As a result, food experts are urging South Africans to look into budget-friendly ways to create the perfect Christmas spread.  

From spit braais to pot roasts and even the local flare of a traditional braai, households across the country serve a variety of dishes to celebrate Christmas.

With the economy making it difficult for some families to indulge, food enthusiasts and chefs are urging people to rethink how they plan to cater for this year get get-together lunch.

READ: Festive season spending: How to plan so you can avoid the Janu-worry blues

Owner of See She Cooks, Nompumelelo Sishi said planning your meal will go a long way in saving time and money.

"A budget is very important so you know how much you are spending. Now that you have a budget in mind, you can start planning your menu according to your budget and the preferences of those you are inviting. Now is not the time to try new things in the kitchen."

Sishi also adds that last-minute shopping will not do you any good.

"Do not leave your shopping to the last minute. If you can start shopping for your protein and store it in the freezer and shop for the fresh produce for the day before," she said.

Christmas is a time for families and friends to get together and celebrate, so the less time spent slaving over a hot stove, the better.