With the holidays around the corner, there is a lot of prep that needs to happen in the kitchen, and all around the house! This can be time-consuming and stressful, so we partnered with The Produce Moms to put together some meal prep tips to make your holiday cooking as seamless as possible. 

Onions: You can slice, dice, or mince this delicious veggie but the trick is how to do it without crying. 

*Pro Tip* Freeze the onion for 20 minutes prior to using, chop off the top, and peel off the layers. This helps prevent tears by neutralizing sulphuric compounds.

Sliced Onions:

1. Peel the onion
   
2. Cut in half
   
3. Place the onion cut side down
   
4. Curl your fingers inward to protect them
   
5. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices

Diced Onions: 

1. Peel the onion 
   
2. Cut in half 
   
3. Place the halves flat-side down 
   
4. Use a sharp knife and cut across the onion in 1/2 slices
   
5. In the opposite direction, cut across again in 1/2 slices

Minced Onions:

1. Peel the onion 
   
2. Cut in half
   
3. Cut across the onion making 1/4 inch cuts 
   
4. Moving in the other direction, cut again making equally thin slices

Garlic: It's the perfect addition to many dishes but isn't always the easiest to peel. Here's a quick four-step process for peeling your farm-fresh garlic.

1. Separate the cloves from the root of the garlic bulb
   
2. Place the unpeeled cloves in a large jar with a lid
   
3. Place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds
   
4. Pull off any remaining hanging garlic skins

Sweet Potatoes: One of the most popular vegetables for the holiday season, sweet potatoes are delicious for a variety of recipes and packed with nutrients.

How to cut a sweet potato into wedges (like all fruits and veggies, make sure to wash and remove dirt before peeling):

1. Wash & peel
   
2. Slice a small piece of the rounded edge so the potato can sit stable on your cutting board
   
3. Place the potato cut side down and use your knife to create rounds
   
4. Take each round and cut twice lengthwise for wedges

*Note: when you have finished chopping, rinse the potato in water to help prevent it from browning. 

How to dice a sweet potato: 

1. Wash & peel
   
2. Slice a small piece of the rounded edge so the potato can sit stable on your cutting board
   
3. Cut lengthwise through the potato to create rounds
   
4. Cut each round twice lengthwise, turn it 90 degrees, and cut several times to create cubes. 

Parsnips: Not your average vegetable or go-to for many, but now is a great time to try something new that pairs with many holiday roasted veggie dishes. 

How to pick the perfect parsnip: 

1. Pick parsnips that are firm and don't have soft spots 
   
2. Choose a smaller to medium size because larger parsnips can have a bitter core
   
3. Try to find even coloring 
   
4. The tops should be fresh and vibrant green