Make the Most of Your Cooking

Meal Planning

People say that one of the biggest reasons they do not cook, is that they do not have the time. I have decided to devote this article to getting organized in the kitchen. Hopefully this will alleviate that late afternoon stress.

Cook Once Eat Twice: This means more than cooking an extra large stew ( although that may serve to be a great time saver for you). What it means, is making your main dish in large quantity and mixing and matching that with different sides. For example, cooking two servings of salmon, combining one with spinach and white wine sauce, and the other to be used in a smoked salmon dip with crackers.

Another time saving tip is called an Investment Cooking. What you invest is time- perhaps four hours- and the dividend is what you end up with: four, five, or even six different meals based on the same or related ingredients. Along the way you save time (you’ll have several meals in the refrigerator or freezer); cleanup (you wash the chopping board once, not five times); and money (investment cooking makes it possible to take advantage of food on sale and sold in bulk). This feature is even more valuable because each collection of recipes comes with its own shopping and equipment lists and each is clearly written in an easy, step by step sequence.

Before you try a new recipe

Read the recipe all the way through to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment. Make sure you understand the instructions and are comfortable with any special techniques or skills. As you read, make note of any ingredients you’ll need to get. Double check pantry staples, in case your supplies are low.

Anticipate the time. Although preparation and cooking times are included with each recipe, not everyone slices, chops, measures, or stirs at the same pace. It always takes longer to make a recipe the first time.

Organize the ingredients before you begin to cook, peel, and chop. Line up the ingredients in the order that you will use them. Place pieces of waxed paper, small bowls, or measuring cups on a tray or counter top. Experienced cooks know that organizing in advance is the best way to avoid making mistakes.

Clean up as you go. Before you begin, clear the counter space. Soak used utensils in a sink of soapy water as you proceed, and use odd moments to wash them or put clean things away. This is the most efficient way to work, and it’s nice to have the kitchen in relatively good shape when you finish cooking.

I hope that these pointers help you, I know that once I began to apply these simple techniques, I could not wait to get cooking!!

Keywords: preparing meals | make the most of your cooking