Tips in minutes

Plan Ahead

Some forethought is needed to make your cooking experience as painless as possible. A well thought out plan will save you valuable time before and after your meals.

1. Make lists - This will save you time and limit trips to the grocery store.

2. Stock up on ingredients - Keep a running list of most-used ingredients.

3. Keep a regular dinnertime - Eating dinner at the same time every day helps you plan accordingly and avoid last-minute scrambling.

4. Clear a workspace and keep cooking tools nearby - Keep frequently used appliances, utensils and ingredients nearby and within easy reach. If you don’t use them every day, get them off the countertop to make room.

5. Chop extra - Chop extra onions, herbs or vegetables. Store the remaining in the refrigerator of freezer.

6. Double the recipe - Get two meals for the work of one by doubling the ingredients. Freeze the remaining for next week. Cook extra rice or pasta and freeze in individual or family-size portions. This is a great idea for taking a bag lunch to work – no more fast food.

7. Use the microwave - Thaw frozen foods, warm tortillas or cook quick-cook rice in the microwave.

8. Invest in a gas grill - It heats up fast and cleanup is simple.

9. Soak dirty dishes - Soak dirty dishes in hot, soapy water as you’re preparing a meal so you won’t have to scrub them later.

10. Use disposable foil pans - Use these for cooking eye of the round or other roasts to save time on cleanup.