Fantastic food shortcuts
If you’re looking to reduce the time you’re in the kitchen, or cut down on the time you spend there, why not take advantage of the following:
Pre- or partially processed food
That can’t be the proper term for it but this refers to food where somebody has done the part that you hate doing for you. This includes frozen vegetables that are already washed and cut, cheese that has been grated (this is a definite time saver if you like a blend of various cheeses), already breaded chicken. Many of these convenience foods are frozen and may require thawing but the microwave makes short work of that.
The crock pot
Chances are if you look carefully, you’ll find one of these gadgets in your basement. Crock pot cooking is ideal for large cuts of meat that can be cooked slowly, soups and many other things. If you would like to explore what your crock pot can do, some sites for recipes are:
A Crock Cook
About.com’s Busy Cooks Section
Yummy Crock Pot Recipes
Cook once, eat twice
If you are used to cooking for many people, this tip may be as natural to you as breathing. Simply put, you cook up enough of an item such as meat for two meals: use half of the meat one day, and refrigerate or freeze the rest. The next time you use the meat, you’ll be further along with the cooking than if you had to start from scratch. And if you’re really lucky, you have leftoevers from the first meal that you can use for lunch, thus taking care of three meals.
Recruit your team mates at home
Sure, you don’t want your clueless child putting a pot of water on the stove to boil but if there are potatoes to be peeled, or vegetables to be washed, these are tasks that can be given to a responsible child even before you leave work. When you finally arrive at home, you’ll be further ahead than usual. Also, during your conversation you may find out that an item you thought you had is actually not at home. This way you can pick it (them) up before you arrive at home.
What food shortcuts make your life easier?
food, food shortcuts, save time cooking, cooking, crock pot
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