The world is a busy place and if you are like most you are always seeking out ways to create meals for your family that are quick, easy and not too expensive. The following cooking tips can help.
1. Cooking several meals for the week at one time. It may take a few hours of your time up front but will pay off in the long run when you come home each evening and have a meal ready to eat in a short amount of time. Try cooking a roast and using part of it as a main meal and then using some for sandwiches, beef stroganoff or as part of a stir-fry. Fry several pounds of hamburger and make a casserole, taco meat and chili to freeze for use later in the week.
2. A trip to the grocery store probably means you have a few fruits and vegetables for the week, instead of putting them straight away take a moment to rinse them before storing them in the refrigerator. You will be glad you did when you are craving a salad or soup for dinner.
3. Get ideas from the cooking shows on T.V. There are great shows that show you how to make a healthy meal in a short time.
4. If you do not have a recipe file, purchase one and make it a revolving file. Planning a month’s worth of meals can be overwhelming and a recipe file will ease the burden. Make this a family event with each member adding a favorite recipe or two to the file. Once your file is, ready all you have to do is flip to the appropriate day for a great recipe.
5. One of the best cooking tips is enlisting the help of your family. As the kids get older, they can begin to share in the responsibilities. Depending on age and capability, they can do a few small tasks or the whole meal. With the fruits and vegetables you have already pre-washed dinner can be ready in minutes.
6. Share the cooking with friends or neighbors. I’ve known people who cook four or five of the same meal and then trade with four or five other people. This works best when people share the same basic ideas on what they like and don’t like. It’s a great idea though for a very easy week of evening meals.
7. Save coupons for those convenience things at the grocery store. They have entire entrees and dinners either fresh or frozen. Sometimes they are rather pricy but with the coupons they are good to have on hand for an evening when everyone is running in different directions and time is of the essence.
8. Eating out is very helpful to a busy schedule from time to time. These are occasions where coupons can help as well. When you have children, you can save money by choosing places that offer specials for kids. Fast food joints are even beginning to offer items that are a bit healthier.
9. If you live in an urban area you may have access to businesses that will prepare food for you. Though these can seem expensive, they are very convenient and offer options for one person or many. The menus are varied and if you have special dietary needs they can provide. Carefully consider how much you spend on groceries and eating out and compare that to the prepared costs.
10. Combine several or all of the above cooking tips and eventually you will find a plan that will make your life easier.
You can have wonderful hot meals every evening without spending all your time in the kitchen all you need are a few cooking tips and a little planning.
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