Time-Saving Cooking Tips

It just takes a little planning to be able to turn out delicious, nutritious meals in very little time. Check out the following strategies to see which ones work for you. You’ll be able to save time and energy!

Cook when you can

• When are you the busiest? Plan ahead so you don’t end up cooking at those times. Let advanced preparation lower your stress level!

• Make use of your freezer. When you have the time to cook, prepare double batches of foods that freeze well and freeze the extra for later. Be sure to label and date the food.

• If late afternoons are busy for you, use your crockpot once or twice a week.

Cut your prep time

• Chopping onions, carrots, celery or pepper? Chop more than you need (really fast if you have a food processor or chopper) and freeze the rest in half-cup portions for later use.

• Purchase ready-to-eat produce, such as baby carrots or pre-washed spinach in bags.

• Canned beans, fish and chicken can be real time savers. Be sure to rinse them well to get rid of excess sodium. Plan on leftovers.

• Cooking rice or pasta? Make extra to use later in the week. Add a few drops of water to rice and reheat in the microwave; plunge leftover pasta into boiling water. They can also be mixed into soups or casseroles, or teamed with fresh vegetables for a salad.

• Get creative! Last night’s chili will be a different meal if you mix it with pasta, use it to top a baked potato or to fill a burrito.

• Tonight’s leftover chicken or veggies can go into tomorrow’s casserole or salad.

• Take advantage of the fact that the flavor of many soups and stews improves on sitting by making enough for two or three meals.

foodandhealth.com