However I also like to be organized and saving steps makes perfect sense when it comes to a large family.

It stands to reason if you are the chief cook in the house, you will have stumbled across many short cuts that make some kitchen chores less work. I have learned a few tricks along the way that have helped save time with great results.

Here are 12 great tips that have helped me keep my meal time prep easier.

My Favorite Tips

1. Use your rubber gloves for better grip on a stuck lid.
2. A pizza cutter is perfect for cutting herbs and other light greens. Line them up and cut away.
3. Precut vegetables, fruits and cheeses that you use frequently. Not only does it save you time, it encourages healthy snacking.
4. Plan to repurpose your meals as often as possible. Even a leftover single serving can be frozen for a quick meal for one.
5. Pre-packaged meals can definitely save time, but they can be expensive. Stock up on your favorites when they’re on sale.
6. Keep an easily accessible grocery list on your fridge. Encourage all family members to update it as items run low.
7. To make garlic cloves easier to peel, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
8. You don’t need to precook your lasagna noodles. If you have plenty of sauce in your lasagna, the noodles will cook during the baking process.
I love quick flavor boosts that add just that little bit extra to my meals. My favorites are popping leftover veggies, sauces and even juice in the freezer to be added later. It does my heart good to know I am not throwing food out and I have a variety of frozen bonus options to add to any meal.
9. If you have leftover wine, freeze it into ice cube trays. You can use them for flavoring in sauces anytime.
10. Soaking potatoes in water for 15 minutes before baking will result in a crispier skin.
11. Squeeze more juice from your citrus fruit by heating them first. Pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or soak in hot water for a few minutes.
12. Save time with pre-made cake and other baking mixes you have picked up on sale. You can add your own special touch like fresh berries, nuts or other favorite ingredient.

It’s All in the Details

There are plenty of ways to save time and money when it comes to meal time planning. Whether you are a fast cooking, schedule frazzled parent or a slow cooking, chef in the making, when it comes to great ideas we all benefit from sharing what works.

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This is where frozen pizzas, fast foods and high priced package meals can make a big impact in your budget and your health.

But there are plenty of low cost alternatives and by using some quick and easy meal preparation tips you can keep the family happy and your budget in check. All it takes is a little planning, patience and a dash of creativity.

Here are a few tips for making meal time easier for the chef in the family.

Planning is Key

The first step is planning. List all the dishes your family likes onto a monthly calendar and rotate the meals according to schedule. Keep the quick and easy meals for soccer nights or band practice and the more involved meals when everyone is home on time.

Review Your Recipes

Know what you need before you do your weekly shopping. Go through the menus and include the family in the process, then stock the pantry with their favorite staples.

Planning your meals for the week makes shopping more efficient and less costly in the long run. Bottom line it’s a lot faster to prepare your meals if you have everything on hand.

Preparation

The majority of the time spent on making a meal is in the preparation. Dedicate a couple of hours on the weekend for the weekly meal preparation, ideally after your weekly shopping. Chop your vegetables and have them ready in bags or containers in the fridge. Cut once and use twice is the new rule for today’s meal planner.

The same holds true for pre-cooked ingredients, especially meat and chicken. Simply cook extra and store for use later for a different dish. Double duty is the way to go for the larger family.

Repurposing Your Meals

Leftovers have had a bad rap through the years. You can repurpose your dishes for another meal just by being creative. Left over meats can be added to penne and baked for an Itallian meal. Add rice and you have an Asian flair. Change up the seasonings and most of the time, they will never know it was Tuesday’s chicken.

The internet even offers sites where you can get new recipes just by adding what you have in your refrigerator. The sky is the limit when it comes to leftovers.

Convenience Products are Life Savers

Frozen pizza is great to have on hand when there are additional friends for dinner. Add extras veggies and cheese for added punch. Canned sauces and broths are perfect to use as a base for just about anything and shave off time during the week.

There are plenty of ways to make meal times more efficient and all it takes is a bit of preparation and planning. Even ordering out and the occasional fast food meal can be planned so meal times can be enjoyed by everyone without the guilt. Its all in the planning.

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Less work and less mess always equals less stress and dinner time can be a family gathering at the end of the day instead of the time consuming chore during a busy work week.

One pot slow cooking provides a number of possibilities for cooking leaner and less expensive cuts of meat. The moist, long, slow cooking provides tender meat with very little fat that is easily removed keeping meals not only tasty but healthy too.

Which Size Is Right?

If you don’t already have a slow cooker, the first thing to consider is size. The size of your family is generally the best factor in determining the best fit. Small versions are often used for appetizers, and dips. These are roughly 16 oz. and are perfect for cooking for one.

A large family would be best served with a 5 qt. or even a 7 qt. model. These are the most cost efficient as they can also be used for batch dishes such as soups and chilies for larger pot luck events.

The larger the slow cooker, the more controls available.  With just low and high preset settings, the results may not be as reliable. With the larger size and additional settings, you can preset variable cooking temperatures and cooking times for a better result.

The Dos and Don’ts

There are some steadfast rules when it comes to crock pot cooking. Some meals require ingredients to be added in stages. Most stews require the meat to be cook for a few hours before firm vegetables are added.

Rule of thumb; add things like spices, herbs and seasonings at the beginning of the cooking process and the softer or frozen vegetables in the final few minutes.

Liquid is a key ingredient in keeping your meal moist. Your tried and true beef or chicken stock can be substituted with canned soups, juices or even tea for tenderizing.

Leave it be. Since ingredients are thoroughly cooked over a long period of time, stirring is not recommended or the food will break apart. Removing the lid also interferes with the consistent temperature and can impact the length of time and the tenderness of the meal.

A crock pot is an essential appliance for any home and can deliver classic menus such as pot roast and five alarm chili with very little prep work involved.  But it can also keep meals warm in family gatherings and get togethers without taking up space.

Unlimited recipes and your adventurous spirit is the only thing needed to make your crock pot your favourite kitchen tool.

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We have all been to potluck picnics where bringing a side dish is a normal occurance, so why not consider throwing a New Years Eve Potluck Party.

There are many advantages including lower food costs and the work required for the host, but the best part of the a potluck is the chance for everyone to participate and to sample new dishes made by friends.

How To Get Started

As the host, you are responsible for coordinating the meal so begin by planning the number of guests attending and the foods you would like to include in your plan. The importance of keeping a list of each dish a guest is bringing is paramount when deciding on your meal plan. Many people are happy to provide whatever you suggest

It’s up to you to decide whether it be a sit down dinner, a buffet style or a finger food event. Assign the dishes to match the theme ensuring all elements of the meal are provided. This helps in preventing too many deserts and not enough side dishes.

This can be done by indicating on each guest’s invitation which type of dish they should bring. If you are providing one of the main courses then only assign one additional main.

Typically 2-3 people are assigned to bring side dishes and 4-5 people are to bring appetizers and salads. 2-3 people are then assigned to bring desserts. This will help to provide a variety of item in each category.

When assigning dishes, have several vegetarian and low fat options planned to accommodate any dietary restrictions that may be required.

Keep in mind how the food will be served and plan around the dishes provided. Normally microwaves and crockpots are fine for keeping food warm and keep the refrigerator clutter free for when the food arrives.

If you live in a cold climate, the back patio makes a great refrigerator for storing drinks or any contained items that need to be kept cold.

The Beverage Basics

Beverages should also be considered when planning a party. One way to ensure that all bases are covered is for the host to supply all beverages.

There should be a plentiful supply of ice and non alcoholic drinks and as alcohol is popular for New Years Eve parties, several responsible designated drivers should be clearly appointed.

Finally, don’t forget to delegate. The idea of a potluck is the sharing of a meal with the enjoyment of friends and family. With a bit of advance planning, you can ring in the New Year without the need for exhaustive work and keep the fun back in your party as it should be.

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The key to eating healthy not only lies in what foods we choose but also in how the food is prepared, and the quantity we consume.  With today’s product labeling and nutritional content, we have the ability to make the best choices and determine the proper servings for a well balanced diet.

In an environment bombarded with ads about cholesterol-rich fast food the good news is that healthy eating is slowly becoming more mainstream.

But we do have to beware of some lingering beliefs that remain lodged in our own ideas of nutritious foods and weight loss.  Here are a few of the most common food myths that we need to watch for when we are focusing on better health.

All Low-Fat Foods Are Healthy

Food items labeled as “low fat” or fat-free”, does not mean they are truly healthy.  The fat may have been removed but chances are, some sort of sugar has been added to replace the flavor lost when the fat was removed.  The item may have the same caloric content as the regularly labeled product and you have removed any health benefits.

Also many people are fooled into a false sense of security and do not exercise proper portion control when they see the “fat free” label. You can choose low fat options but read the label and watch your portions.

All Fruits are Good

Yes all fruits are nutritious but they are not all created equal.  Many fruit have a high fructose content and smaller portions are required to keep those sugar levels in check.

Eating a flat of strawberries may be a better choice than a box of chocolates, but your portion control has been tossed out the window.  Better to include high fiber fruits in your 5 – 10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day such as apples, bananas or grapefruits.  They are both low in fat and calories and high in fiber.

Salads Help You Lose Weight

A large bowl of leafy greens is a great way to boost your heath and fill you up.  The more colourful vegetables added the better it is and by adding a little protein, you can have a perfect meal.

However, the problem starts once you add fatty toppings such as bacon, fried chicken and croutons. Then pouring on large amounts of creamy dressings you are adding additional unhealthy fat and calories.

Have the salads and add a your toppings but keep your choices low fat such as grilled chicken and most importantly, use your salad dressings sparingly.

Bread is Bad

This has become one of the top contenders in the myths of today.  Granted North Americans are the highest consumers of bread products however grains are a necessary nutritional requirement for our bodies.

By choosing whole wheat or whole grain breads we are increasing our fiber, which is important in maintaining balance in our digestive systems.  Moderation is the key.

Healthy eating is a vital piece in promoting overall well-being.  What is clear is that people who feel good about themselves often make healthy food choices.

To ensure you are eating healthy and losing or maintaining a healthy weight, eat high fiber vegetables, fruits, and grains.  Never skip a meal, use proper portion control, and always read the label.

It really is that simple.

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There’s something for everyone, from the elegant gourmet coffee houses to your everyday coffee shops and sports bars. Typically found in tea and chocolate at much lowers levels, caffeine is also a common ingredient in both prescription and over-the-counter pain medications.

Caffeine Debate

Coffee is one of our most cherished and debated-about drinks. There are people who will tell you they simply cannot live without their daily dose of java. Others avoid it for its health-related side-effects or its undesirable over-stimulating results. While caffeine is clearly a stimulant, “facts” about its benefits or dangers are often clouded in myth.

A Sobering Thought

How many of us have been told that drinking coffee will help a drunk person become sober? This is actually false. While caffeine may help someone who has had too much alcohol become slightly more alert, it does not sober them up. However, the hangover headache may be helped by an aspirin painkiller combined with caffeine.

The combination is said to increase aspirin’s effectiveness by as much as 40%. In fact, there are headache medications now that contain caffeine for that very reason.

Energy Boost?

How about the ‘theta energy’ boosting effect promised by energy drinks to make you more alert or perform better and faster. It’s heavy promoted to the college student population. Is this effect just in the marketing or in your brain? Consider that the average cup of coffee has 100 milligrams of caffeine in an 8 oz. serving. An equivalent serving of a chilled energy drink has about 80milligrams.

Health Or Hype?

And what about the debates about caffeine and your health? Again research varies, but the concerns focus on everything from the impact on your sleeping patterns to your blood pressure. In the latter case, caffeine is cited as a culprit in worsening the symptoms of hypertension due to increases in heart rate. In addition, there is also concern that it can have a negative impact by reducing the effectiveness of prescribed medications for the disease.

Brain Food

On the plus side in the health debate, there are medical studies that indicate caffeine might have a positive role in memory retention and the prevention of some cancers.

The American Academy of Neurology presented a report in 2007 (MSNBC.com, Aug 9, 2007) demonstrating caffeine’s impact on improved brain activity in the frontal lobe. The study found that women 65 and older who drank more than three cups of caffeinated coffee had a 33% less decline in memory over women who drank one cup or none.

These results were not found in men however, which has led researchers to begin studies on whether caffeine is metabolized differently by men and women.

Obviously, there is the potential for both a good buzz or a bad buzz in your morning brew, energy drink or cup of tea. Because caffeine is a CNS stimulant, its effect will depend on your individual level of sensitivity to these types of stimulants. The key is knowing the state of your own health and the impact that caffeine consumption has on you.

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These days you can make bread automatically with bread machines but I still prefer to do it manually, with my own hands. Whatever you choose the basic homemade bread making principles are very much the same.

Recipe

Let’s start with the basics. Later we can move on to other variations and specialty breads. In the Ask tab of the navigation menu, let me know what other specific homemade bread recipes you’d like to see and I will be happy to share.

Food Ingredients

• 16 ounces of bread flour and a bit more for shaping and kneading
• 1 teaspoon of instant rapid rise yeast
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 10 ounces of warm, 115 degrees F(47 degrees C) water
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Functional ingredients

1. 6-8 quart mixing bowl
2. large wooden spoon
3. measuring cup and spoons (table and teaspoon size)
4. bread pan
5. olive oil to grease the container
6. bread board or counter for kneading

The Sponge Process

The first step is to make a sponge and allow it to ferment:

1. Start with the water, add the yeast and sugar. Check for bubbles to make sure the yeast is active.
2. Add in 5 ounces of the flour and slowly stir to dissolve properly.
3. Cover with a kitchen towel and let stand till it’s doubled in size. This usually takes 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can put the yeasty mixture into the refrigerator and slow down the whole fermentation procedure. The dough will absorb some of the gasses left by the yeast, leading to softer dough later on. The bread will also have an aged flavor.

Yeast does a couple of things: it leavens the bread and it adds texture and flavor to the bread. To properly leaven the bread, the yeast has to be replicated immediately to create the gasses found inside.

Making The Dough

This mixture will now be every spongy.

1. Add the salt and olive oil into the spongy mixture.
2. Slowly sprinkle in the remaining 11 ounces of flour, while stirring, until all the flour is integrated into the mixture.
3. Sprinkle flour on the surface of your board or kneading surface.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl and slowly knead the mixture, sprinkling flour until the dough no longer sticks to your hands or work surface. (This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes). Be careful not to tear the dough.
5. Add some oil to the mixing bowl and place the dough back in, making sure the oil covers the dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and let everything rise for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough with your knuckles to remove any air pockets.
7. Put the dough back on the counter and knead a bit more to remove any remaining air pockets.
8. Make a ball, tucking in any open seams and shape into a loaf.
9. Add to oiled bread pan and fit in evenly. Let it sit till it’s size has doubled again (about 30 minutes).
10. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (176 degrees C.).
11. After 45 minutes or until the bread is a nice golden color, remove from oven.
12. Let it sit on rack until cooled, then slice.

Now you have a delicious, healthy loaf of bread to savor it on its own or enjoy at mealtime. The aroma alone will uplift everyone within smelling distance. Once you get hooked on making your own bread, it’ll be hard to go back to the ordinary.

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