I am always looking for ways to save time especially when it pertains to the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if I’ve seen a tip previously as I always find a list to be a good memory jog. Here are 7 tips you may find helpful:
- SOAK YOUR DISHES. If you wash by hand you know it is a real pain in the tush to have to scrub scrub scrub. As my mom says “A Stitch in Time Saves 9” which means do one small step NOW which will save steps in the future By filling your dishpan with hot, soapy water and letting everything soak for a few minutes, the dried-on food will come off with ease and minimal scrubbing. I did a Facebook Live on the topic. To watch click here.
2. PREP YOUR PRODUCE. One appeal of junk food is the grab-n-go aspect because you can open a package and pop something into your mouth. For those of us wanting to eat more healthful it can sometimes feel like a hindrance to wash, peel, and chop. I have found when I do all my food preparation in a block of time, then I can grab-n-go washed fruit or cut veggies and enjoy a nosh guilt-free.
3. KEEP THE COUNTERS CLEAN. This counter is yours truly’s. After I’ve prepared something in the kitchen I deserve a break, right? Yes and no. Yes, but… the the cleanup is the last step. Then I can take a break. It’s much more pleasant to be greeted with the image on the right the next time I’m in the kitchen. Agreed?
4. WASH AS YOU GO. I admit I am guilty of being remiss on this one. (See photo above in #3) It’s easier to leave something for later. Then ‘later’ comes and there is a pileup of dishes to contend with. If a dish is washed immediately after being used then there is no pileup. The counter space and sink are ready for use.
5. CLEAR THE CLUTTER. There is nothing more frustrating having to search to find something in your cabinets. Do you have multiples of something? Are there serving pieces, utensils, etc. you don’t use? How many storage containers you really need (and if there is not matching lid why do you still have it…?) Once the cabinets have been downsized it is more pleasant working in the kitchen. Here’s a peek into some of my cabinets:
6. HAVE A COFFEE CENTER. A center is a place in the kitchen where you keep all the supplies for a specific job. A breakfast center might have bowls, spoons, cereal, etc. A sandwich center has bread, spreads, and baggies (or a reusable version). For the coffee or tea aficionados a coffee center gets your day going in the morning. Lidded cups, mugs, sweeteners, coffee, and tea all in one place gets that cup ‘o Joe into you faster.
7. WORK IN STAGES. Sometimes I want to prepare something to eat but don’t have a big block of time. If I break the task down into microsteps I will eventually get to the cooking without feeling overwhelmed. Homemade lentil soup is a family favorite. So for example I’ll take out the cutting board and knife for starters. Next I’ll put the ingredients on the counter. Then in a bit I’ll chop the onion (my least favorite part as my eyes usually sting.) Finally I’ll toss everything into the pot and look forward to enjoying hot soup in an hour or two.
Give one or more of these tips a try. Comment which tip(s) are your favorite or if you have one you would like to share. Have a wonderful week! Thanks for reading.
Karen, T.K.K.
February 3, 2019
