10 How to Tips on Cooking Fantastic Meals

If you are as busy as me - (hence the fact I haven't done a blog update in ages - my loyal reader's I do apologize) you are always looking for ways to feed your family in convenient, fast, yet not-too-expensive ways. 

I have put together 10 tips that I suggest for you to try, even if you are wanting to start out in the kitchen this is a really great way!!

1. Cooking several meals for the week at one time:

This is generally how I end up spending my Sunday afternoon.  I know everyone else is taking a lovely Sunday nap - but trust me - it is so worth the sacrifice as this will save you in the week, especially if you get home rather late and still have to spend an hour slaving in front of the stove after a long and hectic day at work.   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.

A skinny cook can’t be trusted ! - Anon

2. After you return home from the grocery store clean all the fruits and vegetables you can:

When it’s time for a meal all you will have to do is cook them or add them to a salad or soup. No choping, gratting or peeling. Its all about making life a little easy for those crazy week days. I normally chop off the green little carrot tops off (after the leaves are cut off - I find that the carrots don't go bitter and tasteless and they stay fresher for longer.) Peel your onions, and keep in the fridge.  Other vegetables like pumpkin, beans, mielies - have them all peeled, and diced. All you need to do is cook them when you come home from work.

"Work smarter not harder" A little saying always mentioned by my adorable husband)

3. Get ideas from the cooking shows on T.V:

Watching cooking shows like Nigella, Jamie Oliver and yes I have learned a lot believe it or not from the infamous and fouled mouthed Gordon Ramsay. I started watching cooking shows from when I was about 6 years old.  I think I just loved seeing what people can come up with. Being an abet cook I really enjoy watching shows like: Ready Steady Cook, Jamie Olivers Latest 30 Min Meals.  For entertainment I really enjoy the F-Word and also picked up some really great tips. There are great shows that show you how to make a healthy meal in a short time.

Annoying the cook will result in smaller portions. Anon

4. Develop a revolving recipe file:

If you get bogged down by the idea of having to plan 30 meals a month the recipe file is for you. Let family members choose some of their favorites and put the recipes in a monthly file. Flip to day five or fifteen and there is the meal just waiting to be cooked. Fun way to get everyone involved. 

"I cook with wine…Sometimes I even put it in the food !"

5. Enlist the help of the members of your family:

As soon as the kids are old enough divide up the cooking responsibilities. Let everyone take turns with specific tasks or the whole meal. Pair these meals with fruit and veggies that have already been washed and cut-up and you are ready for dinner. When I was still a little tiny tot - I used to get my yellow "pumkin patch"plastic chair and help my mom with the cooking. Either I used to wash the veggies or peel carrots/potatoes - It made me feel special and also that in my mind - I helped with making dinner.

6. Share the cooking with friends or neighbors:

In one of our old neighbourhoods, I have known neighbors who would 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. It’s O.K. to eat out from time to time:

Notice the wording: From time to time. In South Africa we have a number of healthy fast food chains like: Nando's, or Zebro's, OK Foodies (they make really great home made ''boere kos")
  Some of the fast-food restaurants are trying to offer item choices that are a little more healthy - Like KFC twister's.

9. Many larger cities have businesses that prepare food for the evening meal:

They seem expensive at first but are so convenient and available for one person or entire families. There are many menu choices and meals cooked for special diets. When you calculate the groceries you buy and the times you eat out each week, this may work for you.

10. Combine several of the above ideas into a plan that is best for you!!!!

It is possible with a little planning to cook meals that are quick and easy without spending hours in the kitchen every day.