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can't believe how fast it goes
During the Efficient Kitchen class, Tricia, Sommer and Jodi will share their tips and tricks on topics ranging from efficient grocery shopping to creating delicious and inexpensive meals to pantry organizing and freezer meals. Join these knowledgeable foodie moms and their 10 efficient co-hosts in TheMotherhood to transform the way you operate in the kitchen.
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Creating An Efficient Kitchen
Feb 16, 2011 Wednesday, 1:00pm EST - Add as Favorites
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TALK HOSTS:
FEATURED GUESTS:
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Category:HOME AND FOOD
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Talk Host
- Sommer Collier 33 comments
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I’d like to discuss a few things to make meal planning and shopping more efficient.
Organization is the KEY to make cooking less stressful. If you have a well-stocked kitchen and pre-selected recipes, you are less likely to make excuses not to cook.about 1 year ago
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Talk Host
- onceamonthmom 24 comments
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Colleen poses a great question - what works best for you - clean as you go OR clean at the end?
about 1 year ago
Shonda
Clean as I go.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
She's Cookin'
Clean as you go. If you have a double sink, have one side clear so you can riinse as you go so stuff doesn't harden. Or you can do as Sylvie does and fill it with sudsy water and add the dirty dishes, but don't put knives in it.
about 1 year ago
Stacey L.
As I go...otherwise it is overwhelming or I run out of clean space.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Carolyn K.
Clean at the end BUT...put everything off to the side in one spot so it's not in my way. I get things inot the oven faster if I clean at the end.
about 1 year ago
Kayla S
Definitely as I go. Always doing dishes while cooking and wiping up so it's not so much of a big deal after we finish eating! More time to spend together!
about 1 year ago
Cooper
As I go - totally!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Jenn Fowler
I clean the counter as I go, but the dishes wait till the end (unless I need to wash & reuse something)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Silvia
Something work for me is having a medium size container on my counter where I throw my trash, at the end I just toss it to the garbage can!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sylvie @ GITK
I also wipe down the counters in between tasks.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
MyFourMonkeys
Clean as I go or I feel overwhelmed at the end :)
about 1 year ago
DiaperDiaries
I do a little of both. I try and keep clean as I go but sometimes it is just impossible.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
melanie feehan
Clean as I go, definitely. It also allows me to enjoy my dinner without panicking at the thought of washing the dishes at the end.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sylvie @ GITK
I Keep a sink full of hot sudsy water and put the dishes in while I cook so that food doesn’t have a chance to get stuck on.
about 1 year ago
Colleen Stearns
My counter space is very limited, so I need to clean as I go to keep my sanity.
about 1 year ago
Nivedita
clean as i go !!!! i find that less messier
about 1 year ago
1Chef
I like a little of both - easy clean up as I go and big items at the end. Of course, run water in the big items with a squirt of soap while you wait til the end.
about 1 year ago
Heather
I am blessed with lots of counter space so most of the time, unless I need it again quickly (beaters) It waits.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Silvia
for me depends of what I'm doing, the time of the day and the event! however I noticed when I clean as I go I'm happier at the end!
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
i clean at the end so my husband and kids can help!
about 1 year ago
Erin O
Clean as you go! Cleaning up dirty dishes clears off counter space.
about 1 year ago
Christina
Clean at the end works best for me, the cook. Clean as you go works best for my husband, the cleaner upper. LOL
about 1 year ago
Alison S
end- and let the hubby do it!
about 1 year ago
Talk Host
onceamonthmom
I know I *should* clean as I go but I find it so difficult.
about 1 year ago
blueviolet
I like to clean as I go. Otherwise, I end up cranky.
about 1 year ago
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Talk Host
Sommer Collier
Emily, Here is my pantry list!
about 1 year agohttp://aspicyperspective.com/cooking-101
Shonda
Great tips!
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
She's Cookin'
I cannot agree more with Sommer's comment about investing in quality, stackable, clear containers for your pantry! Here are photos and tips on organizing and what to buy for a Healthy Pantry that will make it easier for meal planning because you have staples on hand. http://shescookin.com/2011/01/20/the-healthy-pantry/
about 1 year agoNotQuiteSusie
Thanks DD! ;)
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Devaki@WATF
I love Costco for their deals on plastic containers. I buy the cereal storage containers and use them for flours, sugars etc. They are LARGE and don't need refilling every 2 minutes :)
about 1 year agoover30mommy
I used to try to make a menu but have fallen off the planning wagon lately. I need to get back on and plan better for shopping trips so thatI do not have to run out and grab one item when I realize I forgot it
about 1 year agoDiaperDiaries
I use Grocery Zen on my iTouch and Grocery IQ on my Droid phone.
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Devaki@WATF
Also keep a note pad on the fridge so you are making a list as you are running out
about 1 year agomommycosm
*sigh* I envy all of you with your ability to menu plan. I'm not there yet.
about 1 year agoJean
What about those GREEN bags. Do you find that they really work to keep produce fresher?
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Write a comment...This is the time to invest in some good-quality stackable containers. Pouring your flours, sugars, baking soda, nuts and dried fruit in CLEAR, stackable containers not only gives them a longer shelf-life, but makes them easier to find! Look here for some good options.
about 1 year agoNotQuiteSusie
Hey DiaperDiaries- which app do you use? TIA!
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Carolyn K.
Can I recommend a chest freezer if you have the space? Ours has been a godsend, especially when just having a baby and needing instant meals...all made months before!
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
CDSMKate
I actually do my menu planning/shopping routine backwards. I stock up once a month on all the essentials, taking advantage of sales, etc. Then, after I unpack and while I'm reveling in looking at my FULL pantry, fridge and freezer, I plan out what we'll eat that month. I then plan for any extra trips we'll need to the grocery store for produce and dairy.
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Devaki@WATF
I lke to plan my menus 7 days at a time - starting with what is already in the freezer
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
When you’ve used a recipe and like it, SAVE IT! Keep a “favorites” notebook, or put tabs in your cookbooks.
about 1 year agoCo-hosts, what tips do you have for efficient grocery shopping?
Featured Guest
Jenn Fowler
Sommer I love that towel tip! You can use a cloth towel too if you don't do paper :)
about 1 year agoDiaperDiaries
I use apps on my phone for my list so that I can just update through the week. I already have my phone at the store and it organizes by aisles making shopping so easy.
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
ALWAYS keep a “running” grocery list available in your kitchen. Every time you use up a common ingredient (olive oil, butter, flour, spices) IMMEDIATELY write it on your grocery list. That way, you won’t forget about it later!
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Jenn Fowler
I even have a post on why I plan a menu: http://www.frugalupstate.com/frugal-living/why-should-i-plan-a-weekly-menu/
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Wash all your produce before they go in the fridge. Let them air dry for a few minutes. Then wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and put them in a plastic zip bag. This keeps your produce fresh and reduces prep time throughout the week. *If you plan to use up your fresh herbs within a couple days you can snip the stems and place them in a glass of water~ like a vase of flowers!
about 1 year agoDiaperDiaries
I won't even set foot in a grocery store without meal planning because I come home with all sorts of unnecessary items.
about 1 year agoChristina
I reuse half a sheet of 8.5x11 paper (recycled of course!). I fold in half. One side is the meal plan, the other is the grocery list. This way, if I'm missing an ingredient and can't think of a sub, I know which meal is off the menu.
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
At the grocery store, get everything on your list. If you can’t find something, make a substitution or stop at another store on the way home. You’re more likely to cook your meals if you don’t have to go back to the store later!
about 1 year agommmyatt
i like to plan my meals for the week--the problem is finding the time to do it. so i end up shopping for just a couple days at a time which means more trips --it is a bad cycle I'm in right now...
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
CDSMKate
Great tips Sommer! I always try to add at least one extra breakfast, lunch and dinner to my weekly plans so that I have a little wiggle room.
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Use the recipes you selected to make your grocery list, checking your cabinets to make sure you have everything you need. This also helps to not buy things you already have!
about 1 year agoErin O
Menu planning makes shopping a million times easier. I cook more now that I plan a week's worth of meals ahead of time.
about 1 year agoEmily
Sommer, I'd love to know your pantry/freezer staples!!
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Write down your weekly “menu” including where you found the recipe and the page number. Then post it somewhere (on the fridge or inside a cabinet door.)
about 1 year agoFeatured Guest
Jenn Fowler
I always menu plan! The weeks I don't, my life is in chaos. When I do, things are much less stressful.
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Consider using of your weekly grocery ads as you outline your menu. Planning your meals around what’s on sale can really help keep you on budget!
about 1 year agoTalk Host
Sommer Collier
Sit down with a couple cookbooks, cooking magazines, or recipes from YOUR FAVORITE BLOG the night before your grocery trip. Select several recipes for the week that vary in flavor and in cooking time. This way, you have options! You can cook what you’re in the mood for, or what you have time to cook.
about 1 year ago