If you are as busy as most people you are always looking for ways to
feed your family in convenient, fast, yet not-too-expensive ways. Try
the following suggestions:

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

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.

3. Get ideas from the cooking shows on T.V. There are great shows that
show you how to make a healthy meal in a short time.

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.

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.

6. Share the cooking with friends or neighbors. I’ve known people who
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. Clip coupons for these
occasions and if you have kids keep a look-out for the places that
have special prices for children. Some of the fast-food restaurants
are trying to offer item choices that are a little more healthy.

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.

Great Gourmet Cooking Tips :

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