All it takes is setting aside some time to get inspired about food, writing down a plan and putting some extra thought into what you will prepare during the week. If you’re looking for some help to make cooking a little bit easier, try these seven tips
1. Write it down
Create a meal calendar that includes the specific meals you will be preparing from Monday-Sunday. It’s helpful to have a loose theme that ties your chosen recipes together so you don’t have to buy too many different ingredients. Pick out key ingredients that can be transferred to other recipes such as the protein or vegetables, and that can be used multiple times. Pad these out with pantry and staple items you know you already have to hand.
Top tip: Get the family involved – ask them what meals they would like to include this week.
2. Make a shopping list
As you add each meal to the planning calendar, collate a list of ingredients. Save yourself time by writing the shopping list at the same time as filling in the meal planning calendar. Add quantities to each ingredient after adding them up across recipes. Do a quick scan of the pantry and fridge and check off any ingredients you already have.
3. Plan for leftovers
Create intentional leftovers by cooking one big meal and saving half for lunches or frozen dinners. Make your cooking do double duty by making a little extra of everything and if you’re not intending to eat it that week, save it for later.
4. Collect and store your favourite recipes
Create a place to save favourite recipes, whether it be a folder, a Pinterest board, a shoe box, or using Food to Love’s ‘My Recipes’ tool which saves all your favourites, plus new recipe inspiration in one place with one click.
Top tip: Set aside some time to browse for recipes on Food to Love, or in magazines like Taste and Food. Make it a relaxing, enjoyable experience by sitting down with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
5. Cook and stash make-ahead meals
There are some recipes that are perfect for making ahead. Soups, burger patties or meatballs and pie fillings are ideal for making ahead of time and can keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Top tip: Divide soup into individual portions and defrost for before reheating.
6. Cook in large batches
Batch cooking is a secret weapon when it comes to saving time in the kitchen. Set aside a couple of hours to get all your weekly cooking done at once. Just think how much time this would save you cooking an individual meal each evening. If you’re making a tomato pasta sauce, consider making double the recipe to freeze for another use. If you’re roasting a chicken, roast two and use the second chicken for sandwiches, salads and wraps for lunch during the week. Another clever way to batch cook is to use one dish as a ‘master recipe’, such as a stew that can then be reused as a pie or a pasta sauce.
7. Invest in some great storage containers and labels
Storing leftover and extra food correctly makes it that much easier to enjoy when the time comes. Use containers that are durable and easily resealable. Use the right-size container as extra space can lead to freezer burn. Ensure that everything is well labelled with the name and date. Watch the handy how-to video below for more tips!
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