Cooking

Three times a day, every day, usually more. My kitchen has a revolving door, with 6 boys and a couple of dietary challanges, it's pretty constant. My daughter and myself eat gluten-free (simplylivingglutenfree.blogspot.com) and my husband can't have dairy. Then add a few picky eaters, personal preferences and you've got quite a daunting task to get food prepared for nine people! So. While I have lots yet to learn, here's a few things I do know. 1) Menu's are a must. If I make one I usually make one for two weeks. My budget works much better with a menu. 2) Simplify with Categories. This helps me remember what I'm doing. I think the foodnanny.com uses this too. But, here's the gist. Mondays are Italian night (Spaghetti, Alfredo, Lasagna, etc.) Tues-Soups/Crock pot, Wed-Mexican, Thurs-Asian, Fri-Kids favorites, Sat-Pizza (my hubby takes his turn)! You can vary the recipes that you like, but it gives you a general plan that I can remember. Even if I'm at the store and haven't made a menu, I can make one in my head. This can work for breakfasts too (Mon-Oatmeal, Tues-Eggs, Wed-Pancakes, etc.) 3) Try something new once in a while and get rid of recipes that you don't like or never use. You can find almost anything on-line now and unless it's a tried and true recipe that you love, you don't need to hang on to it for twenty years. I streamlined my recipe book into a 3-ring binder with clear protector sheets that I can slide recipes in to and out of. 4) Bake vs. Buy. I do both. Sometimes I bake more, it is more nutritious and economical. Sometimes I've just baked enough and I buy mixes or more convenience stuff. It gives me need break from time to time and my kids think it's a real treat. My KitchenAid is a lifesaver. There are lots of different ones, but if you're gonna bake much, it really helps to have something to make the mixing easier. 5) Coupon if you like it. Don't beat yourself up if you don't. Personally I can't add one more thing to my life, so for now, I don't do it. But, I know lots of people who save money and swear by it. If you have the time and patience I'm sure it pays off. So, that's it for now. I better go save the muffins in the oven!