How to Get Ahead in the Kitchen

December 2009

The holidays are here—and so is the cooking. Between cooking sweets for seasonal parties and making food for that holiday spread, you've got your work cut out for you in the kitchen. This helpful how-to guide will save you time in the kitchen, so you can get out and enjoy the festivities with your family.

1. Individual ingredient, multiple meals. When you plan your meals ahead, you can save time (and trips to the store) by maximizing your ingredients. For example, you can make two different meals, such as Slow Cooker Carnitas and Pork Posole, out of the same pork loin base.

2. Now and later. Think ahead and make meals before things start to get hectic. For example, you can make this Chicken Tortilla Bake and freeze it when you're done. That way, you'll have a deliciously healthful meal on hand when time is of the essence.

3. Holiday twist. Got leftover lemons or limes from a holiday party? Squeeze the excess juice in an ice cube tray to use later for a recipe that calls for fresh lemon (or to spruce up a boring glass of water). One cube equals about 1 tablespoon of juice.

4. Cut prep time. When you're making a big meal, timing is everything. You want everything ready to serve at the same time. This can be much easier if you chop, dice, and shred ingredients ahead of time. That way, when the big day arrives, you don't have to waste time doing prep work.

5. De-frost advisory. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when you're short on time, it's easy to skip out. Instead, make muffins ahead of time. You can toss them in the freezer and thaw them out whenever you're short on time and hungry for breakfast. These Carrot Muffins are a great way to start the day.

6. Easy choice. In a pinch for a quick meal? Grab a quick Healthy Choice® All Natural Entrée. All it takes is a quick spin in the microwave to prepare the deliciously all-natural ingredients that'll tide you over until party time. With healthy meals like these at your fingertips, the hardest part is deciding which one you're going to eat.

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