IN THE KITCHEN â—½ TIPS
Our panel shared some great recipes for quick breads (See “Seven for You” on the TIPS page), so instead of recipes in this column this month, I thought I’d share some tricks and tips and hacks and ideas for you this fall, for October, November, and December – those months when I bet we’re in the kitchen more than any other time of the year!
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Paper plates and napkins are a must this time of year. Head to Marshalls or the dollar type stores for lots of options, and have them in a cabinet or on display to use at home…so you aren’t dirtying up so many of your good dishes. And don’t feel bad for doing it.
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It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a little flatware caddy nearby with plastic forks and spoons, too! Make this time of year easy for you and yours, and save the niceties for the dishes and people you’re serving. You’ll be glad for all the less work!
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Did you know that if you cook your veggies in a skillet with olive oil AND some butter, you’ll get that nice charred look and flavor?
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​Save one little spot (maybe on the handle of the oven) to hang the prettiest tea towel you can find. World Market has the cutest ones for the season. They’re not for using, only for enjoying.
When you’re boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes or other potato recipes, drain the water, then place the potatoes back in the hot pot. The hot pot will absorb the rest of the moisture and your potatoes won’t be soggy.
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This is a good time of year to look through your kitchen cabinets, drawers and pantry to see what you might want and place it on a Christmas list to give to the kids (or your husband), or to buy for yourself! Maybe you need bowl covers, bins for your shelves, a new set of measuring cups, etc.
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Keep a new book in the kitchen on a shelf to stop for 15 minutes when you’re tired - just to read a couple chapters. You need to sit down when the standing gets too long…and escape into someone else’s story.
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Have you gotten a magnetic pad for the season, for your fridge? Marshalls has lots! Place it there and tell the entire family if they need something, they HAVE to write it on the that pad and not tell you, or pull your arm to get your attention or remind you…just write it and say nothing. Train them to do this!
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Is your drawer flatware caddy all dirty and nasty and old? Hit one of the discount stores for a new one. And while you’re there, pick up a big wooden board for charcuterie for the holidays. Use it often. Just lay out meat, cheese, olives, nuts, bread, hummus, cucumbers, and anything else you want…and call it dinner…often.
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Finally, have a list of snacks for the family posted on a wall or cabinet, where they can read and prepare for themselves all season long like: apples with peanut butter and dark chocolate chips, cuties peeled and enjoyed any time at all, hummus with pita chips, a cup of trail mix, pickles and cheese, etc.
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Look around your kitchen and see how you can make it work better for you, make lists, think of ways to make your life easier while you’re cooking and planning, and then don’t let anyone or anything enter that sacred place you now enjoy so much…unless they’re invited.
