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Busy Cooks

Shortcuts

By , About.com Guide

Shortcuts in the kitchen include tips, using convenience foods, and making food ahead of time. You'll also need some cookbooks; these are my favorites. And freezing food for a month, also called Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) is invaluable for busy moms.
  1. Quick Tips
  2. Convenience Foods
  3. Make Ahead Recipes
  4. Fastest and Easiest Recipes
  1. Complete Meals and Menus
  2. Top 10 Lists
  3. The Weekend Cook
  4. Last Minute Recipes

Quick Tips

Melting Chocolate

Quick tips are not only quick to read, they will help you save time in the kitchen. Learn the best way to cook bacon, how to cook a hard-cooked (not boiled!) egg, get the most from herbs, and more.

Convenience Foods

Brownie Mix

Convenience foods are those which combine two more more foods, or do one or more cooking steps for you. They include frozen vegetable blends, precooked meatballs, and sauce mixes. Not only do you have a wonderful selection in the supermarket, but you can make your own! That way you control just exactly what goes into the food you feed your family.

Make Ahead Recipes

Sicilian Casserole

Whenever you can make food ahead of time, you're ahead of the game. There's nothing better than pulling food out of the refrigerator or freezer, then just baking or reheating. This is the perfect solution to entertaining. And leftovers should be considered part of 'make ahead' recipes too. After all, they're just more ingredients, already prepared, that are ready for you to use.

Fastest and Easiest Recipes

Gruyere Ham Sandwich

How fast can you cook? If you have a little bit of experience in the kitchen, you should be able to make these recipes in the time specified. But, as I tell you in the Food Safety section, don't rush just to save time. At any rate, the more you cook, the faster you'll get! And easy recipes don't require any real work - most are just assemble, perhaps heat, and eat. Enjoy.

Complete Meals and Menus

Pasta Frittata

These recipes are more than just a recipe; they're a plan for a complete meal. You don't have to pick and choose the main dish, salad, bread, side dish, or dessert; they're all planned out for you. And many of these meals can be made in a short time. Some come entirely from ingredients you keep in your pantry. And the menus are well-balanced and easy to make. Enjoy!

Top 10 Lists

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Based on the popular Top 10 lists started on a television show, these lists are collections of the best recipes for different occasions. Are your kids starting school? Look up the Top 10 Best Back to School Ideas. Do you want to make a quick and easy dessert? Browse through the Top 10 No Bake Cookies. You get the idea!

The Weekend Cook

Pear Cake with Caramel Sauce

The Weekend Cook began as a way to get people thinking about cooking and baking more on the weekend, when you have a bit more time. The menus revolve around the seasons, taking into account what's best in the supermarket (and the garden) and the holidays. You'll find ways to use up leftover Easter ham, celebrate the arrival of spring, and treat your family like company. And treat yourself too!

Last Minute Recipes

Mustard Glazed Fish Fillets

Last minute recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and when you just don't feel like cooking. Instead of going to the drive-through or picking up the phone to order a pizza, make one of these quick and easy recipes. Of course, you should have a well stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer. Pick some of these recipes and stock up so you'll always be prepared.

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