Here’s Some Good Tips For Cooks In A Hurry

Here are some fast tips for harried cooks:

Use packages of prewashed, precut veggies. Supermarket salad bars also are great for purchasing small amounts without waste.

Keep a list of essential fresh, frozen and pantry items, and replace them as they run out. Canned tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, quick-cooking grains, pasta, water-packed artichokes, baby corn, tuna, roasted red peppers and pickled red beets are great for quick meals.

Make large batches of fresh dishes and freeze some for later.

Keep kitchen counters uncluttered for optimum work space.

Store equipment in a logical, organized manner: pots and pot holders near the stove, cutting boards near knives.

Keep knives sharp; they’re faster - and safer - than dull ones.

Keep sudsy water in the sink to clean items used in cooking as you go along.

Assemble all recipe ingredients on the counter before cooking.

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or canned meat products that have been thoroughly rinsed of excess salt.

Buy the proper tools for speeding your tasks - food processors, blenders, microwave ovens, nonstick cookware, woks and pressure cookers.