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The Time Is Up For Many Cooks

Rick Bonino Food Editor

Still too tired to cook after whipping up that big Thanksgiving feast — or, at least, that’s your excuse?

You’re not alone in avoiding the kitchen, at least if you’re a working woman, according to a recent survey for Nestle.

Almost half (44 percent) of the working women polled reported eating fewer meals made from scratch than they did three years ago. But it’s not for lack of desire: 74 percent said they simply don’t have time to cook, while only 21 percent admitted to not liking to cook.

Among the other findings:

* More than three out of four women surveyed (77 percent) said they had fast food for dinner within the past month.

* Nearly 30 percent said they’re eating later than they did three years ago, although most meals still start between 6 and 7 p.m.

* The typical amount of time spent cooking dinner was 21 to 30 minutes (reported by 42 percent of those polled).

* The best part about cooking: serving the finished meal. The worst part: cleaning up afterward.

Foiled again

Of course, with the holidays approaching, you’re bound to be back in the kitchen sooner or later.

To help you out, Reynolds Wrap is offering a free brochure, “Holiday Dinner Solutions,” with recipes, entertaining advice and food gift ideas. For a copy, call 1-(800)-745-4000 or visit www.reynoldskitchens.com.

Plenty of nuttin’

While we’re on the subject of nuts this week, congratulations to former Spokane restaurant owner Billie Moreland, who won a national cooking contest for professionals sponsored by the Hazelnut Council of America.

Moreland’s Hazelnut Ancho Chicken, described as “A rich and provocative Mexican mole,” took the $1,000 top prize in the savory category of the competition.

Contest call

A couple of holiday-themed food contests open to anyone:

* French’s “Can You Top the Green Bean Casserole?” contest is seeking recipes using at least 1-1/3 cups of french fried onions. Grand prize is dinner for two at your favorite restaurant, by limousine. Entries must be received by Dec. 30; send to 411 Park Street, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.

* The “Smile and Say Cheese K-R-A-F-T” contest offers five vacation packages to families that send in photos of themselves having fun, along with a description of their favorite cheese dish. Entry deadline is Dec. 30; for complete rules, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to K-R-A-F-T Rules, P.O. Box 35944-OR, Los Angeles, CA 90035-0944.