Frugal Parenting
(featured column)
Simple Tips for Saving Time (and Money) in the Kitchen
by
Rachel Keller
Very few people
enjoy spending all day in the kitchen, but here are a few simple suggestions
that may help save time and money. More...
Did you know that you don't have
to make a pie crust to have a great homemade pie? Save money, time, and calories
by skipping the crust. Just pour the filling into a pie pan that has been
sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. This works great with pumpkin, custard,
and buttermilk to name a few.
Speaking of nonstick spray, did you know that you can make your own? Mix 1/2 cup
oil of your choice with 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin. Pour into an empty spray
bottle or in a plastic honey container. (You can purchase liquid lecithin at a
health food store. Keep the lecithin in the refrigerator.)
Here is another great recipe for Better
Than Pam Spray using canola oil, shortening, and flour.
Before cutting meringue-topped pies, spray your knife with your homemade cooking
spray and you will be able to cut the meringue cleanly.
Use your electric knife to slice angel food cake and you won't have squashed
slices.
You can also use the electric knife to quickly cut multiple slices of bread
cubes for stuffing or croutons.
Make your own breadstick dipping sauce by adding Italian seasoning to tomato
paste or sauce.
Place onions in the freezer for a few minutes before slicing them to lessen the
chance of tears. You can also try peeling them under cold running water.
Fried potatoes will be deliciously golden brown if sprinkled lightly with flour
before frying.
To make hard boiled eggs, place eggs in cool water. Heat water to boiling and
immediately turn off the heat and cover the pan for 15 minutes. If heating up a
breakfast roll or muffin, cover the pot with a plate instead of a lid. Put the
muffin on top of the plate, and let the heat from the pan's steam warm your
breakfast.
Use your double boiler to cook the vegetables in the bottom and the white sauce
or cheese sauce for the vegetables in the top. This saves time and fuel. You can
also boil eggs in the bottom while cooking oatmeal or something else in the top
part.
When making a meal, double the ingredients and make an extra meal for the
freezer or to use for lunches.
Make breakfast for dinner. Your family may enjoy having eggs or pancakes for
dinner. You'll save time and money.
To keep fine china from being scratched, place paper doilies between plates and
saucers when stacking them. You can also place wax paper, cereal bag liners, or
the paper from the back of shelf liner between pans or cookie sheets to protect.
Finally, if you have children, get them involved in the kitchen no matter their
age. In the beginning, you'll spend more time teaching them how to bake, cook,
and cleanup; but with a little patience and training, your efforts will yield
pleasant results. Your children will treasure the time together with you while
you're teaching them valuable skills. Plus, whenever you're sick, tired, or busy
(or just want a break) you'll have able assistants to help you complete the job.
Eventually, you may even assign your children one meal a week to complete on
their own.
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Copyright
© 2008 by Rachel Keller. All rights reserved.
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