6 Meal time-savers for moms

Mar 09, 2009 10:55 AM by SheKnows Parenting Editors

Posted in Parenting / Super Moms Guide / Super Moms Guide: Cooking & Cleaning

Quick Meals For Moms

Between shuttling the kids to school, rushing to work, managing the house and helping with homework most moms will readily attest to the fact that meal time can be one of the most challenging parts of their day. After all, what mom has the time, energy or desire after a long day to pull off a gourmet meal on a nightly basis? Luckily, with a little planning, there are six simple tips moms can implement to make the most of their time in the kitchen and keep the stress of mealtime down to a simmer.

1. Cook once eat twice or thrice

According to healthy lifestyle writer and food coach Beth Aldrich, CHC, AADP, moms can create more than one meal from their dedicated kitchen labors! If you cook extra rice for your evening meal, moms can use it as a base for a rice cereal in the morning. All moms have to do is reheat it, add some butter, cinnamon and raisins and then. Moms can also use some of the rice as a staple in an olive-oil based tossed rice and veggie salad.

2. Clean as you go

Clever time saving cooking tips, go hand-in-hand with a tidy cooking space. Rather than spend valuable time cleaning all evening after dinner, Ms. Aldrich suggests that moms keep a warm cloth nearby to wipe up spills and mess, as opposed to having to scrub dried-on cooking stains later on. Moms can also cut down on last minute cleaning by soaking dishes and utensils after use.

3. Put your appliances to work

When chopping, prepping and steaming, moms can rely on time-saving appliances such as a food processor, slow cooker, rice cooker and crock pot, says Ms. Aldrich. These appliances do all of the work, while moms can indulge in their real passion; motherhood!

4. Get creative

According to Kuae Kelch Mattox, national board member for Mocha Moms, Inc: Moms can take the time-consuming guess work out of meal planning by creating theme dinners such as Meatless Monday, Wacky Wednesday or Fishy Friday.

5. Pre-cut and freeze

Moms can cut down on their prep time by pre-cutting, freezing and storing fresh fruits and vegetables, says Ms. Mattox. By having food prepared in advance, moms will not only cut down on the time it takes to prepare their meals but this method will also keep their food fresher, longer.

6. When in doubt, make soup

Moms should always keep a stash of dried beans, bouillon cubes or canned stock on hand in the pantry says Ms. Mattox. Then they can simply toss in their frozen pre-cut vegetables, extra rice or pasta and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!