We spend a lot of time (and money!) in our kitchens – why not spend it wisely?
Plan your week
Shopping daily, or for each meal, means extra cost – there’s always a few items popped into the basket that isn’t really necessary, and it adds up. Decide the main ingredients you will need for each meal of the week and shop once for them all.
When you get home, take the time to organise your groceries – freeze chicken breasts individually in plastic bags, to save thawing out more than you need. If you are planning meatballs or burgers, make the patties or meatballs and freeze them all done – it will make meal preparation much faster at the other end!
Save your perishables
Vegetables like celery often wilt in the fridge – wash it, chop it into sticks and store it in an airtight container – it will stay fresher for longer and is ready for a healthy instant snack. It is a good idea to do the same with a few carrots and other vegetables – it saves snacking on junk!
Pre-marinate
If you like your steak marinated, make up a marinade in a ziplock bag and freeze the meat in its marinade – it will thaw and take on flavours, and it’s another job off the list at dinner-time.
It seems like extra work on shopping day, but these tips can make busy nights or late homecomings that much easier and cuts down drastically on waste.