How to The Kitchen, the Heart of My Home

I think of the kitchen as being the heart of my home. This is because I know that food has an important role to play in the lives of our families. They can be blessed by the many ways food and eating is a part of their daily life. Nothing warms the heart of a husband like the smell of dinner cooking as he walks in from a hard day's work. I love how a meal can call the family together for a time of sharing and discussing life. There is something so wonderful about the smell of bread, muffins or a cake baking in the oven. And who can deny the satisfaction of sitting down with the family all present and enjoying a pan of homemade lasagna, salad and fresh bread!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. *Plan Meals - it is very important to plan out menus in advance. It may be just a few days or it can be a couple of weeks in advance. But, try to always know exactly what you are making for the next day. Keep your meals simple and use common ingredients.
2. *Make A Master Pantry List - once you develop simple meals with common ingredients you can stock up your pantry with these items. Keep a running list of these items and how much you have on hand. Try to buy these items when they go on sale.
3. *Make a Master Grocery List - this takes time in the beginning but saves you tons of time later on. Make a list of the common weekly and monthly items you buy. Keep it on your computer. When it is time to grocery shop simply print the list and circle needed items.
4. *Keep a price sheet - know what you are spending on food items. Using a small notebook jot down prices as you shop and then keeping a master list on the computer. This is a must for the budget!
5. *Use The Freezer - I can't say this enough. Even if all you have is the one above your fridge. When you cook a meal try making a double batch and freeze one for the next week or for that new mommy or neighbor or for you on a stressful day when nothing went as you had planned. This will prevent you from running out to fast food and deli foods.
6. *Keep The Kitchen Clean - It is so much more motivating to work in a clean kitchen rather than a cluttered one. Clean up as you work.