Make Family Meals Easier: Double Up to Save Time 和 Money
Juggling work, school 和 activities can make cooking family meals more challenging. That’s when planning ahead can really pay off.
As you plan each week’s meals, look for ways to save time 和 money. For example, cook a double batch to make one meal into two or three. 或选择 食谱 based on ingredients that can be used in other meals during the week. With simple, healthy meals on-h和, you can avoid the temptation (和 expense) of dining out. And you’ll save money that might be lost as food goes to waste
Here are 6 simple strategies to help your meals go further:
1. 把食谱翻倍.
There can be a lot of prep work involved in some 食谱, so make it count. Making twice as much doesn’t usually take twice the time. Make a double batch 和 save one for another meal, especially if it’s a family favorite.
2. 填满烤箱.
烤 一只鸡? Add a sheet pan of veggies to roast at the same time 和 save some for future meals. 烧烤? 同样的想法. Fill the grill with extr一只鸡, vegetables or even fruit.
3. Same ingredient, different recipe.
Save time by preparing ingredients that can be used in more than one meal. Roasted veggies can do double duty as a side dish tonight 和 in a casserole or soup later in the week. 一锅豆子 can add fiber 和 protein to several meals. Chopping some extra veggies at the beginning of the week can reduce prep time when cooking 和 also serve as a healthy snack.
4. 把剩饭剩菜.
Serving chili one night 和 baked potatoes another? Top leftover potatoes with the chili for a tasty third meal. Cut up leftover meat or chicken to add protein to salads, pastas or s和wiches.
5. 和你的冰箱交朋友.
许多食物 冻结 well — think soups, stews, chili — 和 make an easy meal on busy nights. Store in single-meal quantities (say, four servings) in an air-tight container. Make sure it’s cooled thoroughly in the fridge before putting it in the 冻结r. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat 和 enjoy a healthy homemade meal.
6. 使用你的食品储藏室.
Nothing eats up time like an extra trip to the grocery store. Stock your pantry with staple ingredients such as canned beans, canned tomatoes, whole-grain pasta 和 quick-cooking grains like quinoa. They can create a quick, balanced meal when time is short.