Speed Cooking 101

Well, I never had to speed date — I am so glad I dodged that bullet. I would imagine it would be crazy, stressful & noisy ((kind of like the night I snapped the above picture –when the herd decided to launch a sneak attack on David)). Well, that is what it feels like around my house at 5 o’clock in the evening and at 12:00 pm … and 9 am and 1:12 pm. It’s a hard time of day – made harder when the herd is starving and I have no dinner ideas. Speed cooking is the only way to survive.

In order to speed cook, you must have previously anticipated that a moment like this would occur and planned accordingly. It may sound harder than it really is – this is just Speed Cooking 101…it is not complicated I PROMISE.

First, refer to the previous post entitled “You Complete my Pantry” these tips, from seasoned speed cookers, will help you become better prepared. Next stock your fridge. Pillsbury can help with that…a can or two of biscuits, crescent sheets and pie crust can come in super handy and lend simply to a tasty meal. Next, pre-cook and freeze ground beef and ground sausage in 1 lb. portions. **When browning meat, I just double the amount of meat needed for what I am cooking at the time and freeze half for a later date. It is also helpful to have some smoked turkey sausage and turkey pepperoni on hand — they really help to lighten up speedy meals. Last, always keep some fresh herbs, onions, a couple fresh veggies and a couple blocks of cheese on hand. Then you are set!