Thank you Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes for sponsoring this post. Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes are real potatoes, real easy, delivering homemade taste on demand.
Plan Meals that Take 30 Minutes or Less to Cook
I’m all about quality. I’m all about a good home cooked meal. I’m all about a delicious taste.
At the same time I’m all about quality time with my family. I’m learning that being intentional with my time, efforts and tasks involve me planning and seeking to simplify life as much as possible. I know that planning and simplifying life is sometimes a daily task and one that takes time to learn. Finding this rhythm in our home brings freedom to our schedule and family time – for which I’m all in!
(side note: she’s sneaking over to her daddy’s seat to mooch off of his plate!!!! I can’t decide if I like that or his facial expression more!!)
I’m going to share my quick tips on how I plan our weeknight meals that take 30 minutes or less to prep and cook. I know that sounds bizarre but it’s something I’m learning more and more about and learning to incorporate into life. Being a parent means managing my time wisely so we have more family time!
1- Plan.
I say it like it’s a squeaky wheel but you HAVE to plan. Plan your meals and snacks. This cuts back on time spent at the grocery store wondering aimlessly…as well as multiple grocery store runs!
Also plan what you choose for meals…I make sure I don’t elaborate – I know to some that sounds like a disgrace, but keeping it simple helps me focus. When choosing my main dish – I’ll make sure that I can cook that quickly while I’m also prepping side dishes. A new favorite to have on hand is the Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes . I can make these in minutes and they are made from 100% real Idaho® potatoes! I’m not sure my family even knows they a quick one for me because they have the best taste and texture compared to any other mashed potato.
2- Plan smart.
What do I mean by planning smart? I’m all about changing our our meal plan and giving variety but at the same time if I can cook meals that incorporate some of the same ingredients that saves me a tremendous amount of time on some weeknights.
Can I use ground meat for a few meals? Yet can I fry up the ground meat during one meal prep? Or freeze a portion of the meat for another meal?
Can I include a side dish two times within the week? i.e. two meals with Idahoan Mashed potatoes? Change up the flavor maybe since they have several varieties to choose from including: Buttery Homestyle®, Butter and Herb, Bacon & Cheddar Chipotle, Roasted Garlic, Four Cheese, and Buttery Golden Selects.
3- Execute.
What you plan is what you should execute. I hear many say that they made a meal plan, went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients but never made those meals. No you plan…you execute…the end!
Use your time wisely – just remember “You can’t recycle wasted time!” The most precious thing in life is time and use it wisely!
What are ways you help save time in the kitchen? Whether you are busy running kids around to soccer practice and piano lessons…or you just want less time in the kitchen so you can play board games as a family – share your tricks and tips with me!!!!
Hi I’m Erin a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom, blog helping moms use their camera to capture their families and adventures, talking all things home, parenting and our travel adventures as a family. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our little three year old preschooler, Miss E, in our house we spent building for three years, doing all of the labor and work ourselves and paying for it as we went! We are blessed beyond measure and praise the Lord for all He’s done for us, through us and with us.
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