If you’ve tried to get into the habit of cooking more of your own meals, but were never able to keep it going for too long, it probably has more to do with something other than the actual cooking.
In the first post in this series, we discussed the importance of having the right kitchen utensils. And the next step to being a better cook also has nothing to do with actually cooking.
Organize Your Kitchen to Make it Easier to Cook
Starting with the proper lighting, there are a number of ways you can make your kitchen a better place to prepare meals.
- Reduce Clutter– More than most rooms in your home, the kitchen must have a place for everything, and everything in its place, so you can focus on preparing meals and not get side-tracked by trying to find a whisk.
- Pot Racks keep your pots, pans, utensils and kettles within easy reach under cupboards or hanging from the ceiling.
- Knife Racks keep your knives handy, but remember you’ll also need quick access to cutting boards and bowls, often unexpectedly and when you’re in the middle of a crucial part of the recipe.
- Practice Waste Management – Make sure a garbage can and compost bin are nearby so you can quickly get rid of food packaging and scraps before they get in the way – or into your dish.
- Pick Your Spot – If you own a large home, your kitchen probably has lots of counter and cupboard space. While it’s a nice luxury to have, it means you need to carefully choose a central space for preparing your food. The spot may change, depending on the dish you are working on. You may want to be closer to the sink if you’re preparing lots of vegetables that need to be washed, and closer to the stove if some ingredients need to be heated or cooked before being added to the main dish.
In smaller kitchens, you might be able to add “counter space” with a small folding table, which can be your chopping spot and affect exactly where you do the rest of your food preparation.
It comes down to planning ahead. Too often we get really enthusiastic about starting to cook our own meals and we jump into it, not realizing how the lack of preparation can result in frustration and ruin the chance to make cooking a part of our healthy lifestyle.