FALL Tips & Tricks

FALL

A Place to Start

Before you even begin cooking, there are a few steps you can follow to save yourself time and effort. Check out these pointers to make cooking a fun and creative venture rather than a chore.

• Coordinate cooking times. Before you begin cooking, think about the side dishes you plan to serve with your meal. Will your side dish take longer to cook than the main dish? Be sure to start the meal component that will take the longest first.

• When you bring home groceries, wash your fresh vegetables, herbs, and greens. You'll save time while cooking by having these ingredients ready to use.

• Read through your week's recipes in advance. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the cooking techniques you'll be performing throughout the week. Also, you won't forget important steps, such as marinating a day ahead.

• Set all your ingredients for a dish on the counter before you begin cooking. This way you know you'll have everything you need for the recipe.

• have all the ingredients fit the description on the recipe's ingredient list. For example, if your recipe calls for a chopped green pepper, chop the green pepper before you start cooking the dish.