Three Ways to Simplify Mealtime

With a popularity of meal kits and delivery services available today, it’s no surprise people are looking for easier ways to eat and cook. But not everyone is interested in this format, and many people rely on smart recipes to stretch their budget and simplify their lives. Here are three savvy approaches to make meals work for you:

1. "Before and After” meals. Have you ever cooked a meal just because you know it’s easy to reinvent for a second day? Now & Again is a fabulous cookbook centered on the idea of making a delicious dish then easily transforming the leftovers into a second meal. It’s a great way to extend one meal into two while keeping things fresh.

2. Easy to find foods. If you work full-time or happen to live in a rural area, it may be tricky to get to the store or source ingredients you need. There’s no shame in keeping things simple and easy! Use this template from WebMD to create a great grocery list in minutes:

• Bakery and bread
• Meat and seafood
• Pasta and rice
• Oils, sauces, salad dressings, and condiments
• Cereals and breakfast foods
• Soups and canned goods
• Frozen foods
• Dairy, cheese, and eggs
• Snacks and crackers
• Produce
• Drinks

3. Cook things that get better with age. If you enjoy leftovers, or only want to cook once a week, there are some simple recipes that make a large portion and tend to taste better the longer they rest. These recipes typically include things like:

• Stews, soups, gumbo, and chili
• Roasted salmon
• Lentils
• Indian or Thai inspired dishes
• Pastas
• Dishes featuring mushrooms, beans, chickpeas, or nuts as a main ingredient
• Grains
• Stir Fry or fried rice
• Salad
• Meatballs
• Squash
• Casseroles or Cassoulet

Not sure how to serve them up? Check out these fancy-looking recipes or these slightly more approachable ones. Enjoy!