Some tips

Ok...I'm feeling chatty tonight and happy to be blogging again, so I thought I'd throw out some helpful hints. Eating out is expensive and fast food is bad for you. I know cooking a meal at home can be time consuming, so I thought I'd pass along some helpful tips.

USE YOUR CROCKPOT!! There are SO many recipes that can be made in the crockpot that are tasty and easy to make. Most of the meats, especially red meats, benefit from being browned before going into the crockpot. SOOOOOOOOO I do this the night before and put it in the fridge. In the morning it's ready to go. I also chop the veggies up the night before and put it in a baggy in the fridge. Also, if there are any other ingredients that can be measured out, do so the night before. It is really so much easier. Put the crockpot out the night before, and any utensils you will need. In the morning, gather your ingredients and layer them in the crockpot. Make sure to remember to turn the crock pot on and you are set! It is such a good feeling to be at work or the gym or shopping or scrapping and know that your dinner is handled. Also, if you have time, wash up before you leave. If you don't have time, at least rinse them off.

If you use onions a lot in your cooking, chop up several at a time and seal tightly and refrigerate. This also works for carrots and celery.

Like fresh berries in your smoothies? When they are in season place them single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze them. When they are frozen, place them in a large, plastic freezer bag and put back in the freezer. Grab a handful when you need them.

How about bananas? Freeze them when they are beginning to get overripe. They can be used later in smoothies or banana bread.

Frozen grapes make an AWESOME snack...try them sometime. Kids LOVE them, too!

Stir fry dishes are another fast meal. Again, having sliced veggies done ahead of time really help. You can slice them and they will keep for several days. Just be sure to seal them tightly. If they are starting to wilt, use them in a stew or soup before they go bad.

That's all I have for now. More later. Promise. I've missed this blog!