Tips For Homemakers

During this busy holiday season and the all-day cooking, I realized I use a shortcut every time I cook.

I fill the kitchen sink full of hot soapy water and wash dishes as I dirty them. Most of the time I am organized enough to even wash some of the pots and pans before putting the dinner on the table. Plus, even if you don’t have time to wash them, you have soaked them and they are definitely easier to clean.

If you have a dishwasher, this still works for you. I don’t use a dishwasher… by choice. I hate dishwashers. But, my daughter does enjoy her dishwasher and it helps to wash off the pots and pans before putting them in the dishwasher. Also, if you do this when you have a big meal with lots of pots and pans, you can start the dishwasher with the pots and pans and then by the time you finish eating, you can unload the pots and pans and start the second load of dishes/glasses and silverware . A big meal almost always means two loads for the dishwasher.

Do you hate flipping through your coupons at the grocery store? I sure do.

I found if I use an envelope to make my grocery list on and then put all my coupons in the envelope, it works great. By looking through my coupons at home, it reminds me that I need some items, too.

It really helps to only clip coupons that you use on a regular basis or if you have been wanting to try an item.

My husband told me he found another use for Windex. He has one of those watches with an elastic band that you just slip on your wrist. After awhile the band starts looking dull and I am sure there is some dead skin getting in there. He sprayed the Windex on the band and wiped it clean. It was so much easier than soaking it and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush.

I know I mentioned before that it is a bad idea to go shopping right before dinner/after you worked all day. Mainly because the grocery store is so crowded and you end up spending more time standing in line. But also because it puts you home later, dinner is later and getting out of the kitchen is later.

I have always heard “don’t go shopping when you are hungry.” I truly believe that is a good rule. It is for me, anyway. I find my shopping cart full of junk when I shop hungry. I have even grabbed a bag of those “Sweet Sixteen” powdered donuts and as soon as I get to the car, I eat three or four of them. If you want to save on your grocery bill, do not shop when you are hungry.

Another helpful hint, make a grocery list. I hate to get home from the grocery store and realize I forgot something that I needed NOW. Like last night, I forgot to buy Dawn. No list, no Dawn. I guess Dawn hasn’t been on sale lately or I would have had an extra one under the sink. I am rather “focused” on stocking up on food so it amazes me when I run of anything.

I like to keep a list as I realize I am out or almost out of an item. I keep the list on the refrigerator door. If I don’t make a list, I sometimes buy things thinking I need it and I already had an extra bottle hiding in my cabinet.

Another idea is to go through your refrigerator, freezer and cabinets before you head out to go grocery shopping. It will refresh you memory so you will be aware of what you already have at home.

Make sure you gather your coupons and put them in your purse, too. I even have a coupon that says you get $10 off for a purchase of $100 from Winn Dixie. Those are nice but I seldom buy that much food at one time for just me and my husband. I guess I just never get low enough on food that I need that much at one time.

Also, the circulars that come out weekly really help you save money. I often plan my menus from what is on sale for the week. There are certain foods I buy only when they are on sale….like T-bone steaks.

Seasonal foods are great to stock up on, too. During Thanksgiving and Christmas certain foods are on sale…like cranberry sauce, canned yams, hams and turkeys. Last year, I must have bought 24 cans of cranberry sauce. They were 50 cents a can instead of 99 cents. And why not buy an extra turkey. You can slice it up and make sandwiches or turkey salad. So take advantage of those seasonal sales.

Most people are too busy to really put much thought into grocery shopping. It is just one of those things you have to do. I truly feel that I save at least $100 a month by taking advantage of the circulars. I guess I have made it a game. I like to save at least 30% at Winn Dixie. My last shopping trip I spent $49 dollars and saved $23. That was without any coupons. And I only bought stuff I knew I would use.

When I do use coupons, I only clip out the coupons of things I normally purchase. It is very tempting to purchase items that you have a coupon for $1.00 off and think, “Oh, I think I will try that.” You end up spending more money. So don’t even clip the coupon unless it is a staple in your home.

So, I hope you will take advantage of the circulars and maybe clip a few coupons for things you use often. And don’t forget that grocery list. Happy grocery shopping. It is the only kind of shopping I enjoy. I know, I am a sick puppy as my daughters say.

I have always heard of “Spring cleaning” but for me “Fall cleaning” makes more sense. Afterall, when Spring comes, I want to get outside and work in the yard. Colder weather makes me glad to be inside the house, especially in the morning.

I set a goal of one room a day, cleaning from top to bottom . For me, starting with the least used room helps. You can get it cleaned faster and it is encouraging to have one finished. If I don’t have a lot of time one day, that’s when I do one of the bathrooms.

Also, it is amazing how many things I find and say “oh, that’s where that was” or “I didn’t realize I still had that.”

I also like to take a clothes basket with me as I clean. I take anything out of the room that needs to go to another room and put it in the basket at the doorway. It saves me time. I especially found this helpful when I had a two-story house (running up and down the stairs) and when my kids were young. It is amazing what you find in your small children’s bedrooms. Often car keys and the television clicker end up in your child’s toybox. lol

Fall is also the perfect time to “spring clean” because you find all kinds of things to take to Goodwill or Salvation Army and get a receipt for your taxes which will be filed in a couple months.

Another good thing about “Fall cleaning” is a lot of people have company during the holidays. Your house will be ready for those overnight guests.

It is also a great time to clean out your spices in your kitchen cabinet. Afterall, the holidays are coming and you will be spending a lot of extra time in the kitchen cooking those holiday meals. Spices that have expired…not good. I find it helpful to date the spices as I purchase them.

So, get a start on your “spring cleaning” by doing it this Fall. Have fun.

It is a matter of getting organized.

I put the meat on first since I want it cooked thoroughly and it gets more tender with time, in this case 25 minutes.

So, let’s say I put the pork chops in the pan with a little water, spice it with worcheshire sauce, garlic salt and Nature’s Seasoning and cover.

While the pork chops are cooking, I take some Zattaran yellow rice out. I get the water boiling and add the butter.

Then I open a can of green beans, drain and rinse off a couple times while still in the can. Pour into a pan, add water that covers the beans with half an inch more on top. Don’t overfill because the water has to get hot before it starts cooking. I add Nature’s Seasoning or sometimes a slice of bacon for flavoring. My mom cooks her canned green beans for hours and I swear, they taste just like fresh picked green beans.

By this time, the water is boiling for the rice. I add the rice into the water, stir, put on low and cover. Flip the pork chops and then add more spices or BBQ sauce. If you want to run take a shower, make sure you have enough water in the pork chops so they don’t burn.

That took all of five minutes. Everything is going so I set the table. Remember to try the Goodwill dishes–different place settings. It helps to change the look of the meal.

Have you tried the frozen biscuits that are quick frozen individually? Pillsbury makes them but there are a lot of different companies making them. They take about twenty minutes so turn your oven on before you even put the meat on. I wouldn’t put the biscuits in until after I get everything else going.

Another thing, my mom and I love jellied cranberry sauce. I decided a few years ago that it is a shame to just eat it for Thanksgiving and Christmas so I keep a can in the refrigerator at all times. One can lasts for at least two meals for the two of us. We actually eat it instead of something sweet after dinner.

It only takes about five minutes to get that meal cooking. The rice and biscuits both take about 20 minutes to cook so you have time to set the table, throw a load of laundry in the washer, go to the restroom, feed the dogs, pour yourself a glass of wine, etc.

I know it isn’t fun to work all day and then immediately walk into the kitchen to start dinner. And it makes your day even longer if you have to run by the grocery store before you can cook. That’s why it is important to shop smart. Buy meat in larger portions, individually wrap and freeze. Keep rice, mac and cheese and even hamburger helper on hand. I keep sweet potatoes and white russett (ONLY) on hand, too. Then keep canned green beans, frozen corn, frozen broccoli, frozen califlower, frozen brussel sprouts for example. Keep your cupboards full. Frozen vegetables ROCK. I steam them and it only takes minutes. When I don’t want to make a mess, I put a russett potato in the microwave. Poke holes in potato first.

Make grocery lists. If possible, plan two or three meals a head of time making sure you have all the ingredients.

Either while you are eating your dinner or when you are cleaning up, take out something from the freezer for your dinner tomorrow. If for some reason, you don’t end up cooking dinner the next night, the meat will keep for an additional day. So, if you see you don’t have something for dinner that you need for tomorrow’s meal, go to the grocery store that night, not on the way home from work. The grocery stores are not nearly as crowded after dinner as they are right after work so you aren’t the only one who does that.

I have found that since I grocery shop smarter, I really enjoy fixing a nice meal for dinner. There is no hassle because everything I need is at my fingertips.

If you look in my freezer, you will see individually wrapped pork chops, cube steak, hamburger meat, fish, steaks, roast, and chicken. Then I have frozen vegetables, a couple bottles of frozen water for my husband’s lunches, bacon, hot dogs, a frozen DiGirono pizza, perogies, bagels, loaf of bread, frozen biscuits and etc. I guess I treat my kitchen as a restaurant. I keep stocked up.

If you have room in your freezer, always keep a loaf of bread in there. When you take it out, and it thaws, it tastes so fresh. It always annoyed me to have to run to the store to get a loaf of bread or a carton of milk. With the high cost of gas, that loaf of bread just got real expensive.

Well, this is a long post so I will stop now.

My sister, Cindy mentioned she would like more information on getting food on the table fast. My husband loves that I can walk in the door and we can sit down to eat within half an hour.

Part of it is being ready to cook when I walk in the door. I buy food that is fast to fix. I remember to take something out either the night before or in the morning or have back-up quick foods.

I buy ground beef or ground chuck and divide it into one pound portions and freeze in aluminum foil or freezer bags. Frozen hamburger meat is so versatile. You can cook it on the stove with some water for faster cooking and then you can make taco salad, chili, sandwiches (sloppy joes) or even hamburger helper meals. This part of my back-up plan when I forget to take something out for dinner.

I buy T-bones or Ribeyes on sale and have them cut into 3/4 inch steaks so they cook faster. I individually wrap them in aluminum foil or in a freezer bag. Don’t freeze them together because they take much longer to thaw.

Pork chops, buy in bulk on sale, wrap individually. You can grill the pork chops with onions, or steam them and and add BBQ sauce or make gravy with them.

The gravy is just a matter of taking a cup or so of cold water, adding a tablespoon of all purpose floor and stirring until totally dissolved. Then add the flour mixture to pork chops when the chops are done and cooking on low. Stir until the gravy mixes well with juices and starts thickening. If it gets too thick, just add some tap water. Add a little worcheshire sauce for flavoring. You can add a package of pork seasoning to make the gravy if you prefer.

Chicken…I buy the frozen chicken breasts that are boneless. They are individually frozen (IQF-Individually Quick Frozen)so that helps. Just throw the package of breasts in the freezer. They are ready when you are. This is another “oops, I forgot to take something out meal”.

Steam and spice the chicken the way you like (BBQ, grilled with lemon pepper, etc) . Be brave, add soy sauce or teriyaki.

Another quick meal is make a salad and then chop up the grilled chicken and throw on top. My favorite salad is served with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, shredded cheese, boiled egg and chicken with Ranch Dressing.
Keep boiled eggs on hand. Great for salads or a quick egg salad sandwich. Egg salad sandwiches are great for breakfast, too. You can eat it on the run. Better than a donut.

I have already written about making roasts by cooking them overnight and then make french dip sandwiches with the leftovers.

And then who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner occasionally. We only have a big breakfast on weekends so it is great to have bacon, egg, cheese bagels and home-fried potatoes during the week.

Okay, that’s how to do the meat part of the meal quickly.

This recipe came out a long time ago…but, I haven’t seen it in print for a long time so I thought I would share it. I don’t remember who published it or where it came from.

Take a large bowl..not metal..add a box of powdered sugar (make sure it is fresh or it will be lumpy), a stick of butter or margarine, l/2 cup of milk, and l/4 cup of cocoa.

Put in microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Take out and stir. If it is lumpy put it back into the microwave for another minute. Take out again and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat. The fudge will get nice and shiny. Add pecans or walnuts, if desired. About 1/4 cup.

Pour into a square glass pan 8 x 8, or 9 x 9 that has been buttered. Refrigerate.

Variations of fudge:

Peanut Butter Fudge: Delete the cocoa and l/2 cup of peanut butter instead.

You can make a Rocky Road Fudge by adding almonds and coconut and tiny marshmellows.

The fudge takes about 5 minutes to make and turns out perfect every time. Just make sure you get fresh powdered sugar. Yummy.

I know there are crock pots out there and you can put a roast on before you leave for work but I think this is even easier because you do the work before you go to bed. I would always get busy in the morning and forget to put the stupid roast on anyway.

When working as a General Manager for Golden Coral, we made roasts and turkeys for Sunday lunch and we used a tall cooking oven where you could put a number of turkeys and roasts in to cook. What we did was cook them all night at l80 degrees. So from that, I decided I could do the same for my roast at home.

So, before I head for bed I put a London Broil in the oven. I spice it with worcheshire sauce, garlic salt and Nature’s Seasoning or sometimes I open a packet of Lipton’s onion dry soup mix and put on it. Then I add about an inch of water in the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Put the oven on low or around 180/200. Cook in the oven all night. The roast will be so tender. You will love it.

Then in the morning, I take it out of the refrigerator and sit it on top of the counter to let it cool for about an hour before I put it into the refrigerator. Do not leave it sitting out all day to cool.

When I get home, I put the roast in a deep frying pan on the stove and add hot water (one inch deep around roast). Cover and warm on medium/high heat. I usually let it warm up for 20 minutes or so while I finish up the rest of the dinner. I like to grill some onions in a separate pan and add to the roast while it is reheating. You could put potatoes in, too but it may take a little longer to get dinner on the table. If you cut the potatoes smaller….the meal will be ready faster.

If you like a more beefy flavor for your broth, you can add a bouillion cube or two or even a packet of au juis.

Now if you have time, you can put it back into the oven instead of on top of the stove. You can add potatoes and onions if you have an hour or so before you want to eat. I would put the oven on at least 375/400 degrees.

We seldom ever finish a roast unless we have company for dinner so I make french dip sandwiches with the rest.

I buy Italian bread/loaf and slice down the center, horizonally. I add the heated meat and grilled onions with a slice or two of provolone cheese. I then heat the sandwich open-faced in the microwave on medium until the cheese melts. It takes just a minute. I buy the little packet of au juis for dipping. Sometimes there is enough broth left over from the roast. Then I serve the sandwich with a salad and sometimes homemade french fries.

My husband has hypoglocemia and needs to eat 6 small meals a day to keep his sugar regulated. I was packing his lunch to save money but realized the things I was packing were really not good for him though they were quick and easy to pack…. processed meat sandwiches, chips, pepsis, cookies.

Now, I buy 4 or 5 pounds of ground beef meat and make them into 4 ounce hamburger patties. Place in a frying pan and add Worcheshire Sauce, garlic salt and Nature’s Seasoning to taste. I have a large frying pan and it holds seven patties. I sometimes cook 30 or so patties if the hamburger meat is on sale. After they are cooked thoroughly and cooled for about 5 minutes, I wrap each one individually with aluminum foil. I use one of those plastic shoe box size containers to store them in the freezer.

I have been buying ground beef for $l.49 a pound and I continue to stock up on it when it is on sale so I keep about thirty patties in the freezer at all times. The frozen patty only takes about 2 minutes in the microwave. Calvin usually bakes his potato first (4 minutes) and then puts the vegetable and meat in together for about 2 minutes. So it takes about six minutes but he is busy getting his drink and setting up his eating area during that time.

Sometimes I buy boneless pork chops and cook up about six of them using my steam process so it is fast and tender. Again, cool and wrap in aluminum foil and freeze. You need variety.

I have also found those frozen chicken breasts (on sale for $5.99 a bag - 2 lbs) work really well, too. I usually just cook up about four or six servings at a time.

I buy frozen vegetables like broccoli florets, califlower, and brussel sprouts (his choices). I also buy sweet potatoes and a bag of russet potatoes for baking.

So I pack two bottles of water (one frozen to keep things colder and for a refreshing drink on the way home), two hamburger patties, either a sweet potato or russet potato, and one of the frozen vegetable, and two pieces of fruit (usually peach, apple or banana). Plus, a small plate and silverware. This only works if you have access to a microwave at work.

The people at work are so jealous when he sits down to a hamburger (sometimes I add a bun) with a baked potato and broccoli with a fresh fruit for dessert. They think I am a wonderful wife.

I sometimes pack leftovers, too but skip a day when you pack it. If we have country fried steak on Monday, I pack a piece of it for Wednesday’s lunch.

I don’t know if this will help anyone but it could make your lunches more interesting and healthier. It takes me about 2 minutes to pack his lunch.

2 bottles of water, 2 meats, 2 vegetables, 2 fruits