Quick Tips for Busy, Busy Weeknights
Whatever it takes to get food on the table, you have to do something. We’re not saying that calling the Chinese takeout guy is harder than cooking. But all things considered, it’s not that much different. And with a little planning and some fun and easy recipes, dinner’s ready faster than you can say, “Pizza delivery.”
10 Pantry Staples
- Pasta
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Prepared Broths
- Quick Cooking Grains
- Condensed Soups
- Prepared Condiments (like Heinz 57 Sauce)
- Canned Beans
- Sauce & Gravy Mixes
- Canned Tomatoes
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Busy, Busy Weekend Tips
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Rolling in the aisles.
Your supermarket is chock full of time-saving options: pre-washed salads in bags, already chopped veggies and meats packaged in marinades.
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Slow cookers are your friend.
Throw a few ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning—it will all taste great when you come home after a long day.
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Today’s steak is tomorrow’s stir-fry.
The idea is to fix a little extra of your main dish one night and use the leftovers for an entirely different dish later on in the week.
Toss leftover Heinz 57 Ways 22 in a stir-fry. Turn leftover Heinz 57 Ways 38 into enchiladas.
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Divvy up the duties.
Sure, one of you can do the cooking while the other cleans up, but try sharing the actual cooking stuff. It’s faster and, uh, funner.
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Keep a stash in the freezer.
As long as you’re making that pot of chili or beef stew, make a double batch and freeze half. Make two of your favorite casserole and freeze one for up to 3 months. Everything should be cooled down before it goes in the freezer—not to mention tightly wrapped and clearly labeled.
Check out Heinz 57 Ways 42.
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Do stuff ahead of time.
Chop vegetables and keep them in vacuum seal bags. Divide meat into recipe-sized amounts. Whisk up marinades and dressings over the weekend.
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Think small.
Make mini-meatloaves or meatloaf patties. Bake several small potatoes instead of one large one.
Check out Heinz 57 Ways 9.
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And you thought it just made good popcorn.
Use your microwave to cook rice and steam vegetables in no time flat.
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Oh, nooooooo, not again.
It’s easy to get in a rut, cooking the same stuff over and over. Keep it fast, keep it easy—but keep it interesting.
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Yes, it’s the little things.
Use your favorite dishes, light a few candles and put on some music. Oh, and enjoy each other’s company.