How-To

Laundry Day- A “Do’s and Don’ts” Guide

Posted on May 19, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged cosmo appliances, kitchen appliances, washing machine2 Comments

Like with most kitchen appliances, there are a few tricks to washing clothes in a washing machine. Having a machine to do those seemingly endless loads of clothing is convenient. And you may think you know how to use it effectively but it’s not as straight forward as you would imagine. To ensure your clothes always come out clean and fresh it’s important you know exactly how to use a washing machine, for example you want to know the proper ways to wash your delicates or load the dryer, you’ll want to follow this guide on the right ways to do your laundry. DOs – For best results 1. DO separate colors and pre-treat stains Divide your weekly washes into four piles: whites, lights, darks, and delicates to prevent any color run disasters. Once you’ve got enough of one pile to put it in the machine, check the garments for stains. Pre-treat these items before placing in the washer to avoid having to re-wash later. Clothes should be sorted by: Fabric: separate delicate fabrics that require a gentle cycle from heavier items. Color: Keep whites separate from colors and group lighter colors from darker ones. Soil: Soil travels from one garment to garment so try to wash heavily soiled garments separately. 2. DO check garment care labels Before popping your clothes in the washing machine, check the care labels for washing guidelines for instructions on the appropriate wash cycle and temperature to set. 3. DO use laundry bags for delicates Delicate items like underwear, silks, lingerie and white items that are really precious to you should be placed in laundry bags to protect them from snagging. If you don’t have a laundry bag, use a pillowcase! 4. DO use the right amount of detergent Always read the packaging of your detergent to learn how to measure and use that specific product: Measure liquid detergents using the measuring cap Measure washing powders using the scoop provided and pour into the correct compartment of the detergent drawer (check your owner manual for this). Add washing tablets to the detergent drawer or the washing machine drum before your clothes, according to the instructions for your machine. Just like washing machine tablets, how to use laundry capsules is easy and straightforward. Pop one at the back of the drum before your clothes and go! Fill the machine with water, detergent and then add your clothes, this procedure will help detergent, fabric softener to properly dissolve in the water. 5. DO leave your washing machine door open after use This will allow it to air out and help prevent mold and mildew from growing. 6. DO prevent shrinking by using cold or warm water Cotton, denim, and various other fabrics can shrink if you wash them in hot water, so always use cold or warm water while washing woolen, cotton outfits. 7. DO clean your washing machine Regular cleaning is an important part of knowing how to use a washing machine. Set the washing machine to a hot cycle and add a cup of white vinegar to sanitize the machine and help remove smells. DON’T’s – Avoid these common mistakes 1. DON’T overload your machine Clothes crammed into the washing machine won’t be able to move around enough to get a proper clean so you could end up needing to wash them again! Likewise, do not wash small loads using a large load cycle – this will use an unnecessary amount of water and energy. 2. DON’T leave anything in pockets Check all pockets for things like tissues or plastic toys, before placing in the washing machine. A stray tissue could leave your entire load covered in white fluff! 3. DON’T put fabric softener directly on top of laundry Fabric softener should never come in direct contact with clothes as it could stain them. Consult your washing machine manual and find the correct compartment in the detergent drawer for the conditioner to be placed in – it’s usually marked with a flower. 4. DON’T use too much detergent An excessive amount of laundry detergent could leave residue on your clothing and doesn’t result in cleaner clothes. 5. DON’T leave wet clothes in for a long time Moisture from wet clothes could result in a build-up of mold in your washing machine drum, or even on your clothes. Remove clothes from the washer as soon as possible after the rinse cycle is finished and dry naturally, outside, where you can. Happy washing! With the basic dos and don’ts of how to use your washing machine covered, doing the laundry should now be a lot simpler.

Common Cooking Myths Busted

Posted on May 15, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged cooking, cooking at home, foodNo Comments

It isn’t just inexperienced home cooks who make mistakes in the kitchen. There are countless cooking myths that keep even the most competent chefs from reaching their full potential in the kitchen. Before you suffer through another less-than-stellar meal, make sure you’re not falling for these cooking myths. And start making every meal healthier and more delicious. Myth No. 1: Frozen isn’t as good as fresh Frozen food is just as—and in some cases more—nutritious than fresh varieties. Fresh food is often picked before the fruit or vegetable is ripe, then packaged, shipped, and stocked. The time from harvesting to your plate could be days, even more than a week. During that time, the food loses nutrients. Frozen food, however, is harvested at peak ripeness and flash-frozen within hours. Myth No. 2: Microwaving destroys nutrients in food Nutrients break down when exposed to heat, no matter the source. Cooking foods in water or other liquids can also make nutrients leach out of the food. Since microwaving is so quick and uses very little liquid, it preserves more nutrients than other cooking methods such as boiling or baking. Myth No. 3: Cooking removes nutrients from vegetables. Many people believe that eating vegetables raw is the best way to get their nutrients. Most vitamins are not too much affected by heat from boiling or steaming, and cooking vegetables might actually make some of them easier to digest. Boiling water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C and B) does remove some n nutrients into the water, but most remain. Myth No. 4: Cast-iron skillets work only on gas stoves; you can’t cook with them on an electric range. Cast iron works great on electric, although it may take a little longer to achieve the same results since cast iron is slightly slower to heat on an electric heating element. If you’re using a cast-iron skillet on an electric range, you may find that you need to cook things slightly longer. Myth No 5: It’s bad to refreeze previously-frozen food Food thawed on the counter (a serious no-no!) should never be returned to the freezer for safety reasons. In fact, you might want to consider throwing it out entirely. However, Frozen foods that were thawed in the fridge and not on the counter can be returned to the freezer. Myth No 6: Cooking with a Grill has limitations Think of your grill as basically a big oven with a lid, you can cook just about anything on it — providing you have the right vessel. There are a few “ungrillable” items that are great prepared over hot coals. Myth No. 7: Slow cookers are good for everything Slow cookers are wonderful but they can’t cook everything. There are some things that just aren’t going to turn out well in the slow cooker, no matter how hard you try. Since most types of fish and shellfish cook very quickly, the slow cooker is not advisable for most seafood dishes. Myth No. 8: Don’t Wash Cast Iron Pans You should definitely wash your pans. Coat the surface of the pan in cooking oil before soaping it down. This way the dish soap won’t damage the seasoning.

Cooking with a Range – Beginner’s Guide to Cooking like a Pro at Home

Posted on May 12, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

Everyone is entertaining at home these days, and whether it’s for a small group or large gathering, the trend of professional-grade kitchens in the home is here to stay. A top chef’s kitchen adds lots of value to your home, and the focus is the appliances. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing pro-style chef-grade Gas Range . Gas Heats up Faster Because the Flame Is the Source of Heat Gas stoves heat much faster than electric, with gas stoves, the flame itself is the source of heat. This means you don’t need to wait on for the burner to get hot – your pan will instantly begin feeling the heat. When You Turn off the Burner, You Turn off the Heat When you turn off the burner, you turn off the flame. And, when you turn off the flame, you turn off the heat. Simmering May Take Some Practice When it comes to cooking on a gas range, there’s one thing that many people have trouble with, and that’s how to simmer. It may take some practice. With a bit of practice, you will find the perfect setting for the simmer function. Learn What Gas Smells Like and Know How to Turn the Gas Off it’s very important to know what natural gas and propane (depending on which you have) smell like. While leaks are very rare, they are possible. For your safety, knowing how to turn off the gas is crucial. Take the time to learn where the valve switch is and how to use it before you even cook. Be Mindful of the Flame Remember that you are cooking with an open flame. With a gas range, the flame is the heat. So, if something comes in contact with it, a fire can start very quickly. Watch out for things such as kitchen towels, oven mitts, long hair, loose clothing, etc. And, get in the habit of turning a burner off the moment you remove a pan from it. Keep It Clean No matter how hard you try, cooking can get messy. Food splatters, drips, spills, and so forth. And while you may want to overlook this mess or believe that it will cook off the next time the oven or stove are turned on, you are leaving yourself with a potentially dangerous situation. The leftover debris from your cooking may actually catch fire the next time you go to light your burner. So make a point to clean after each use. When Baking, Consider Rotating Your Pans One of the biggest complaints from bakers is the uneven heating that occurs in a gas oven. Unless you have a convection fan, you may find that your food may bake faster on one side. To prevent any issue with over- or under-cooked food, consider rotating your pans throughout the baking time. This will help each side to be evenly exposed to the heat.

Delicious Microwave Recipes Made Ready in Minutes

Posted on May 8, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged easy recipes, foodNo Comments

Cream Cheese French Toast In a Mug Recipe PREP TIME: 5 mins COOK TIME: 1 min 20 secs YIELD: 1 cup Recipe by fabulesslyfrugal.com Ingredients 1 ounce cream cheese 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons milk 1 cup cubed bread or croissant (about 1 1/2 slices hearty bread cut into 1/2-inch pieces) 2 tablespoons raspberries (fresh or frozen), chopped Instructions Place cream cheese and sugar in mug, ramekin, or other microwave-safe small bowl. Use a fork to mash the cream cheese and sugar together until well combined. Add the egg, vanilla, and milk and use the fork to whisk until mixture is combined. It is ok if there are still small lumps of cream cheese. Add cubed bread or croissant pieces and gently fold them into the mixture without breaking them apart, until each piece is no longer dry. Let sit for about 1 minute, to allow bread to soak up the mixture. Microwave for 1 minute. If there is still liquid, microwave for another 10-30 seconds, depending on your microwave, until the mixture is solid. (1 minute and 20 seconds works well for me.) Careful, mug may be hot! Sprinkle chopped berries on top. If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over top as well. Serve warm. 15-Minute Meat Loaf Prep:10 mins Cook:25 mins Yield:1 meatloaf (6 servings) Recipe by Thespruceeats.com Ingredients 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/3 cup minced onion Optional: minced garlic (to taste) 3 tbsp. quick cooking oats 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves 1/4 tsp. dried marjoram leaves 1/4 tsp. garlic salt Dash white pepper 1 egg 1 lb. ground chuck 1 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp. prepared mustard Instructions Gather the ingredients. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine oil, onion, and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes on high until soft. Combine with oats, 1/2 the tomato sauce, thyme, marjoram, garlic salt, pepper, and egg in a large bowl. Mix in meat with your hands. Gently shape into an 8×4 inch loaf. Place into a 9×5 inch glass loaf pan, making sure the meat mixture doesn’t touch the sides of the pan. Cover pan with microwave-safe waxed paper. Microwave at high power for 5 minutes, then carefully siphon off the juices using a turkey baster. Combine brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard with remaining tomato sauce. Spoon this mixture over the meatloaf, making sure to evenly coat top and sides. Return pan to the microwave, rotating one-half turn. Cover pan with microwave-safe waxed paper and cook at 50% for 15 to 20 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf registers 160 F. Cover with foil and let stand 5 minutes on a solid surface before serving. (The temperature of the meatloaf will rise about 10 degrees during standing time.) Microwave Risotto with Ham, Peas and Cheese Prep: 15 MINTotal: 40 MINServings: 4Recipe by -Tablespoon.com Ingredients • 4 tablespoons butter• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper• 1 cup uncooked short-grain• Arborio rice• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)• 1 cup diced ham• 1 cup Cascadian Farm™ frozen organic peas (from 10-oz bag)• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz) Instructions 1. In 2-quart microwavable bowl, place 2 tablespoons of the butter, the onion, garlic and pepper.2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; microwave on High 2 to 4 minutes or until onion is soft. Add rice; stir to coat with butter. Cover; set aside.3. In 4-cup microwavable measuring cup, place broth. Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until hot. Pour into rice mixture; stir. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; microwave on High 5 minutes.4. Stir mixture. Cover tightly; microwave on Medium (50%) for 12 minutes. Stir in ham and frozen peas; continue to cook on Medium (50%) 5 to 7 minutes longer or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.5. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the cheese. Serve immediately.

Healthy Living: Steps to Take for a Healthier Lifestyle

Posted on May 7, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, How-To, RecipesTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

There isn’t a better time than now to start getting fit with health information and products so easily accessible. Simply incorporate the basics into your daily routine – good nutrition, adequate exercise and a daily supplement – and start down the path toward better health. Plan a Nutritious Diet The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy diet as one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products. It should be low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. Warm weather makes fresh produce more easily accessible. Eat more fruits and vegetables by setting freshly washed and prepared produce on the kitchen counter or at eye level in the fridge. At every meal, make sure half your plate is made up of fruit and vegetable servings. One-fourth of your plate at every meal should be made up of grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal or barley. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. The remaining one-fourth of your plate should be lean or low-fat cuts of meat, plant-based protein or seafood. Get Regular Exercise The Department of Health and Human Services recommends an adequate amount of exercise every day. This guide can point to the right amount of exercise to add to your schedule: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. For best results, spread the time out over several days. Do strength training exercises at least twice a week. Lifting weights builds muscle, which means the body burns more calories – even at rest. It’s important to keep in mind that when people are active, they produce more free radicals. The antioxidants found in supplements can help buffer the negative effects of the workout. Improving your diet, exercising regularly, taking a daily supplement and getting enough restorative sleep are all important steps to overall wellness. Work to incorporate each step into your daily routine until you reach your goal of good health Source: eLivingToday.com For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Simple Solutions for Small Appliances

Posted on April 29, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged coffee maker, dishwasher, rece cooker, slow cooker, small appliances, spring, spring cleanNo Comments

Your family depends on the appliances in your kitchen. You have a few small appliances in your home that you want to keep in good working order. Here’s a quick list of small kitchen solutions for small kitchen appliances to make cooking and cleaning more convenient. Microwave Presets to Save Energy Did you know that using the pre-set cooking times on the touchpad can help your microwave work more efficiently and save energy? It can also help you avoid cooking accidents. Use the pre-set times when thawing foods, too. Order Matters in the Blender One of the most important tips to keep in mind with any blender is the order of the ingredients you’re adding. Go from lightest to heaviest. That mean you should ALWAYS start with liquid and make sure it covers the blades. Cover Up the Stand Mixer To prevent unwanted dust from getting into your Stand Mixer and into your food, keep it covered by attaching a shower cap around it. Know your Slow Cooker’s Limits The high setting is for when you just want to heat things up, If you want vegetables to stay whole, don’t put them in the slow cooker on high for 12 hours unless they’re hard-shelled, like squashes. Delicate vegetables like zucchini or peppers will melt into nothing. When you’re slow cooking vegetables, put the slow cooker on a delayed start for about three to four hours and keep it set to low. Clean your Coffee Pot The coffee pot, itself, should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning it every two weeks will keep old coffee and grounds that are stuck in the pot from imparting your brews with unwanted flavors. Wipe the Outside Of the Rice Cooker’s Pot A common mistake some people have is placing the pot of uncooked rice into the cooker with the outside of the pot being wet. Not only could it damage the rice cooker’s heating elements, it also affects the cooking temperature of the rice. So give it a quick wipe on the outside first before you put the rice in.

The Magic of Cooking with A Portable Induction Cooktop

Posted on April 16, 2020November 16, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged induction cooktop, kitchen appliancesNo Comments

Curious about induction cooking? There’s a lot to love about induction cooking and cooking with a portable cooktop has some real advantages. These fancy, futuristic looking and almost magical appliances offer sleek designs, with a smooth glass surface. Loved by chefs and food stylist, the portable induction cooktop is changing the cooking game- with its many time-and money-saving benefits. Portable induction cooktops are an excellent option for cooks looking to add extra cooking surfaces, when there are extra mouths to feed during the holidays, parties and when catering for other large gatherings. If you have a small kitchen and need to maximize your space, you can easily tuck it away in a cabinet when you’re not using it making it the perfect space saving appliance for dorms, boats, patios, and RVs. Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware. Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop. Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware. Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop. Another reason for its efficiency is the induction burners’ ability to reach precise temperature quickly. The heat created is instantaneous. It heats a pan to temperature in under a minute, and will boil water right before your eyes! Induction cooktop burners offers a rapid response to cooking that offers almost 30% quicker heating time. Not only is it powerful, its scientifically precise temperature control means everything cooks perfectly. We are fans of the portable induction cooktop when safety is concerned- especially with kids and pets in the home. The lack of an open flame and the fact the burner almost immediately cools down ensures its safety factor. Induction cooking is inherently safer than other methods because the burners don’t get hot, only the pan does. Plus, induction cooktops have several safety features like child-safety lock, pan detection and auto-shut off increasing their safety. Another great perk of the portable induction cooktop is its sleek surface that is easy to clean. Because it generates little heat, there’s less cooking splatters and food doesn’t bake into the surface. Plus, with zero nooks to scrub, cleaning is simply a breeze. Last but not least, its incredible function is matched by its aesthetic. The induction cooktop is an attractive addition to any kitchen. While this form of cooking is more popular in Europe, its popularity is growing in the U.S. and justifiably so. Induction cooking is faster, safer, cleaner and more efficient. Considering adding a portable induction cooktop to your kitchen? Click here for more information and product features.

Maximize Your Family Time

Posted on April 3, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged family, life hacks, lifestyle, quarantine, stay-at-homeNo Comments

Now as much as ever, close family ties can make a significant impact on young lives. Constantly emerging technology sometimes limits personal interaction, while many school-age children experience unprecedented stress levels. Building strong connections with trusted adults can give kids a sense of security and a better foundation for achieving their potential. Make spending time together a priority with these engaging activity ideas that allow the whole family to get in on the fun. Plan a Movie or Game Night Kids thrive on routines and clear expectations, so a regular special event like a movie or game night can give them something to anticipate each week. Watching TV at home may not be a novelty, but you can make it an occasion to celebrate by adding special touches like dimming the lights to mimic a theater, pulling out cozy blankets and preparing popcorn or other treats. If you opt for game night instead, keep the enthusiasm strong week after week by creating long-range tournaments or allowing kids to rotate game selection privileges. Read Together Sharing books together not only creates an opportunity for bonding, it’s a way to give your child an academic boost outside the classroom. Studies show that daily reading promotes literacy, helps kids build their vocabulary and improves overall academic achievement. Also, the benefits don’t end with elementary-age children. Parents can connect with older kids through books that carry important lessons about life and relationships. Reading books individually then coming together to discuss them, similar to a book club, can provide the chance for thoughtful talks about difficult topics. Cook Meals Together Eating together is a goal for many families, but preparing meals together takes those benefits even further. Engaging kids in meal preparation creates a sense of cooperation and instills pride for a successful project. It’s also a chance to share family traditions and pass on recipes that have traveled through generations. Enjoy a Craft Day Kids need the chance to let their imaginations soar, and arts and crafts projects can provide the perfect outlet for creative expression. An art session may be as simple as enlisting everyone’s help to make decorations for an upcoming event. Another thoughtful way to channel all that creative energy: have little artists make cards to deliver to a local senior or retirement community. For more life hacks, ideas and inspiration follow our Facebook page For product information website

Spring Cleaning 101: 5 Steps to Deep Clean Your Oven

Posted on April 2, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenTagged deep clean oven, kitchens, oven, refresh your home for spring, remodeling, spring clean, style1 Comment

From bubbled over sauces to burnt cheese, your oven is the canvas for all kinds of spills and splatters. Ovens seem to present the most anxiety when it comes to cleaning kitchen appliance. With the right knowledge and basic tools, oven cleaning doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore. So, what is the best way to clean an oven? In the spirit of spring cleaning we have a two safe, natural, and effective methods to get the job done. How to Clean the Oven: What You Need: Baking soda Water Rubber gloves Magic Eraser Damp dish cloth Spray bottle White vinegar Essential Oil (Optional) STEP ONE: Empty the oven, remove your oven racks, pizza stone, oven thermometer, and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside. STEP TWO: Start by vacuuming out the dirt, dust, crumbs, and debris. You can use the vacuum hose, or if that feels too powerful, try the crevice attachment. How to clean with Baking Soda Make a baking soda paste. This is a timelessly classic way to clean your oven. With a little elbow grease your oven will sparkle like new again. In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. If you’re adding any essential oils, 2-3 drops will be sufficient, but add more if desired. Adjust the ratio of both baking soda and water as needed until you have a spreadable paste. Distribute the mixture throughout the interior of the oven, except for the heating elements. Let mixture sit overnight in the oven for at least 12 hours. The following day, spread vinegar over the surface and allow it to react with the paste, which will make the debris much easier to scrub off. How to DIY Steam Clean with Water and Vinegar Place a large oven-proof dish, filled with a solution of water and White Vinegar on your bottom rack, then heat your oven to 350°. Bring this solution to a boil. Turn off the oven and let it cool. Open the doors and spray the inside with a solution made of water and vinegar and allow this mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Once the oven has completely cooled down, wipe away all food residue. STEP FOUR: Soak racks in dishwashing liquid for a few hours, scrub with a scouring pad, and then rinse well and dry. If racks need heavy-duty cleaning, apply the paste. Note* Only use stainless steel racks; baking soda can discolor aluminum. STEP FIVE: Use a magic eraser to easily wipe away grease on your oven glass. Are you due for a brand new oven? If your oven is on it’s last legs and cleaning it just won’t do the trick- Cosmo Appliances has a premium selection of wall ovens that are easy to clean and maintain with self cleaning feature. Making Your Home Appliances Brand New Again With the right cleaning method you can have your oven appliance sparkle like new again. Just remember to always consult the instruction manual with each of your appliances. Although vinegar and other mild detergents are generally safe on appliances, there are always some exceptions to the rule. For more recipes, ideas and inspiration follow our Facebook page. For product information visit our website.

Stuck-at-Home Easy Meal Hacks

Posted on March 31, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Family, Home, How-To, Kitchen, RecipesTagged cooking at home, easy recipes, green cooking, recipe

Not sure what’s for dinner tonight? You’re not alone. After weeks on lockdown and exhausting your favorite go-to meals you’re probably working extra hard to be creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re stuck at home your meals don’t have to be boring, with a little meal planning your family can enjoy healthy, flavorful meals during the coronavirus quarantine. More cooking can also mean more time spent preparing meals so innovation and technology can make meal prep easier, and kitchen hacks like turning to ready-to-heat meals that take just minutes can enhance your productivity. Consider these simple ways to rethink your dinner routine in an effort to create more moments with loved ones: Look for recipes with as few ingredients as possible. Dishes that include longer ingredient lists typically require more legwork in the kitchen, which usually involves additional prep steps and sometimes longer cook times. Plus, you’re more likely to already have the necessities on-hand for recipes that call for 5-10 ingredients rather than lengthy lists. Buy pre-cut vegetables to trim time spent on prep work. One of the processes that can surprisingly consume more time than you realize is cutting, chopping and dicing veggies prior to even really diving into a recipe’s instructions. If you’d still prefer prepping your own fresh produce, try completing your work the night before when it doesn’t interfere with quality time spent with family. Meal kits certainly save time in the store, but be careful to avoid options that still include a lot of prep and cleanup. Focus on frozen kits that contain pre-chopped and measured ingredients that are ready to go. Stock your pantry with the basics to make cooking quicker and easier. From condiments and canned goods to seasonings and spices, keeping the essentials on-hand means less time scrambling for a quick run to the store and more moments spent at home. For one of the ultimate comfort foods that’s simple to make, try thischeesy baked potato casserole. Stock Up on Pantry Essentials Running to the store every other day isn’t an option when you’re on lock down, so try to keep your pantry stocked with non-perishables that are often necessary in a variety of meals. Seasonings and spices (salt, pepper, dried herbs, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, etc.) Canned goods (tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, etc.) Grains (flour, pastas, breadcrumbs, rolled oats, instant rice, etc.) Condiments and oils (olive oil, canola oil, ketchup, mustard, vinegars, barbecue sauce, butter, cooking wines, etc.)