When I was a kid, my mom would regularly send me out of the kitchen. Our personalities clashed too frequently for her to cook in peace. As a result, I didn’t grow up loving to cook and as an adult, I had a hard time adjusting to the expectations of being wife and later, a mother. For my family, part of my contribution to our family member’s health is through regular mealtimes. It took me some time, but I’ve found a way to incorporate my own style into cooking. I find baking, making rues, casseroles, and Crock-pot meals enjoyable with the help of a few handy kitchen cookware pieces.
It’s easy to cook when you know which kitchen cookware works best for you. The best thing about cooking in my opinion, is getting a good meal with minimal effort. I make sure to purchase quality ingredients so that even though my recipes are fairly simple, I feel confident we’re eating a healthy meal.
Waffle iron – A waffle iron perfectly aids weekly breakfast nights!
Crock-pot or Slow Cooker – This is an absolute must for stews, roasts, briskets, pulled pork, casseroles, and chili. After adding all the ingredients, you simply walk away. Reynold’s Slow Cooker disposable liners make clean up super easy. I’ll never go without a pack in my pantry.
Tea Kettle – Instant coffee, hot tea, cider, and hot cocoa are seasonal favorites.
Mini & Regular Muffin/Cupcake Pans – Prepare cakes, banana breads, mini pizzas, and more in these convenient little pie cups. Easier to eat and share.
Quesadilla Maker – Quesadillas are easy to make and mix-up. Throw in diced grilled chicken, black beans and more to make wraps, grilled sandwiches, and quesadillas.
One last tip to making cooking in the kitchen a pleasure rather than a choir, is to take regular breaks from it. Routine breaks in your cooking routine will go a long way for everyone. You’ll appreciate the free nights and everyone will be enthusiastic for your return to meal making.
Here are four ways to put variety into your regular mealtime. Those of you with older children can incorporate a kid’s cooking night. Whatever they can prepare and serve is game, even if that means PB&J for everyone. Maybe once or twice a month, someone can pick up a to-go family meal that you share around the dining room table. Once a week should be a simple, pizza night or other family favorite that just gets heated before eating. Incorporate a breakfast for dinner night once a week. These routine variations will make mealtime more manageable and enjoyable!