I realized the other day while talking to a friend that after a few posts into my Dinner: Impossible series, I still haven’t told you my number one secret, purely in the cooking sense, of course. Have to keep this family friendly.
Are you ready? It’s good.
Alright. So, my friend was going on about her crazy 4PM to 8PM hours that are filled with dance, church class, speech, homework, etc. She declares “I barely have time to eat, when am I supposed to cook?”
I looked at her like it was oh so obvious. And that’s when I realized, wait, am I the only one doing this?
See, most of the time, I don’t cook at dinner time.
Nope.
What was born out of necessity (B literally wouldn’t let me because he insisted on being held during that time) became more of benefit to the blog as well. So many of those winter months yield no light after 5PM, which is terrible for photographs (and moods). Thus began my normal routine of cooking (and photographing!) during nap time.
I realize not everyone has that luxury, whether you work out of the home or you simply have a toddler who will not nap (I want to hold you). But most parents who are at home have some time during the day to get stuff done whether that is nap, preschool, or those lucky enough to have 7 straight hours of the wonderful world of elementary school. Amen.
So, roast up these shrimp at 10AM. Get a soup going at noon. This stew is a great make ahead. Roll these puppies up during the day and bake when you’re ready to eat. I’ve been known to make this during free time on the weekends and then bake on Monday or Tuesday. Come dinner time, all you’ll need to be do is sip a glass of wine while your creation simmers away or warms up on the stove.
Who am I kidding? I know you’re driving around like a maniac. Happy Friday, friends!
C
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Courtney
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Twitter: supperforasteal
says:
Ahh nap time is the only time I get anything done right now. I tell myself that it will be easier with a toddler who can entertain themselves for a minute… don’t squash my dreams.
Lane recently posted…Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Lane – ha! I’m sorry! I think it depends on your toddler – mine is well, trouble… 😉 Cooking with my first got easier around 3.5, if that helps!
Twitter: dkrekoska
says:
Yes! As a mom of our I do the exact same thing whenever I can. I don’t know how I came across your blog, but I love it! So far your Company Sauce and Summer Pasta are keepers for us. Going to try the chicken tortilla pie this weekend. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
Ah, thank you so much Daralynn! I’m so glad you have found some recipes that work great for your family, thank you for letting me know 🙂
That’s how I did it, except I did most of my cooking on Sundays. Friday would be meal plan, Saturday grocery shop, and probably a good 4 hour chunk of cooking ahead for the week – and I agree – night time indoor lighting sucks ass – but our days are getting lighter every day!
Have a great weekend Courtney!
Biz recently posted…10 Minute Enchilada Soup
Twitter: daywithkt
says:
When my boys were little I fell in love with my crock pot. Now they are teenagers and I still love using crockpots – great on nights when everyone needs dinner at a different time!!
Kim recently posted…The 45 Mile Run
Twitter: charminglyuncmp
says:
Yes! Best tip ever. I don’t have time during the day but taking an hour or two on the weekend to chop up a salad and prepare veggies makes all the difference!