Last weekend when T. and I made our weekly visit to the farmers’ market he started telling me how good friends of ours plan their dinners on the fly. One of them works across the street from a market so everyday over his lunch he visits the market to see what’s on special. Then he goes back to his office and researches recipes using those ingredients and then on his way home he picks up everything he needs for dinner that night.
Sigh. Oh how I envy that leisurely approach to cooking (not to mention my girlfriend for finding a man to take care of dinner every night). I long to saunter home from the office happily picking up ingredients for dinner along the way but this is just not realistic given my lifestyle. T. and I are out basically every night for one thing or another so we’re just lucky to grab a bite never mind actually have time to cook and sit down together. It’s sad, I know.
But it is what it is, so I’ve had to develop a work around. Yes, it requires a lot of planning and effort but I’ve already come out about my slight OCD so I don’t mind sharing. I’ve started to make all of our meals ahead of time. I know it sounds a little crazy (not entirely) and like a lot of work (it is) but it’s saving us tons of wasted takeout money and time during the week. Not to mention it means we always get to have a real dinner no matter how short on time we are.
So how do I do it and how can you do it, too?
1. I start by browsing my cookbook library or favourite sites (thank you Sweethome recipes) and choose my recipes for the week.
2. Next I make a detailed list of everything I need and on Saturday mornings T. and I have a standing market date. We try to make this less of a chore by going for breakfast or lunch to treat ourselves for a job well done.
3. Finally I block off a couple of hours on Saturday or Sunday afternoon to do some serious meal prep and cooking. Then I seal everything up tight in the fridge and freezer for easy reheating during the week.
I know it might not sound like the most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon (though I don’t really mind since I enjoy my time in the kitchen) but it really does make life during the week so much easier. Along with not having to cook, clean up is minimal, too.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to find a man who will handle the cooking for you, I would certainly recommend that as an even better solution.
PS- I’ve discovered the same principles apply to lunches for the office, too.
Have any favourite make-ahead recipes for dinner? Them in the comments below!
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: