Dinner for the family doesn’t have to be a daily disaster. Save your sanity with these five time saving tips for busy parents.

1. Plan ahead. Take a page from the restaurant book and plan a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu for the whole week.  Shop according to your menu plan. Restaurants don’t run by the seat of their pants and neither should you. You’ll be less tempted to order out when fighting the clock, and it’s easy to see if you’re including enough veggies or eating the four food groups. Don’t stress about trying a new recipe on a weeknight. Instead, simplify your daily life: make a list of 10 go-to-recipes the kids love for weeknights and save experimentation for the weekend. Get the kids involved too, in planning, shopping, preparing, cooking, and cleaning up.

2. Make leftovers your best friend. If you’re a family of three, cook for six. I’m only a family of two but I cook huge recipes and put portioned leftovers in the freezer. They’re perfect to pull out on crazy days when you crave homemade food but just don’t have time. Reheat and you’re set.

3. Take advantage of your freezer and other appliances that can lend a helping hand. Cook your meals in big batches and fill the freezer. Don’t let your slow cooker gather dust all summer - use it year round! With a little prep work the night before, you can just pull it out, load it up and plug it in. Any leftovers are a bonus – freeze for later.

4. Cut down on prep time. I really don’t like chopping onions. I just don’t have the technique. So I get out my food processor and cut up batches of onions (or carrots) ahead of time. They freeze well and that way I always have some on hand for omelettes, chilli, soup or whatever I’m making. It’s the same technique I use for preparing multiple recipes at the same time on TV when getting ready for a show, but you can do it at home too.

5. Organize your kitchen. When you open a jam packed cupboard and everything falls out it’s just discouraging. Declutter often to save time and stress. Just like a restaurant, it’s easier both to work in and clean up an efficient, organized kitchen – and you’ll be able to see that really, cooking can be fun!

Until next time, Keep well,

Judy Foodie (Judy Scott Welden)