I hate peeling garlic and onions (with a passion!). So once a week, I cut up all of my garlic and onions and blend them in my blender and make a paste. I put the paste in a glass jar in my fridge and every night, I scoop out a little bit for cooking. Makes a HUGE difference.
Do you have any cooking shortcuts? I desperately need some!
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
@banana: we recently started using peeled garlic. I use to turn my nose up at them but it's a huge time saver!
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I like to cook with stocks, but I have no time for home made these days and I hate wasting a huge carton.
So I've discovered this paste:
http://www.superiortouch.com/retail/products/better-than-bouillon
GOLD / wonderful pomegranate / 28905 posts
@looch: I get something similar from BJs! We use that for stock to make risotto to add to stews etc.
But when I do make homemade stock I make a big batch and freeze in quarts.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@locavore_mama: I used to make ahead and freeze, but I just don't have the time anymore!
I also use tomato paste that comes in a squeeze tube, because I would rather just squeeze out a tablespoon as oppposed to opening a can and dealing with the leftovers. That's a big theme in my kitchen, if you can't tell!
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
I prep on Sundays so that we can mostly heat and eat during the week. Two hours of prep on a Sunday buys me at least a half hour every night! Saves me a ton of time.
Like last night I cooked up burgers AND chicken on the grill. Dinner tonight is 95% done
GOLD / wonderful olive / 19030 posts
I cut up veggies and freeze to use for the next few weeks. that way I can just dump into whatever I'm making.
Normally I do onion, green & red peppers, and in the winter celery and carrots for soups. I also can tomatoes (okay I lie, my mom does the canning and I try to help <3)
GOLD / wonderful pea / 17697 posts
@looch: I use the BTB too...I get it from Costco!
My biggest shortcut is to mince onion and garlic in the food processor, but it's almost as much to save my hands as it is to save time, although it does both (I cut myself twice not paying attention and DH freaked out and it was our compromise).
Also, if I'm making something that I know will freeze and reheat well I'll double the recipe and cool and freeze one family portion.
coconut / 8430 posts
-I use pre-minced garlic but I don't think it's quite as fragrant.
-I use pre-cut frozen bell peppers (from TJ). I always used to have peppers go bad on me but not anymore!
coconut / 8299 posts
@locavore_mama: I know what you mean. I used to hate pre-cut garlic but now I'm always tempting to buy them. I hate peeling garlic!
coconut / 8475 posts
All your short cuts are thing I've always done 
lazy me! I seriously will buy pre-chopped, pre-peeled anything I can.
nectarine / 2177 posts
I buy chicken breasts in bulk when they're on sale. Put a bunch in the slow cooker with enough water or stock to cover with some salt and pepper, heat on low for 4-6 hrs. The chicken shreds perfectly, and then I can freeze it in portions to add to enchiladas, casseroles, make into pulled BBQ chicken, etc.
nectarine / 2886 posts
@banana: Are you my mind twin?! I was going to post the same thing today! Peeling and chopping garlic is also my nemesis! No shortcuts to share, but I'll be following this thread!
coconut / 8299 posts
@betsyboop: I hate it too!!
I forgot to mention that I pre-spready garlic bread and freeze it. I first freeze the bread, let it thaw a little bit so that I can break each piece off. Then I use my handy dandy pre-made garlic/onion paste + butter and spread it on. Then put back in the freezer.
Yes, I'm that lazy. I can't even spread garlic butter on my bread. I have to pre-make it!
nectarine / 2886 posts
My only "shortcut" is that I roast veggies ahead of time and use them for the next 3 or so days. And I never used to buy pre-cut produce, but I now buy pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower.
coconut / 8299 posts
@betsyboop: I buy pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower alllll the time. I buy pre-cut butternut squash too. Those things are pain in the booty to cut! Oh, and I always have homemade frozen spaghetti dinners in the freezer. Those are the best!
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