Shortcuts to scrumptious By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

With a little shopping savvy and our make-it-quick tips, even busy weeknight dinners can be something special.

Photo: Weeknight Quick Roast
Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Have you ever come home from a busy day and been so rushed to get dinner on the table that you start cooking before you even have your coat off? Trying to juggle schedules and family can be hard, and many of us end up just opening a package or ordering in. Now you can shop smarter and eat better with these recipes and tips. They use really useful shortcuts and rely on convenience products that don't sacrifice money or the healthfulness of your meal.

SHORTCUTS

Shopping
• Look at the weekly grocery ads for the best buys.
• Make up menus for the week and post them.
• Write a shopping list based on chosen recipes to shortcut the shopping trip.
• Buy family packs of chicken pieces, ground beef and pork chops to divide and freeze for later meals.

Preparing
• Wash all lettuce, fresh herbs and vegetables and wrap in towels then plastic plastic bag before refrigerating.
• Wash fruit and wrap in towels before refrigerating. Place a day's worth in bowl on the counter for quick snacks.
• Divide meat into recipe amounts and wrap, label and freeze any that will not be used within a day or two.

Cooking
• Assemble favourite recipes in a binder so the whole family can take part in weekly menu planning and cooking.
• Make everyone part of dinner preparation: give children age-appropriate tasks, such as setting and cleaning the table, washing and peeling vegetables, whisking sauces and dressings, cracking eggs and shredding cheese. Alternate the adult who cooks.