Workspace:
- Dish drainers can take up a lot of counter space. If you have room over your sink, consider buying a hanging dish rack. IKEA sells several models that are easy to install.
- Only keep appliances you use regularly on your counter top. If you use your microwave or toaster once a month, store it somewhere out of the way.
- Anything you can hang on your wall is something that won't be on your counter or taking up space in a drawer. Hanging cooking implements clears counter space and keeps everything easily within reach. IKEA also has affordable wall storage systems for cooking implements.
- Clean dishes and workspace as you go along. This will save space and allow you to reuse cookware.
- Always start with dry ingredients when you measure things so that you don't have to constantly wash your measuring equipment while working.
- Instead of working directly on the counter, keep prepped food on a dedicated cutting board so that you can move it out of the way easily as you move on to other parts of the meal.
Food and Prep:
- Tips for washing and drying greens without a salad spinner can be found here.
- Consider your immediate needs when purchasing fresh ingredients. Bulk shopping for one or two people can be wasteful. Although it may seem less expensive to buy in bulk, it rarely is because you end up throwing out science projects. The fresher your vegetables, the better they'll taste. Of course you can always turn wilted veggies into Clean the Kitchen Soup
- Be realistic about your preferences. If you like to eat leftovers, make large quantities ahead of time. If you don't like leftovers , admit it to yourself and prepare only as much food as you'll eat. (I rarely eat leftovers, so I try not to leave them -Lila)
