Hey, readers! Please see below to enter the contest. Not only do you have a chance to win $100 worth of Uncle Ben's products, and one of ten grand prizes of a chef for a week, the company will donate $1 PER ENTRY to Feeding America, the nation's food bank network and the largest charitable hunger relief organization in the country. It's a fun contest for a great cause.
[Update: Congrats to #25, contest winner, Rachael! And thanks for raising $58 for a very worthy cause!]
Uncle Ben's recently sent me samples of their microwave Basmati and Jasmine rices to try. I have a rice cooker so rice is generally not a food item that I take short-cuts on. It's easy enough for me to put whatever kind of rice I'm cooking into my trust Zojirushi, and 20 or so minutes later (longer for brown) it's ready to eat and it will be kept warm until we're ready to eat.
But, lately we've been really busy. My work is busier than ever, and in order to keep the girls occupied in the afternoons (so they don't end up bored and wanting to kill each other in hours before dinner), we've been filling the time with activities. An hour of cheerleading on Mondays falls right at dinner time. Swimming on Tuesday is in the afternoon which leaves me time for cooking, but two back-to-back gym classes on Wednesday fills up the afternoon quickly. Yoga on Thursdays ends right and dinner time. And so on. There are times when I am either too pressed for time to cook or don't want to eat carbs with my meal or simply just don't feel like making a big dinner. That's where I can see a product like the Uncle Ben's Basmati and Jasmine microwave rices coming in handy.
Microwave rice is nothing new. It's something I've been seeing in Asian markets for at least 7-8 years. Bowls of pre-cooked rice are usually stacked on the end caps awaiting purchase. I've bought them at the Korean market before, especially when the girls were little and wanted a quick snack. I never quite felt the flavor was on par with fresh-cooked rice, but they didn't seem to mind. I have to admit, though, that the Uncle Ben's Basmati and Jasmine rices were very tasty.
What I liked about it: Hot, tasty rice in 90 seconds. There's something to be said for that. The flavors were yummy and my girls gobbled it up. It really made dinner prep easier on the nights we were busy and I was too tired to cook. I have to admit, it was nice to have the product to fall back on. I also think it's a great "gateway" product to get folks to try a new style of rice. If people aren't comfortable going to their local Asian or Indian market (or don't have a Trader Joe's nearby) it's a way to try something exotic. My hope is they will then want to venture out of their normal shopping comfort zones.
What I didn't: As someone who cooks a lot from scratch, it felt a little like cheating. I think it's just as easy to cook up a big batch of rice and freeze it into portions that can be microwaved later. The rices were not as fluffy as when I cook basmati or jasmine in my rice cooker and I didn't think the texture was "authentic." Would I purchase the product? Probably not, but after trying it and seeing how absolutely convenient it was, I am leaving that door open a crack. If it makes your life simpler, that convenience counts for a lot in my book.
Cost to you: around $2 per 8 ounce bag
Cost to me: Free
Now for the fun part: your chance to win $100 worth of Uncle Ben's products and a chance to win one of 10 grand prizes, all for a very worthy cause.
How do you ‘Simplify Your Life’?" Share tips and have a chance to win $100 worth of Uncle Ben's products (chosen by me), and if you win you are automatically entered to win one of 10 grand prizes: a chef for a week! (chosen by Uncle Ben's). All you have to do is leave a comment on how you simplify your life. For example, do you prep a week’s worth of meals on Sunday to make weekday dinners a cinch? Beyond the kitchen, do you assign a weekly rotation of household chores to get the kids involved?
Once all the tips are submitted, I will choose one winner to receive $100 worth of Uncle Ben’s products. To sweeten the deal, the winner will be up for the chance with nine other winners to receive a grand prize selected by Uncle Ben’s – a chef for a week! Pretty good odds.
AND It’s all for a good cause. For each tip submitted Uncle Ben’s will donate $1 to Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network and the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the country.
So go ahead leave your tips! Every tip is a chance to win AND get Uncle Ben's to donate to a worthy cause!
Contest ends on June 1, 2009.
The complete rules are available after the jump.
The UNCLE BEN’S® Simple Solutions Contest
Official Rules
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
The UNCLE BEN’S® Simple Solutions Contest (the “Contest”) starts on May 1, 2009 at 12:01 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on June 1, 2009 at 11:59 PM ET (“Contest Period”).
ELIGIBILITY: Contest
is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District
of Columbia who are “readers” of the designated blogs and are 21
years of age or older.
Employees of Mars, Incorporated, the manufacturer of UNCLE BEN’S®
(“Sponsor”) and Current Lifestyle Marketing, and their respective
parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and promotion and advertising agencies,
and members of their immediate family (spouse, parent, sibling, child
and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and persons
living in the same household of such employees, whether or not related,
are not eligible to enter or win. Void where prohibited by law.
Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.
HOW TO ENTER: During the Contest Period, visit one of the blogs designated by Sponsor and follow the directions provided to share a cooking or food tip that helps simplify one’s life. You may be required to register to post a tip. Your tip must be written in 100 words or less and involve cooking or food. All entrants are required to comply with any blogging guidelines of Sponsor (incorporated herein by reference). All entries must be received by 11:59 PM ET on June 1, 2009 to be eligible. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means and entries by any means which subvert the entry process are void. There will be no e-mail or mail entries accepted. All entries become the sole property of the Sponsor and will not be returned.
Each entry must be entrant’s own original work, be in English, cannot be previously published or submitted in connection with any other contest, be in keeping with the Sponsor’s image and may not be offensive or inappropriate, as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, nor can it defame or invade publicity rights or privacy of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or property rights or any other third party rights. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry that it determines, in its sole discretion, is offensive or inappropriate, not in keeping with Sponsor’s image or that is otherwise not in compliance with these Official Rules.
By submitting an entry, entrant hereby grants permission for the entry to be posted on the applicable blog and Sponsor’s and other websites selected by Sponsor. Entrant agrees that Released Parties (as defined below) are not responsible for any unauthorized use of entries by third parties. Released Parties do not guarantee the posting of any entry.
By submitting an entry,
entrant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor may obtain many entries
under this Contest and that such entries may be similar or identical
in theme, idea, format or other respects to others submitted under this
Contest and/or other contests sponsored by the Sponsor, and waives any
and all claims entrant may have had, may have, and/or may have in the
future, that any composition and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or
used by the Sponsor (or its designees) may be similar to his/her entry.
JUDGING:
Round 1: All eligible entries received for each blog will be judged by the author of the blog on the following criteria: overall creativity (40%), overall simplicity (40%), and originality (20%) (the “Judging Criteria”). The entry with the highest score, as determined by the blog author in his/her sole discretion, will be deemed the “finalist” for that blog, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules (for a total of ten (10) finalists). In the event of a tie for any blog, an additional, “tie-breaking” judge will determine the finalist for that blog based on the criteria listed herein. Sponsor and blog author reserves the right not to select a finalist for any blog, if, in its sole discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified entries for that blog.
Round 2: The top ten (10) finalist entries (one from up to ten (10) blogs) will be judged by panel of qualified judges selected by UNCLE BEN’S® based on the Judging Criteria. The finalist entry with the highest score, as determined by judges in their sole discretion, will be deemed the “Grand Prize winner”, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules. In the event of a tie, an additional, “tie-breaking” judge will determine the winner based on the criteria listed herein. Sponsor and judges reserve the right not to select a winner, if, in its sole discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified entries. Prize awards are subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules.
Any individual may only be selected as a finalist once. In the event the same individual is selected as the blog finalist by more than one blog, all but one of the blogs will be required to select a runner-up as their finalist. Sponsor will determine which blogs will be required to do so in its sole discretion. Judges’ decisions are final and binding on all matters relating to this Contest. Potential finalists and potential Grand Prize winners will be notified by telephone, mail and/or email and may be required to complete an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability and Publicity Release (unless prohibited by law), and, if Grand Prize winner, any other documents that may be required by Sponsor, which must be returned within fourteen (14) days of date appearing on prize notification. Return of prize or prize notification as undeliverable, failure to sign and return requested documentation within fourteen (14) days of date of issuance, the inability to contact a potential finalist and/or winner within a reasonable time period, or noncompliance with these Official Rules will result in disqualification and the prize may be awarded to the runner-up for the applicable blog or the runner-up finalist (as applicable).
PRIZES:
Finalist Prize (10): $100 worth of UNCLE BEN’S® READY RICE® Basmati and Jasmine products awarded. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $100 each.
Grand Prize (1): A personal chef for a work week (5 days/meals). Personal chef service is subject to terms specified by UNCLE BEN’S®. Personal chef will be selected by Sponsor. (ARV: $2,500). Total ARV of all prizes awarded: $3,500.
General Prize Conditions:
All prize details are at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. All
prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either
express or implied. No substitution, transfer, or cash equivalent of
prize is permitted, except by Sponsor, which reserves the right to substitute
a prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value,
at its sole discretion Any and all federal, state and local taxes
on the prizes, and any other costs, fees, and expenses associated with
prize acceptance and use not explicitly stated herein as being awarded,
are the sole responsibility of the prize recipient.
GENERAL:
By participating, each entrant agrees: (a) to abide by these Official
Rules and decisions of Sponsor and judges, which shall be final and
binding in all respects relating to this Contest; (b) to release, discharge
and hold harmless Sponsor, Mars, Incorporated, the manufacturer of UNCLE
BEN’S® (“Sponsor”) and Current Lifestyle Marketing, and their
respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, dealerships, and advertising
and promotion agencies, and the respective officers, directors, shareholders,
employees, agents and representatives of the forgoing (collectively,
“Released Parties”) from any and all injuries, liability, losses
and damages of any kind to persons, including death, or property resulting,
in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from entrant’s participation
in the Contest or any Contest-related activity or the acceptance, possession,
use or misuse of any awarded prize (including any harm or injuries that
may occur as a result of accepting the Grand Prize); and (c) to the
use of his/her name, voice, performance, photograph/video, image and/or
likeness for programming, advertising, publicity and promotional purposes
in any and all media, now or hereafter known, worldwide and on the Internet,
and in perpetuity by Sponsor and its designees, without compensation
(unless prohibited by law) or additional consents from entrant
or any third party and without prior notice, approval or inspection,
and to execute specific consent to such use if asked to do so.
By submitting
an entry, each entrant agrees Sponsor and its designees shall have an
irrevocable, assignable, non-exclusive license to edit, publish, use,
adapt, exploit, modify, copy, disseminate or dispose of any entry, the
concepts embodied therein or any elements thereof, including, without
limitation, the proper names of any persons embodied therein , online,
in print, film, television, or in any other media now known or hereafter
devised for advertising and promotional purposes, worldwide in perpetuity,
without compensation, permission or notification to the entrant or any
third party of any kind, except as prohibited by law.
Released Parties are
not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, incomplete, illegible,
undeliverable, garbled, destroyed or stolen entries; or for any typographical,
printing, human, mechanical, electronic, network or other errors relating
to or in connection with this Contest, including, without limitation,
errors or problems that may occur in connection with the administration
of the Contest, the processing or judging of entries or posts, the announcement
of the finalists and/or the Grand Prize winner, the announcement of
the prizes, or in any Contest-related materials. Released Parties are
not responsible for entries that that fail to enter into the Sponsor’s
processing system, or that are processed, reported, or transmitted late
or incorrectly or are lost or misdirected for any reason including computer,
telephone, paper transfer, human or other error; or for electronic,
computer, or telephone malfunction or error, including inability to
access any Web site associated with the Contest or to process any transaction
thereon. Sponsor may disqualify anyone from participating in the
Contest or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines
that such person is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation
of the Contest by cheating, deception or other unfair playing practices,
or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or
Sponsor’s representatives. Released Parties are also not responsible
for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site
users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated
with or utilized in the Contest. Released Parties are not responsible
for injury or damage to any person's computer related to or resulting
from participating in this Contest or downloading materials from or
use of the website. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE
LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL
AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES
THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND OTHER REMEDIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’
FEES) FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion
to cancel or suspend any portion of the Contest should causes corrupt
the administration, security or proper play of the Contest and, in the
event of cancellation, to select the finalist(s) and/or winner from
among all eligible, non-suspect entries received for the selected blog(s)
up to time of such impairment using the judging procedure outlined above.
In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an entrant, entry will
be deemed to be from the authorized account subscriber of the e-mail
address submitted at time of entry, regardless of the name that appears
on the official entry form and he/she must comply with these Official
Rules. Authorized account subscriber is the natural person who is assigned
the e-mail address by the Internet Service Provider (ISP), on-line service
provider, or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses.
Request for FINALISTS’ Names: For a list of winners (available after June 30, 2009) send a self-addressed, stamped, envelope by July 31, 2009 to: The UNCLE BEN’S® Simple Solutions Contest c/o Current Lifestyle Marketing, 111 E. Wacker Dr. Suite 2605, Chicago, IL 60601.
SPONSOR: Mars,
Incorporated, 2001 Cashdan Street, Rancho Dominguez, C
I love Uncle Bens!! It' so easy to make and super delicious!
Posted by: josefbig | May 01, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Super contest. To simplify my life and cooking I have one main assistant - The Microwave. The next best thing I can do to simplify dinner, shopping, and maximize my time is buy "healthy" pre-packaged and prepped frozen meals that we can heat on the stovetop in 10 minutes. I've found quality has increased in the last 1 year on these ready made meals and since I'm no chef in the kitchen we feel like it is somewhat gourmet since they include more unique flavorings than I'd regularly buy and prepare in a meal.
Posted by: Classy Mommy | May 01, 2009 at 11:15 AM
To simplify my life, as a busy, work-at-home mom of a 4 yr old and a baby, I simply lower my standards. I know it sounds like common sense but I had to make a conscious effort to this, being the perfectionist that I am.
For instance, if we're rushing in the morning before preschool and don't have much time, I'll let my daughter go to school with her hair uncombed (doesn't look too bad, just wind-blown) and I'll let her brush her teeth later in the day.
Or if it's dinner time, and I've had an awful busy day, I'll prepare boxed convenience foods or give my daughter a dinner of eating peanut butter straight from the jar with pre-cut apple slices and cheese cubes.
kristina (at) sauerwein (at) sbcglobal (dot net).
Posted by: Kristina | May 01, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I simplify my life by eating take-out as often as possible. It saves me all the time I'd spend cooking, and everyone's happy with what they get. Honestly, I do wish I'd take the time to cook more often, but with twin babies and a bunch of scary health issues lately, it just doesn't happen. Besides, I'm so tired of both my husband and child not wanting to eat my cooking.
Posted by: Brandi | May 01, 2009 at 11:29 AM
I simplify by living according to my priorities, make my to do list based on those priorities and then work the list. When you cut through the clutter (all the extra stuff that saps all your time and energy) and focus on what is truly important you will be amazed at how simple life can be!
Posted by: Melissa Multitasking Mama | May 01, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Great contest! My time-savers are the cheats like this Uncle Ben's rice or similarly-packaged Trader Joe's brand... A favorite quick dinner is stir-fry with garlic, whatever veggies are left in the drawer, and the rice dumped right in out of the bag and heated in the skillet. Depending on what's leftover, that can become a Chinese meal (add egg and sesame oil), an Indian meal (with a little TJ's red curry sauce -- yumm!), Thai (throw in peanuts!) or "American chopped suey" (tomatoes, cheese, beef). I confess that I cheat with this pre-made rice a lot -- not incredibly green of me, but a huge timesaver when I need a super-quick dinner (at least twice a week it seems) and didn't plan ahead to load up the slow cooker (my other best friend) in the morning.
Posted by: Rox | May 01, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I simplify my cooking life by planning meals for the week and trying to make a single grocery store run. This almost always fails when we run out of milk mid-week or I realize I've forgotten to get some key ingredient like garlic, but it's a good strategy.
Like CityMama, I'm not a huge fan of shortcuts like microwave rice...but I have a feeling that if I gave it a try, I'd never go back.
I also love to-do lists and make a new one daily. I take great pleasure in crossing things out -- it gives me momentum to do the big things -- so I will list pretty much everything I have to do, from showering to exercising to dropping the kids off at school.
My kids are still pretty small, but we're starting to give them their own weekly chores. So far that's making my life more complicated -- it's easier to do this stuff myself -- but I think it's important for them to feel like contributing members of the household.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 01, 2009 at 12:04 PM
When I'm in a pro-carb place, I love a good bag o'rice! I usually get the Trader Joe's brown rice in a bowl, and yes, I have green guilt, but I compost and recycle, so it's not that bad.
My high ideals way of simplifying is to set a menu on Sunday, go shopping, and just follow the plan during the week. It's amazing how easy it is to cook a great homemade meal when you have everything you need on hand!
On weeks when I'm more rushed, we sneak in some take out, but I still try to be conscious of the food (sustainable, heart healthy) and the containers (recyclable or compostable.)
And then there are the nights when I throw in the towel and we get beer & pizza. Because it's fast, easy & delicious. But I still make my husband put the pizza box in the recycling bin!
Posted by: cat/bad kitty | May 01, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I simply my life by having my kids get most of their snacks. I put them in places they can reach. They eat healthy options such as carrot sticks, apples, and string cheese. Plates and silverware are also kid accessible.
Posted by: Thida | May 01, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I simplify my life as a mom by making meal prep easier for myself in the following way: whenever I buy meat, when I get home I put the meat in a ziploc freezer bag, and add all the marinade ingredients to it, shake it up and put it in the freezer. Then in the morning of the day I want to use it, I transfer it to the fridge. By the evening the meat is thawed and ready to be baked or grilled or cooked...And its full of flavor! Then, all I have to do is boil the rice/veggies and dinner is ready, with almost NO prep time!!
Posted by: zmama | May 01, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Holy crap! You can cook rice in big batches and freeze it for later? Why have I not known this before?
My kid is a sucker for Uncle Ben's flavoured rice packages. I may have to try this out for him.
Posted by: Redneck Mommy | May 01, 2009 at 02:31 PM
To simplify my life I read CityMama for great tips and recipes for simplifying my life. Like this great one I just read today: "To simplify my life I read CityMama for great tips and recipes for simplifying my life. Like this great one I just read today....."
There. You now have what might be the first recursive comment.
Posted by: Backpacking Dad | May 01, 2009 at 02:34 PM
I simplify by meal planning a week in advance which not only saves me the headache of thinking "what are we going to eat tonight" but also if everything goes well means only one trip to the store a week. I also make one massive Costco run a month where I buy most of my proteins. When I get home, I'll split up the packages into single use servings, vaccuum seal the packages and throw them in the freezer. I know, not really local or organic but I (try to) keep it local/organic with the rest of the fresh stuff.
Lastly, when I make something that reheats/freezes well like chili or chicken soup, I make double/triple batches so I can easily put the frozen leftovers in the crockpot to reheat while we're running around (sadly, I don't like to cook in the crock pot so I can't say I use that as a time saver).
Posted by: Sharon | May 01, 2009 at 03:22 PM
To simplify my life with a 3.5 year old and 14 month old, I make sure to prep all the milk and water cups, cereal bowls, etc. and leave them on the counter each night before bed. In the morning, I just have to fill each container for a quick breakfast before we rush out the door. It saves just enough time to let me enjoy breakfast too. I'm also a huge proponent of letting my older daughter do as much as possible independently, like dressing herself, general bathroom needs, loading her stuff into the car, etc. It gives me more time to tackle her little sister and lets E feel more self-confidence and pride in her accomplishments.
Posted by: kim | May 01, 2009 at 04:36 PM
To simplify my life, I hire awesome cleaning ladies to clean our house once every 4-6 weeks. And I don't have to have an awesome home cooked meal everyday.
Posted by: Mary | May 01, 2009 at 04:40 PM
i usually cook enough to have leftovers, which means i have one four or five fewer meals (or parts of meals) to cook each week.
Posted by: beyond | May 01, 2009 at 05:05 PM
I menu plan. Each week I figure out what we're going to eat for the week, make a list based off of that, and take that grocery shopping with me. Makes the shopping and cooking easier, and makes knowing what we'll eat each night SO MUCH EASIER.
Posted by: Dena | May 01, 2009 at 05:23 PM
OMG - this is fantastic about the $1 per comment donation to Feed America!
I like to double batch. I prepare it up to putting it in the oven and then put half in in my deep freeze.
It is so stress free to just mosey down to the basement and take something out in the morning to defrost and have a wonderful home cooked meal and all I have to do is put it in the oven!
Posted by: Kari | May 01, 2009 at 05:44 PM
I have the minute rice in a cup microwavable for the girls and that boil in a bag stuff. I can't cook rice AT ALL and my girls love basmati and jasmin which I find impossible to cook.
I usually set aside 1 sunday a month to make a huge batch of red sauce and meatballs, chili and stew. Then I freeze it all and we eat 1x a week for the month. It is great to have that from the freezer, to the microwave with some bread or pasta, eay meal for friday or a busy sunday.
Posted by: Jenny | May 01, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I freeze portions of stuff I make from our garden vegetables (salsa, pesto, stewed tomatoes and okra) so I can use them all year as "cheater" meal starters.
Posted by: Naomi | May 01, 2009 at 06:49 PM
In order to simplify my life, I cook a big batch of food in the beginning of the week, enough to last me at least 5-6 meals. Usually I will make pasta with a tasty sauce, and mix it up over the week with different ingredients. I saute the sauce with mushrooms and bacon pieces, or zucchini and corn for something lighter. This way I spend less than 10 minutes to whip up a new delicious meal! All I have to do is top the leftover pasta with some of the new sauce and microwave, after sprinkling with a little water and covering partially with a lid.
Posted by: Youri | May 01, 2009 at 06:55 PM
To simplify my life, when my husband (an Active Duty US Sailor) is home, I plan meals that will create good leftovers.
For example, I might make chili, rice and cornbread one night, sauteed cabbage with kielbasa, apples & onions another night, chicken enchiladas with rice and refried beans another night, and his favorite green curry chicken with basmati rice another night.
When I put away the leftovers I go ahead and pack individual meals in bento boxes or small cotainers. Then for lunch, my husband can just grab a bento, knowing it already contains a full meal (curry and rice, chili with rice and cornbread, enchiladas with rice and beans, etc.) Add a piece of fruit, or some raw veggies (already cut up and divided into individual serving baggies) and lunch is done!
This way, cooking once creates several meals (one dinner, two or three lunches).
Another tip to save time and effort -- I am NOT a morning person. Rather than stumble around at 5am to put together a nutritious breakfast, I get it all ready the night before. I put 1/2 a cup of old-fashioned or quick oats into a thermal coffee mug, and add a pinch of salt. Then I pour in 1 cup of boiling water, give it a stir, and put the lid on. In a small bowl, I place turkey pepperoni (for savory oatmeal) or chopped nuts and cut up bananas or dried cranberries or raisins (for sweet oatmeal). In the morning, dump the oatmeal (now fully cooked) into the bowl, give it a stir, microwave for a minute, and breakfast is ready!
Posted by: Carolie | May 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
I don't have kids yet, but I babysit full time and so to save time in the kitchen, I prepare the food ahead of time during naptime or when the kids are asleep, so I can have a fully-cooked meal ready in minutes, if not seconds in order to avoid the pre-dinner/lunch whine. Also, if I've got other chores to do that I can do while the kids are awake, such as folding laundry (I can move the laundry to wherever they are), then I will do that and free up more time for cooking.
Posted by: Mary | May 02, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Oh, and I cannot say enough for TJ's frozen pre-prepared things, including rice. They save so much time, especially if I'm so flustered, tired or busy, that I forget to start the rice or some other carb and suddenly realize that dinner's about to be served and I need something pronto.
Posted by: Mary | May 02, 2009 at 07:41 AM
To simplify our home life, I am a big fan of routine. School bags get unpacked right away (so I don't find the dreaded smelly yogurt 4 days later) artwork gets filed in a portfolio (or recycled) and papers that need parental attention are magneted to the fridge so we don't misplace them.
Clothes are laid out the night before to avoid meltdowns over favorite pairs of socks that can't be located.
I plan meals for the week so that I don't waste time running back and forth to the store. I stock up on items that are on sale and have a reserve of toilet paper, toothpaste, etc so I don't have to make a special trip just for one thing!
Most importantly, I am trying to get rid of STUFF, so we have the things that matter and that are actually used. It feels so good to have less clothes to wash and fold, and less toys to put away.
My daughter is responsible for feeding our cat, letting him out in the mornings, putting her clothes in the hamper, putting away some of her laundry, and setting the table.
Posted by: oona b | May 02, 2009 at 08:40 AM
We simplify by having two meals a week with another family. Not only do we get to have great conversations, try new recipes and build up our little community, but the kids also get to run off all their energy, and everyone sleeps better on those nights.
Posted by: ivymae | May 02, 2009 at 09:53 AM
I cook a couple times a week and each time I cook enough to provide leftovers for the days that I'm too busy to cook!
Posted by: Rachael | May 02, 2009 at 01:58 PM
To simplify my life I use lists. I'm a total list maker.
It's easy when you can see and cross off what you have to accomplish!
Posted by: Jamie | May 02, 2009 at 05:47 PM
To simplify your life in the morning try this:
When you are running late in the morning use ice cream cones for a fast breakfast on the go. Not only does it have a built in handle-- your kids can eat the dish. Fill with sliced fruit, then a layer or yogurt(or cottage cheese) and top with wheat germ or granola!
You can also fill with scrambled eggs mixed with cheese and veggies.
Posted by: Gena OBrien | May 02, 2009 at 08:13 PM
I hate to throw away food, so I've had to get creative. To keep from throwing out milk that is getting a little funky I make pudding pops. A box of instant pudding uses up 3 cups of milk, and I can use soy milk to top it off if I need to. In the freezer they keep for months and the kids can have a sweet snack when we have a sunny day.
Posted by: P. Gardiner | May 02, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I put bananas in the freezer when they are getting overripe. A minute or so in the microwave, and they can be added to pancake or waffle mix. One or two bananas added to the batter add a nice sweetness, and make them a tender yummy treat for the weekends. My daughter actually gets a little peeved when we run out of frozen bananas and we have to eat "plain" pancakes.
Posted by: P. Gardiner | May 02, 2009 at 10:51 PM
A neighbor and I work out our menues together, then every other day we each cook a double portion of our meal for that night. We deliver the 2nd portion to each other later that night, then NEITHER one of us has to cook the next night - we just reheat whatever meal the neighbor gave us the night before. Sometimes we agree to simply cook a double portion of the meat only, then we use add our own choice of side dishes to it.
Posted by: Donna Holmberg | May 02, 2009 at 11:54 PM
life is easier by downsizing!!! donate or sell everything you don't use regularly...it's easier to clean, organize and remember where things are!
Posted by: beth | May 03, 2009 at 06:28 AM
The most recent time saver I've been using is frozen bell peppers. Bell peppers in my area have been sky rocketing in price and the quality is just a shame. If I buy a bag of frozen I don't have to pay 3 dollars each for one red, one yellow and one red pepper ($9!!) I get all three for less than two dollars!
Sure I would prefer fresh to frozen in my recipes, so when the economy and the farming starts getting better I will switch, until then, frozen it is!
Posted by: TheAitch | May 03, 2009 at 05:59 PM
To simplify my life, I take an hour or so on Sunday to cut up fresh fruits and veggies. All of these are stored in transparent containers in the fridge so there's never an excuse that the healthy stuff isn't easy.
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 04, 2009 at 09:56 AM
1. scan weeks advertisement at local market for deals.
2. meal plan.
3. during 2 year old's afternoon nap. cut and prep all veggies, marinate meats so that cooking is a snap.
Janice
Posted by: Janice Liao Shiao | May 04, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I try to simplify by shopping for the week ahead on the weekend and doing produce cleaning and prep that day. Then I usually prepare something that my husband can take to work for at least 2 meals. He works nights and has no problems eating leftovers, thankfully. It's just me and my son during the week for dinner so I try to make something easy as he's clamoring for my attention right when I'm needing to prepare the meal. I get him involved as much as a 4 year old boy can be without making more work for myself to clean up once he's in bed.
Posted by: cammie | May 05, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Well, nine times out of ten I simplify my life by ordering out, I can't lie! This summer I'm looking towards a grocery delivery service though. Half the reason I don't make big meals is because I don't want to haul groceries home on the bus, but by using the grocery delivery service, I'll be a lot more likely to make something happen!
Posted by: Megan | May 05, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Sriracha sauce! My MO for dinner most nights is rice, whatever random veggies and meat I have around, topped with either soy sauce, oyster sauce, or (most nights) sriracha sauce. It's spicy and keeps my meals from being too boring.
Posted by: Rachel | May 05, 2009 at 10:07 AM
To simplify my life, I got rid of my TV. I have a lot of time to do the things I want!
Posted by: Suebob | May 05, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I simplify my life by refusing to blow dry.
(THE HORROR!! I KNOW!!!) ;)
Posted by: VDog | May 05, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I live alone so taking the time to prepare food isn't always as easy as say, fast food. But what I like to do is make a big meal, more than I would eat for dinner, and bring the leftovers to work the next day. Since it IS only me at home, I love to cook meals that are simple and easy to prepare. it's also helpful to pack the leftovers in single serve containers instead of one big container to save time in the morning when I'm late for work.
Posted by: Desiree | May 05, 2009 at 10:36 AM
that's kind of expensive, i like the 90 second options at daiso or minsley.com brown rice bowls available at costco
Posted by: enoch choi, md | May 05, 2009 at 11:34 AM
When I'm cooking foods that freeze well for dinner -- some examples are meatloaf or marinated meats -- I like to double or triple the amount I make and freeze the extra meals flat in freezer bags. Then on busier weeks I can pull already prepped meals out of the freezer and assemble dinner very quickly.
The other thing I do to simplify my life is send my son to preschool. :)
Posted by: Wendy | May 05, 2009 at 12:50 PM
vodka isn't a valid answer is it?
Posted by: Dawn | May 05, 2009 at 01:04 PM
To simplify my cooking I try to always make enough for two meals. I either freeze or store for lunches/meals later. Saves on cleanup and prep time!
(and I love that they're donating to help feed the hungry!)
Posted by: Tabitha Smith | May 05, 2009 at 02:33 PM
I stock up on essentials at Costco: diced tomatoes, garbanzo beans, canned chicken & tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, tomato paste, mango nectar...
the tomatoes & chicken are great for making pasta, or adding to a can of chili, or combining with a rice product & sausage for "easy jambalaya".
Garbanzo beans are for pasta & green salads, or to make fresh hummus. Yum!
(the mango nectar is mixed with vodka & club soda!)
Posted by: Al_Pal | May 05, 2009 at 08:30 PM
What do I do to simplify life? Well I always keep some staples like Uncle Ben's around so that if I have a crazy day I can use rice as a base for a quick stir fry, or with beans and cheese for a meatless main- still good food but fast!
Posted by: Deborah Dowd | May 07, 2009 at 01:40 PM
To simplify my life, I cook double batches of some meals like meatballs & spaghetti sauce, soups, and casseroles, and I freeze half for another meal.
Posted by: Amy | May 07, 2009 at 04:23 PM
I keep a meal plan, it isn't day by day but more of a revolving system. I shop in "meals" and have a few choices in mind for each day. This keeps us from eating out so much and it is easier to cook if you have a definite plan for dinner.
Posted by: Reva Skie | May 07, 2009 at 05:34 PM
One of my best simplify tips is to always double the recipe and freeze the second half! It allows us to eat home cooked meals much more often than otherwise, and keeps our fast food budget down :-)
Posted by: MommyNamedApril | May 08, 2009 at 03:33 PM
To simplify and speed up cooking I have a variety of fresh vegetables cleaned, cut up and in containers in the fridge. I do this every weekend and make sure that I have enough for the entire week. It saves me a lot of time.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Posted by: Janet F | May 09, 2009 at 01:59 AM
At this point in our lives, what works for us is much different that when we were raising our families. Some of the items that are actually economical for us now, whether in terms of time or effort, would have been out of the question then.
We loosely plan our meals around sale items or what we have on hand. I don't like to shop, so our shopping is kept to a minimum and done in a loop.
We have a pretty well stocked freezer; both with items purchased and due to our own cook once eat multiple times ways.
Posted by: Vickie Bartlett | May 09, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I simplify by roasting a large whole chicken every week. I can get a bunch of quick and healthy meals out of it, including my favorite chicken and brown rice soup. ;)
Posted by: catnip | May 13, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Uncle Ben's is awesome!
Posted by: Martha | May 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I simplify by prepping foods early, often the night before. If everything is cut up/measured/marinating before it's time to make the meal, it means mealtime will come even quicker for us.
(And I also use the steam-in-the-bag frozen veggies. SO EASY.)
Posted by: Christina | May 31, 2009 at 03:17 PM
For a quick meal at anytime here is what I do.
I buy a already cooked roteissaire chicken, make some uncle ben’s 90 sec. rice, and a little gravy. I then put a little chicken, rice and gravy into little microwavable bowls. Then I freeze them for quick meals on the run. Sometimes I add a little broccoli to the mix for variety.
Posted by: Alicia | June 01, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Everyone has chores assigned to them regarding dinner so everyone knows in advance what is expected of them. In addition, each person(children included) is assigned weekly chores to do. Most often the weekly chores are done during the weekend. I decide at the beginning of the week my menus for the week which are based upon what is on sale. I go shopping with a list and lots of coupons.
Posted by: Linda2000 | June 01, 2009 at 02:21 PM