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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Organization

    Saving Time in the Kitchen + a Giveaway

    Published: Feb 18, 2013 · Modified: Sep 10, 2020 by Coleen · This post may contain affiliate links.

    My alarm (a.k.a., the toddler) goes off around 6:30 a.m. I groggily bring him into the bedroom to nurse (yep, almost 15 months and still going!). When he's finished, we head out to the kitchen for his breakfast.

    Toddlers don't understand the concept of cooking. They know they are hungry, and why isn't there any food in front of me?!? What do you mean the frozen waffle takes time to toast??

    The morning is a whirlwind of toasting waffles, cutting bananas, feeding dogs, coordinating schedules with The Mister, making coffee, and entertaining the toddler who wolfed down his food and is ready to play. It's a good hour or two after I've woken up before I sit down to eat my own breakfast. By that time, I'm rather feeling like a toddler myself. The last thing I want to do is wait for the butter to soften on the counter before toasting my English muffin or bagel.

    land o lakes

    So, when I was contacted by Land O Lakes to sample their Butter with Canola Oil, I was more than happy to accept. I've used their stick butter in my baking for many years, and they're a brand I recognize and trust. Their claim is that the butter is ready to spread, straight out of the fridge. Unlike other spreadable products, it contains only sweet cream, canola oil, and salt. I'm not a militant healthy eater, but I'll take a product with three familiar ingredients over others than can contain up to 15, most of which I can't pronounce, let alone tell you what they are.

    3SI_BloggerLogo

    I was curious about how it would taste. I grew up on margarine, before the dangers of trans fats were discovered. I never did like the last or the mouth-feel. I had an assumption in my head that this butter with canola oil would taste and feel like margarine. I was happy to learn that it did actually taste and feel like butter. Personally, I would have preferred a bit more salt, but as promised, it was easy to spread, straight out of the refrigerator.

    Land O Lakes also asked me to share some tips for saving time in the kitchen. Between caring for a toddler full-time, working part-time, and writing this food blog (not that being busy is exclusive to moms, employees, or well, anybody!), I do have a trick or two up my sleeve.

    First, I've already shared my meal-planning strategy. It's so much faster to check the calendar and see what meal I've assigned, rather than stand in front of the refrigerator, looking at its contents and wondering what I could put together.

    Secondly, once I get home from grocery shopping, I wash, chop and store all the vegetables needed ahead of time for the recipes I've chosen. For example, this week, I'm making roast chicken with butternut squash and potatoes tonight; crab cakes with roasted veggies on Wednesday; burgers with sweet potato fries on Thursday; and pork chops with roasted carrots on Friday. When I'm finished grocery shopping on Sunday, I will wash, peel, seed, and chop the produce needed for all of those recipes as soon as I get home. That way, as soon as I'm ready to cook during the week, most of the work is already done.

    Third, I choose weeknight recipes that take 30 minutes or less to cook. Almost every cooking magazine and website has a section dedicated to quick and easy meals. I try to pick the ones that use the least ingredients, but pack a lot of flavor. It not only saves time (fewer ingredients = less prep), but it's also easier on the wallet! For side dishes, I often utilize packages of frozen vegetables, and add a small pat of Land O Lakes Butter with Canola Oil just before serving. They take just a few minutes in the microwave, and the 10-ounce packages are perfect for a family of three.

    Fourth, I keep my kitchen organized. My frequently-used pots, pans, and utensils are sitting on or hanging from my pot rack. Items that can't go on the pot rack are in a drawer right next to my oven. They are easy to spot and easy to grab, unlike the lesser-used items that kept in the toddler-proofed cabinets.

    And finally, our instructors in culinary school drilled into our heads: clean as you go! The soup you're cooking needs to simmer for 10 minutes? Wash the measuring cups and spoons! Pork tenderloin bakes for 20 minutes? Clean the cutting board and knives. Then there's less to clean up when the meal is finished.

    Now, did I mention that the friendly folks at Land O Lakes offered a gift package for one of my readers to win? It includes multi-purpose spreaders, a cutting board, and a multi-tier oven rack!

    3SI_BlogGiveaway_020613

    To enter the giveaway, you must leave a comment below, telling me your favorite quick and easy meal (just the recipe name or a short description).

    You can earn up to four extra entries by:

    – Leaving a separate comment that you like The Redhead Baker on Facebook

    – Leaving a separate comment that you like Land O Lakes on Facebook

    – Leaving a separate comment that you follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest

    – Leaving a separate comment that you follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest

    Extra entries will only be counted if 1) the mandatory entry is completed and 2) each entry is left as a separate comment – your comment number is your entry.

    Good luck!

    The fine print:
    - Maximum of five (5) entries per person.
    - Giveaway ends at 12:01am EST on February 22, 2013.
    - Winner will be selected by the random number generator on Random.org.
    - Prize must be claimed within 7 days or it will be forfeited.
    - Winning “extra entry” comments will be subject to verification.
    - Giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.
    - Official giveaway rules can be found here.

    Disclosure: I received a coupon for a free product sample for Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil for review purposes. All opinions regarding said product are my own. Land O Lakes also provided a gift package, including multi-purpose spreaders, a cutting board, and multi-tier oven rack to give away to my readers. 

    There were 66 total entries. The random number generator at Random.org chose comment #35. Congratulations to the winner, Stacey!

    winner

    More recipes you may enjoy

    • Spring Cleaning and Organizing with OXO
    • Spring Cleaning with OXO
    • Stocking Your Kitchen: Cookware and Bakeware
    • Stocking Your Kitchen: Baking Staples

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kesha says

      February 18, 2013 at 7:42 am

      My favorite quick and easy meal is Breakfast for Dinner! Eggs, Bacon or Sausage and Cinnamon,Sugar toast or pancakes and sausage

      Reply
    2. kesha says

      February 18, 2013 at 7:43 am

      I like The Redhead Baker on Facebook

      Reply
    3. kesha says

      February 18, 2013 at 7:43 am

      I like Land O Lakes on Facebook

      Reply
    4. kesha says

      February 18, 2013 at 7:44 am

      I follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    5. kesha says

      February 18, 2013 at 7:44 am

      I follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest

      Reply
    6. Hezzi-D says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:10 am

      My favorite easy meal is spaghetti marinara.

      Reply
    7. Hezzi-D says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:11 am

      I like LOL on Pinterest

      Reply
    8. Maeghan says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:13 am

      When we are in rush stir fry is my go to. I always have veggies cut up in the fridge so we can do a veggie stir fry or quick defrost some frozen shrimp and have dinner ready to go in 15 minutes without much though.

      Reply
    9. Maeghan says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

      I like The Red Head Baker on FB

      Reply
    10. Maeghan says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

      I like Land O Lakes on FB

      Reply
    11. Eva @ Eva Bakes says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:49 am

      We made an Asian noodle with beef sauce when we're pressed for time. It's quick, easy and delicious.

      Reply
    12. Eva @ Eva Bakes says

      February 18, 2013 at 8:49 am

      I like the Redhead Baker on FB.

      Reply
    13. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:04 am

      My favorite quick meal is a stirfry with peanut sauce. I like to use whatever fresh veggies we have on hand, but frozen are great, too.

      Reply
    14. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:04 am

      I like The Redhead Baker on Facebook.

      Reply
    15. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:05 am

      I follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest!

      Reply
    16. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:05 am

      I like Land O'Lakes on FB.

      Reply
    17. Stephanie says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:06 am

      I follow Land O' Lakes on Pinterest.

      Reply
    18. Kylee says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:27 am

      My favourite quick and easy meal is pasta with pesto and grilled chicken. I add in whatever veges are in the fridge, and ... dinner is served.

      Reply
    19. Kylee says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:28 am

      I follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest.

      Reply
    20. Kylee says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:29 am

      I like The Redhead Baker on Facebook.

      Reply
    21. [email protected] says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:23 am

      We have lots of quick and easy pasta dishes that we rely on for busy nights.

      Reply
    22. [email protected] says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:23 am

      I like you on FB.

      Reply
    23. [email protected] says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:24 am

      I follow you on Pinterest.

      Reply
    24. [email protected] says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:25 am

      I follow LOL on Pinterest.

      Reply
    25. Joey-Lynn M says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:27 am

      My favorite quick and easy meal is a stir fry, sometimes with meat or sometimes with tofu, but always with lots of veggies!!

      Reply
    26. Joey-Lynn M says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:28 am

      I like the Red Headed Baker on FB!

      Reply
    27. Joey-Lynn M says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:29 am

      I like Land O Lakes on FB.

      Reply
    28. Joey-Lynn M says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:30 am

      I follow The Redhead Baker on FB.

      Reply
      • Joey-Lynn M says

        February 18, 2013 at 10:32 am

        Should be follow on Pinterest, oops.

        Reply
    29. Joey-Lynn M says

      February 18, 2013 at 10:31 am

      I follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest.

      (My entry before should be follow on Pinterest too).

      Reply
    30. Natasha O says

      February 18, 2013 at 11:03 am

      My favorite quick & easy meal is macaroni!! Throw some beans and veggies in it and it's even healthier as well as quick.

      Reply
    31. amanda says

      February 18, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      I love fritatta- it's a great way to clean out the fridge but still have a healthy easy dinner!

      Reply
    32. Blondie says

      February 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      I love to buy the frozen or pre-chopped stir-fry veggies, thinly sliced beef, and make a quick stir-fry! It takes next to no time to whisk up a sauce from staples that I keep on hand, and the veggies and beef cook very quickly, too!

      Reply
    33. Stacey says

      February 19, 2013 at 11:19 am

      I like a piece of fish with steamed broccoli and another veggie for a quick meal.

      Reply
    34. Stacey says

      February 19, 2013 at 11:19 am

      I like you on Facebook.

      Reply
    35. Stacey says

      February 19, 2013 at 11:19 am

      I follow you on Pintrest.

      Reply
    36. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 19, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      Burritos! So easy to make and everyone loves them!

      Reply
    37. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 19, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      I follow you on Pinterest.

      Reply
    38. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 19, 2013 at 9:31 pm

      I follow Land O'Lakes on Pinterest.

      Reply
    39. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 19, 2013 at 9:31 pm

      I like Land O'Lakes on Facebook.

      Reply
    40. Erin S says

      February 20, 2013 at 12:03 am

      My favorite quick and easy meal is chicken over salad. I mix canned chicken from Costco with some salad dressing and then throw it over salad. It's a family favorite

      Reply
    41. Erin S says

      February 20, 2013 at 12:07 am

      Liked The Redheaded Baker on Facebook

      Reply
    42. Erin S says

      February 20, 2013 at 12:08 am

      Following the Redheaded baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    43. Terri C says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:36 am

      My fave quick meal is baking pork chops with potatoes and sour kraut in a low oven for a couple of hours. Delish and easy!

      Reply
    44. Terri C says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:37 am

      Follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    45. Terri C says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:38 am

      I'm a fan of The Redheaded Baker on Facebook .

      Reply
    46. Terri C says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:39 am

      I'm a fan of Land O Lakes on Facebook

      Reply
    47. Terri C says

      February 20, 2013 at 8:40 am

      I follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest

      Reply
    48. Kristina says

      February 20, 2013 at 11:32 pm

      Bacon lettuce and tomato salad

      Reply
    49. Jennifer says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:45 am

      Pasta dishes (either spaghetti or tortellini) are my quick go to dinners!

      Reply
    50. Jennifer says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:46 am

      I like The Redhead Baker on Facebook

      Reply
    51. Jennifer says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:46 am

      I follow the Redhead Baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    52. Jennifer says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:47 am

      I like Land O Lakes on Facebook

      Reply
    53. Jennifer says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:48 am

      I follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest

      Reply
    54. Donna Clayton says

      February 21, 2013 at 7:51 am

      Homemade bread is my favorite thing to make. The kitchen smell so good!

      Reply
    55. Karen D says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:12 am

      My favorite quick meal is pasta with sauce (homemade, ahead of time) and a salad

      Reply
    56. Karen D says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:13 am

      Karen Goodwin Delaney likes The Redhead Baker on Facebook

      Reply
    57. Karen D says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Karen Goodwin Delaney likes Land O Lakes on Facebook

      Reply
    58. Karen D says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:15 am

      karengdel follows The Redhead Baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    59. Karen D says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:15 am

      karengdel follows Land O Lakes on Pinterest

      Reply
    60. Cindy Brickley says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:23 am

      My favorite quick meal would be spaghetti or a pot of chili. I always have these ingredients on hand.

      Reply
    61. Cindy Brickley says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:24 am

      I like The Redhead Baker on Facebook

      Reply
    62. Cindy Brickley says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:25 am

      I like Land O Lakes on Facebook

      Reply
    63. Cindy Brickley says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:26 am

      I follow The Redhead Baker on Pinterest

      Reply
    64. Cindy Brickley says

      February 21, 2013 at 9:27 am

      I follow Land O Lakes on Pinterest

      Reply
    65. Kristen says

      February 21, 2013 at 11:01 am

      I like you on facebook!

      Reply
    66. Kristen says

      February 21, 2013 at 11:02 am

      My favorite quick and easy meal is quesadillas!

      Reply

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