10 Tips for a Happy Kitchen

1. Do the Dishes Daily! I know this is lame-o, but it's the best advice I have for a happy kitchen. A few weeks ago I started following the Time-WarpWife's list of 10 Rules for the Kitchen and let me tell you, crazy as it may seem, doing the dish every day has changed my life! We are no longer those people with an unbearably dirty kitchen counter. I can't believe I didn't try this earlier!

2. Declutter Kitchen Counters! I hate cooking on crowded counters. Good cooks need space to work their culinary magic. Evaluate the gadgets you have taking up counter space, and ask yourself if maybe there is  better place to store the things you don't use often.

3. Keep Food Fresh and Real! I know most of us are on a diet of some kind these days, but skip those low-cal, fat free options that are high in sodium and sugar. Instead choose whole foods that are fresh and good for you. We use real cream, real butter, and lots of vegetables around my house. I think we are happier for it.

Homemade Chicken Broth!

4. Be Freezer Friendly! I love to cook almost everyday, but there are times when I need a quick go to option. That's why I try to keep a few family favorites in our freezer. Having something like these fabulous Chicken Taquitos that can go from freezer to table in 20 mins is a great option for busy days. No more drive-thru for us!

6. Meatless Mondays! I know most of us are used to having meat (and cheese!) at every meal, but this Monday try something different. Let the vegetables be the star of your plate. There are lots of great meatless recipes out there. Eating meat in moderation is healthier for your waistline and your pocket book.

5. Spice it up! And I don't mean adding chili power to everything (I've tried it, everything invariably taste like chili). Next time your at the store, browse the spice aisle and prepared to be amazed at the variety your local grocer has to offer. Adding spices to your food is a great way to change things up and boost flavor without adding calories!

7. Enjoy What You Eat! Make foods you are excited to eat. It's important to provide well-balanced, nutritious meals, but what good will it do if no one in your family will eat them?  I know you can't always make everybody happy, but try to offer foods that your family will want to eat. And remember, some kids have to be exposed to new foods 10-20 times before they stop making that fake gagging noise when they sit down at the table. Don't give up trying to find a balance between foods your family likes and foods they need. You'll feel appreciated, and they will look forward to hearing that dinner bell ring

8. Reclaim the Kitchen Table! Good food is wasted in front of a TV. Eating at the table not only provides great family time, but it allows you to really focus on and enjoy the food you prepared. So clean up that kitchen table, or at least pile your junk on the floor till supper is over :)

9. Organize Your Shelves! All the pantry space in the world doesn't do you any good if you don't organize it well. I keep all my snack items in one cabinet and my baking supplies in another. You might want to invest in some cute clear containers for pasta, rice, flour, and sugar. I love these OXO Good Grips pop containers! They are good at keeping out bugs, saving space, and of course making your cabinets look neat and tidy.

10. Have Fun! Just because you are cooking doesn't mean you can't watch the news, listen to music, or memorize scripture. Let cooking dinner become a welcome reprieve from a busy day. Let your time in the kitchen become enjoyable. Remember that your time in the kitchen isn't just about getting food on the table, it's about taking time out of your day to provide the much need nutrition and nourishment your growing family needs. It's truly an act of love!

What are some of your tips for a happy kitchen?

This post is linked to Top 10 Tuesdays.