Tips to Make Dinner Easier

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Today I am sharing some tips on how to make dinner easier this time of year. Now that back to school season is here, I have a few tips to share with you, This post is sponsored by Wayfair.

Hello Friends! How is your week going? We are enjoying the cooler weather of the season and are getting back into the swing of the school year. I honestly feel like each year goes by faster than the year before. Do you ever feel that way? 

As much as I love the regularity of a routine, it is always a bit of an adjustment to transition from summer to fall. Lately, I have been doing a little planning and online shopping in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Today I want to share some tips on getting prepared and organized for the fall season and tips on how to make the dinner process easier.

Consider a Using A Multi-Cooker

One of the tools that I decided to try this year is using an instant pot/pressure cooker for weeknight dinners. I have been thinking about getting one, and a couple of weeks ago I decided to check out the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker on the Wayfair website. As I read the description and reviews, I envisioned how it could help me save time with meal preparation in the kitchen. 

I actually ordered on a Monday and I was so happy with how quickly it arrived. If you have never tried cooking in a pressure cooker yet, I highly recommend you do. The Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is a pressure cooker, air fryer and crisper all in one, making it too one great multitasking machine. 

The pressure cooker heats with a sealed pot and because the internal pressure and temperature are higher than other cookers, it actually cooks food quicker. You know I am all about making the most of time, so I love that it can speed up the dinner process. 

What is a Multi-Cooker?

The Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is a pressure cooker, air fryer and crisper all in one. The unit comes with two different lids, baskets and easy directions so there is flexibility in all you can do with this timesaver. I love that it is much more than a pressure cooker and I plan to order a couple as gifts for the holidays for some busy people that could use some extra help with dinner preparation. 

Make A Weekly Menu Plan

Each week I make a menu plan based on a number of things. Specifically, I consider which evenings of the week allow more time, what produce and meat items are on sale at the grocery store and most importantly, what can I make once and use twice.

By doing a little planning upfront, menu planning can not only save time, but it can save money too! Using things like roast and chicken for more than one meal pays off in the long run.

Use A Calendar System

Have an erasable calendar in an accessible location for your family. We have used both the refrigerator and the inside the cabinet for family calendars but have always had it in the kitchen. It helps to plan when you can make meals that can be warmed up at different times if necessary.

Make Dinner Easier – Prepare Food Ahead of Time

When possible, cut up vegetables and meats the morning of the day you plan to use them. The day gets busier as it melts into the evening and you will be glad that you had items ready to go when it is time to put together dinner.

I always cut up extra vegetables like carrots and celery and leave extra in the refrigerator where others can grab and go a healthy snack.

Get Family Members to Help

Use the opportunity to have family members help you cook when possible. If they aren’t able to help prepare, then they can certainly help clean up. Putting a meal on the table is always a group effort and the earlier that this is instilled in schedules, the better it is for everyone.

Make One-Pot Meals

Consider making one-pot meals so that there is less mess to clean up. Using a multi-cooker can help but if you don’t have one, you can still use a single pot on the stove.  

Use Easy Recipes

This may seem like a no-brainer, but honestly, it really helps to keep a record of simple recipes. Make note of the favorites for your family and try changing up the ingredients a bit. Dinner should be a time to enjoy moments with your family and not a frustrating chore. Making the most of dinner moments makes for great conversations and discussion.  

What do you do to help facilitate weeknight dinners?