Just so you know, I am not one who is considered to be organized. In fact, “meticulous and organized,” well, we just don’t get along. And, when I’m standing in front of the counter of the kitchen 
trying to decide what’s for dinner, the time starts to tick only when I begin preparing. So needless to say, there are a number of dishes on this site that will require a longer baking time than 10-minutes. But let’s face it when it’s in the oven your attention is not required (except when it’s done you will need to get it out). Therefore, consider your mission accomplished making you free to be you. Having said all that I encourage you to take a moment to coordinate your cooking space to make it conducive to extraordinary speed. Now, labels and such are not what I’m talking about. Just some ordinary basic logic is needed to assist you in your cooking endeavors. This is what owning a busy restaurant will reveal. If you want to cook fast, then you need access to the right tools fast. You will be surprised how a little strategy will free up some time for more important things like a walk with your honey or tending to the babies. For example, all of my spices are right next to my stove. Utensils used for cooking are in a container on the counter next to my oven so easy access can be utilized. Pots and pans are in one drawer or cabinet. A hanging pot holder above your work area will also work. The lids for the pans are in a separate area. (eliminates digging for lids). One more thing, I am one of those that enjoys a clutter free counter top when my kitchen is not in use. But I discovered if I allow my food processor to rest on the counter nice and clean ready for my next cooking adventure, I’ll actually use it simply because I no longer have the excuse that digging it out would take too much time.
In this day we are heavily inundated with so many different kitchen gadgets and equipment. There are a few that I think every household should have. If you don’t have the equipment that is listed below, it will be well worth the small investment to prepare food in a flash.
You wouldn’t think twice about spending the money to buy an electric or battery powered saw. You probably own one. You could have used an ax or a hand saw. You didn’t because it would be inconvenient and time consuming. The same is true for food preparation. Tools can make all the difference in the world. Here are a few essentials:
Every kitchen should have a food processor. If you don’t want to invest in a Cuisanart seven cup processor, then the cheaper models at Walmart will have to do. I cannot live without mine and many of the recipes included in this site will call for the use of one.
- A good set of knives, along with kitchen sheers will immensely increase speed.
- An outside gas grill is wonderful to keep the heat and mess outside.
- A micro-plane which is used for small grating purposes, i.e. lemon, lime or orange peel and garlic.
- A good set of stainless steel pots and pans with lids.
- I also love my Kitchenaid mixer. Though it’s use is more for baking, I have found some uses in general cooking. It’s great for mixing things while attending other jobs in the area.
If you are convinced this “fast as lightning” cooking style is for you, then you will want to consider the next few guidelines.
- Rotisserie chicken that is already cooked and available in grocery store is used a lot on this site.
- Chicken tenderloins rather than large chicken breasts are small, frozen, cook fast, and can be used on demand right from your freezer.
- Individually flash frozen fish of any kind is a staple in my home.
- Pre-chopped fresh or frozen vegetables are a must.
- Pre-packaged lettuce or fresh greens are necessary for quick salads
- Quick rice and whole grains, angel hair pasta, and orzo pasta are great fillers that are fast.
If you want your ten-minutes of meal preparation to pack a punch and be all it can be, then I have a few suggestions. Here are some additions that you can add to any meal to make it complete and even more filling.
Include with any main dish:
- Packaged salads with tomatoes and cucumbers dressed with a simple vinaigrette can be included with any meal to make it complete.
- Basic cous cous with the addition of canned black olives, sun dried tomatoes, or canned roasted red peppers
- Crusty French or Italian bread with a little chopped garlic and some butter.
- Basic rice made with chicken stock instead of water.
- Vegetables sauteed in olive oil and a little pat of butter
- Instant Barley made with chicken stock instead of water.
Stock Your Kitchen With These Frequently Used Foods And Spices:
Spices
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper
Bay Leaves
Onion Powder
Onion Flakes
Garlic Powder
Grill Seasoning
Lemon pepper
Cumin
Chili Powder
Curry
Ground Mustard
Paprika
Celery Seed
Pure Vanilla Extract
Oregano
Basil
Foods
Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
Individually Frozen Fish
Frozen Broccoli
Frozen Corn
Frozen Peas
Frozen Hamburger
Any Frozen meats that is pre-sliced thin
Canned Chicken Broth
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Canned Great Northern Beans
Canned Black Beans
Tomato Paste
Tomato Sauce
Cous Cous
Orzo pasta
Flour (self rising)
Sugar
Dried Pasta (angel hair)
Instant Rice
Instant Brown Rice
Quick Barley
Olive Oil
Garbanzo Beans
Heavy Whipping Cream (will last longer than milk)
Variety Of Fresh Cheese Including Packaged Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese
Eggs
Sour Cream
Fresh garlic
Any Fresh vegetables
Fresh cilantro, oregano, basil, mint and rosemary
Lemons, Limes, Onions, Potatoes, Carrots
