This is NOT my best topic (or should I say practice), but I have heard from several of you, and I know it’s important. So let's help each other...

The first assumption I will make is that you LIKE to cook. That being said, every article I’ve read (and my own experience) point to three key areas: Planning, Packaging, and Sharing.

In this article let’s start tackling Planning.

When purchasing items, consider their SECOND purpose. Let’s take a chicken for example. You want to roast it, and have a nice meal with gravy and dressing. Possible secondary purposes are chicken sandwiches (boring), chicken salad (better)… how about a chicken potpie? an Asian stir fry? a quesadilla with Monterey jack cheese and salsa? I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I haven’t mentioned the side dishes because, personally, I can’t imagine having leftover dressing -or complaining about it.

Now, the trick is to not just THINK about the second meal, but to have all the ingredients on hand. A stir fry might sound great, but if you have to go back to the store for veggies, or soy sauce, or rice… chances are that you are NOT going to make it, and just be bored with your leftovers (or shove them in the freezer)! Remember, today’s topic is Planning.

More articles to follow - but in the meantime, if YOU have recipes for Small Scale Cooking, PLEASE submit them! If you’re looking for a specific recipe, or have a quick tip, please go to our “Your Input” section. Longer commentary – or your original articles- can be emailed (see “Contact Us”), and may be posted here! This is your site, too!