Straight Up, Stress-Free Cooking

I had a spaghetti squash sitting on my counter for the last week or so.   It was one of those “need to make it or it’s going to go bad” situations.  Ever have those?  If so, you can imagine how psyched I was to find this blog post this morning.  The non pizza, pizza. Squash Style by the lovely and pretty darn creative Jennifer Vagios (aka @HerCarrotRD).

Spaghetti squash pizza.  Doesn’t her photo make you want to go make this right now?   

It did me.  The best part is that I can make it.  Why?  Because I have a well-stocked pantry.  I have all the recipe ingredients on hand and I’m ready to rock this squash pizza out!  If you can’t do the same, why not? What’s stopping you?  What’s getting in the way of you keeping your pantry and fridge stocked with simple basics that allow you the freedom to make just about anything?  That’s the question you need to answer.  Once you find out the answer, let me know, because I’m sure you’re not alone.  And because I’d love to help you more with this in 2012.

My advice?  Fake it til you make it.  Automate your grocery shopping as much as possible until it becomes a habit.  It’s really that simple. Keep a magnetic grocery list on your fridge and add to it as you use your staples.  You’ll know you’re there when you get nervous at finding only one can of black beans left in your pantry.

The first step to freedom in the kitchen is to commit.  Commit to the process.  Choose one day each week that you’ll hit the grocery stores (with your list).  Don’t get too caught up in meal planning just yet, just stock your pantry with the basics.  Since most good cooking starts with basic staples,  a stocked pantry will provide much of what you need for stress free cooking, every night — or whenever you choose.  A perfect example of this is the recipe above.  In addition to my squash, all I needed on hand was pasta sauce or canned tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and eggs. Imagine what you can make with just those staples alone?

I promise, do this for 6 weeks, and you’ll be hooked.  If you’re not, let’s talk.

Here’s to less stress in the kitchen!  And don’t miss my next post…where we peak into my pantry!

Danielle