Got Time? 15 Things to Do In the Kitchen Now

With extra time on your hands, check out these 15 ideas for finally doing those kitchen projects you never seem to have time to get done.

When life is running it’s normal routine, the need for saving time in the kitchen so you can spend more of that precious commodity out doing the things you love with those you love is something we can all relate to. One pot meals. 5 ingredient recipes. 30 minute meals.

But now, our typical way of life has pretty much flipped upside down, and along with it, many of our views on cooking. What was looked at before as a chore or totally optional (go out to eat! order in!), spending time in the kitchen is now seen as a relief, an opportunity, and the only way breakfast, lunch, AND dinner are going to get on the table.

Yesterday my friend Murf texted me, “This whole thing is def helping me flex my cooking muscle, which I’m actually liking! Trying to keep some positivity thru this sh*t.”

Could this be one of the slivers of silver lining to shuttering and staying in?

Since many of us have more time on our hands within the confines walls of our humble abodes, I hope we can take solace in where we are now, and be more like Murf, and make the best of the situation as it stands.

15 Kitchen Projects to Try Now

Here are a few ideas for spending extra time in the kitchen to do those things you never seem to have time to get done.

1. Master a new cooking project.
   • BAKE! Homemade bread, croissants, doughnuts, cakes and cookies.
   • Can or pickle fresh vegetables and fruits.
   • Learn how to make fresh pasta you can cook tonight or freeze for later.
   • Make playdough with the kids.
2. Clean the oven.
3. Make Sunday dinner on days that aren’t Sunday. Braise meats like pork roast, homemade ravioli in a long simmer bolognese, or beef bourguignon.
4. Turn fresh fruits about to go bad into jam.
5. Go through cookbooks and make a pile of those you never use to give away.
6. Batch cook meals to freeze and save for later, or drop off now with friends or family.
7. Declutter and clean out the spice drawers and pantry.
   • Check expiration dates and sniff dried herbs for freshness.
   • Throw away what’s past due.
   • Re-organize ingredients with most used items in front, least toward the back or in higher places.
8. Clean out the freezer and get rid of the freezer burned items to make room for fresh.
9. Go through kitchen gadgets and get rid of what you no longer use.
10. Cook a batch of dry beans.
11. Make a master list of family favorite recipes you’ve tried and want to make again.
12. Update cabinet knobs and pulls for an easy way to get a fresh look.
13. Set the table, put on the music, and turn dinner into a celebration of togetherness.
14. Roast a whole chicken then make stock to freeze for later.
15. Make a bucket list of recipes you want to try later.

More Reasons to Spend Time In the Kitchen

• 10 Things to Get Rid of for an Organized Kitchen
• 7 Easy Tips to Get You to Cook More at Home
• 50 Things You Can Do Yourself to Update Your Kitchen
• The Best Pantry Staples for a Well-Stocked Kitchen
• 10 Ways to Waste Less and Save More at the Grocery Store

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