Please Pass the Grey Poupon – Have a Gourmet Experience At Home

Is your kitchen the land of milk and honey or a barren wasteland? As you dial for pizza, do you fantasize about Giada swinging by to pick up the slack? Everyone deserves a “gourmet” kitchen experience. It’s time to take control instead of takeout. With a bit of planning and not too much expense, you can resuscitate the heart of your home in seven easy steps.

1. Cut the Clutter.

A chaotic kitchen isn’t conducive to cooking. Purge cabinets of items you haven’t used in the past year or more – appliances, cookbooks, etc. Let go of culinary delusions while de-cluttering. If you haven’t brewed beer, stuffed sausage or made bread yet, chances are you won’t anytime soon. Donate to a charitable thrift store and let go of guilt. Empty the fridge and pantry of items past expiration. No date stamp? My mother advises, “When in doubt, toss it out.

2. Organize.

Now you have a workable space to serve your real needs. Store items closest to where you use them and keep counters as clear as possible for food prep. Label pantry staples such as flour and sugar in clear storage containers. Use lazy Susan’s (aptly named!) to increase cabinet and fridge space.

3. Plan Meals for the Week.

Write a menu and shopping list for the coming week. Cooking at home is often faster, healthier and less expensive. It’s mere minutes in the microwave to delicious fresh fish seasoned with lemon and herbs when you use a silicone food steamer.

Simplify things by holding to and perfecting a consistent meal plan. Pasta on Sunday, meatloaf on Monday, tacos on Tuesday, etc. Leave experimentation to when there’s extra time. If a recipe lends itself to being frozen, plan to double it for re-heating on a rushed night. Now that you’ve eliminated takeout from the rest of week, enjoy it on Friday but make it special with a nice glass of wine.

4. Shop Smart.

Kick up your heels and take advantage of the free delivery many supermarkets offer. Just place your order online. They’ll even save your list for future use. Don’t forget to save with online coupons. Skip the junk food and splurge on specialty items such as virgin olive oil and gourmet mustards that will give a flavorful boost to basic sandwiches and salads. Enjoying 5-star restaurant quality at home is in the details.

I spend my extra time and money at the farmer’s market and bakery. There’s nothing more luxurious in the culinary world than good fresh produce and specialty breads.

5. Share the Apron.

Delegate kitchen duties to family members. Meal times can become a bonding experience. Showing older children how to cook empowers them and gives you more free time. Who needs a personal chef when everyone takes turns with cooking chores?

6. Add Special Touches.

Bring fresh flowers in from the garden or splurge at the florist once a week. Light a candle. Turn off the TV and make a toast to your family. Relish each other along with your food.

7. Create Après Meal Traditions.

Clear the table and quickly clean the kitchen. It will make the whole house seem more pulled together. Take a walk around the block and breathe in the fresh air while you digest a well-fed life.