The Busy Mom's Kitchen Survival Kit

My fellow mamas will agree. Your life gets infinitely more complicated once the beautiful little bundle of poop arrives. Throw a career into the mix and you have the makings of the perfect storm of drive-thrus and domestic dis-harmony (I know that's not really a word, but I like alliteration).

I keep a mental list of things that I think are pretty great ideas. Especially those that make my life easier and I keep all of these great things in my head, where they do good only to me. And occasionally Brad, when my cerebral file 13 reaches a level of overflow and I need to expunge these little tid bits of knowledge.

So moms and moms-to-be, here are my top five time savings kitchen helpers.

Single Serve Wine Bottles
The best invention since sliced bread. Seriously. These are invaluable to anyone who loves to cook. Finally, there is no need to ruin and entire bottle of wine just to make dinner. And by ruin, I mean frantically down the better part of a bottle of Cabernet just to keep from wasting wine (which is akin to one of Dante's deadly sins). The single serve bottles are available in all of the standard types and provide just enough for your recipes, with a swig or two left over. Genius.

Amy's Kitchen Organic Meals
If you have been keeping up with me as of late, you know that I am trying to be more eco-friendly (GREEN TEAM!) and eat more natural foods. So imagine my giddiness when I discovered microwaveable organic meals in my grocer's freezer case. Fresh meets fast. Perfect. What's missing? Preservatives, chemicals, etc. But despite the lack of additives, the taste is still great. My recommendations include the enchiladas Verde and the ravioli. Many of the entrees are also gluten and dairy free. However, I need to pay better attention because I keep accidentally getting the dairy-free meals. I need my cheese!

Kitchen Sheers
Yes, baby food is fun. Watching your baby learn to love (OR hate) those pureed green beans and squash has given many a parent a sense of satisfaction and excitement. When they move to table food, many of those same parents find themselves racked with fear that their child will choke on a too large chunk of food. Enter the kitchen sheers. These handy sheers should be a staple in every mom's kitchen. No more struggling with cutting table food in to small bites for your little babe- kitchen sheers make short work of whatever the family is eating. My kitchen sheers from Cutco make providing table food to a baby a breeze and they come apart for easy cleaning. Regardless of what brand you select, make sure that you are buying them from a store where you buy knives. Normal scissors just don't cut it (pun intended).

Kitchen sheers at work on a cheeseburger...

















The Crock Pot
Five years ago, you were opening a large present at your bridal shower, giddy as to what this big heavy token of generosity might be. A blender for margaritas? A toaster to start your day off right with some warm pop-tarts whole grain waffles? Espresso maker? Nope. It's a crock pot. Yipee. But ladies, the crock pot is one of your most valuable players in the kitchen line-up. Learn it. Live it. Love it. I know I do. Roasts, stews and stroganoffs all reach the peak of tenderness while you toil away strapped to your computer. And when you walk in your front door you are bowled over by a wave of beefy/porky goodness. Mmmmm. There are a variety of websites and cookbooks dedicated to slow cooker meals, a family could go for quite a while without a repeat.

Soups
The great thing about soups is that you can make a huge batch, enjoy a meal and freeze two to three additional meals from one pot of soup. So easy! Soups can be poured into ziplock baggies and fit into nooks and crannies of even the most packed freezer. When it's time to defrost, stick the baggie in the fridge the night before you wish to serve...or you can immerse in it warm water until it looses from the container and heat until warm. Some of my FAVES: Mexican Pork and Rice (try it with chunks of fresh avocado added just before serving), Beef Stew with Red Wine (see "Single Serve Wine Bottles, above) and Smokey Slow Cooker Chili (the tomatillas as just a bit of tart).