Time for a Change?

How many times have you walked into your kitchen and thought “if there was more room I would be able to cook.” Over my years as a chef, I have accumulated lots of “kitchen gadgets.”  Some are priceless and others should never have left the shelf.  But like many of you, I am intrigued with gadgets. They have this way of drawing us in, with claims to “save money, time and ease preparation.” If this was truly the case, I would be the first to stand in line for any of those items. As a new Chef, I jumped on the gadget bandwagon but when the novelty wore off, it just took up space. As I began a family, my cooking style changed.  Honestly how long was I going to make my own pasta, while tending to three small children, a full time job and run a house? It became time to put away gadgets and get back to basics.

So ladies “Are You Ready For a Change?”

Change requires action. Action can make you uncomfortable and grumpy. So I would suggest you think long and hard, maybe even solicit your childrens help.

Clean out your cabinets
As you start to clean out your cabinets, ask the following questions.
When you finish you will have a pile to keep and a pile to get rid of.

Ready, Set ………Go- You can do this

1)    What is it? If you don’t know, this should be the first clue you should not be in possession of it.

2)    When was the last time you used it? How many times a year do you use it? Is it possible to use it more often to simplify more tasks?

3)    Do you have duplicate items, if so, is it necessary? Can you get rid of one?

4)    If you come across an item that you are not sure you can part with, try putting it aside for 30 days. If after 30 days if you didn’t need it, get it out of your kitchen.

*While you separate items: try to group like things together. Like extra silverware, place them in plastic wrap as a complete setting, (knife, spoon, and fork)

*Odd sets of plates, bowls, cups and mugs:  Get rid of those you don’t use.

Keep only good plastic storage items! Trash the rest.

I think that is enough for one lesson. Don’t let this be a long drawn out process. Do it one evening or over the weekend, because it can get to be a very messy project.

Don’t get pulled back into the call of the gadgets.