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Make Ahead & Time Tips

Planning ahead or short on time for your next meal? Ask the community for quick kitchen tips and last minute entertaining touches.

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CateC_BettyCrocker_MOD
The Windy City
Posts: 1102

Share your favorite cooking shortcuts!

I can’t seem to slow time down, so I’m always looking for quick short cuts in the kitchen. I wanted to start a thread so you could share your favorite short cut and things you do (or buy) often to save time in the kitchen.

If you are looking to time saving inspiration, here are some ways to strategies for cooking ahead.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/cooking-basics/make-ahead-meal-strategies/do-ahead-cooking-strategies.htm

I hear how many people save time with their slow cookers and we started asking the community for their responses. Here is just one of the many threads talking about slow cooker recipes! Please add yours!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/26/3570

Looking forward to reading your responses! Sincerely, Cate

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11/13/2009 4:26 PM

8 Replies to Share your favorite cooking shortcuts!

CateC_BettyCrocker_MOD
The Windy City
Posts: 1102

Here are some of my favorites!

1. I toss Hamburger Helper, broth, and veggies in my slow cooker - when I get home from work, I've got delicious homemade soup!

2. The Bullet! When we were given this for gift I thought- Oh, what a waste of space. But it's the perfect when cooking for two. (For chopping, blending, etc) Plus, it's easy to clean.

3. If it can fit in my budget, I like the pre-shreaded cheese and lettuce for taco night!

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11/13/2009 5:00 PM

leftoverqueen
Posts: 1

Whats a "bullet"?

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11/15/2009 1:31 PM

CateC_BettyCrocker_MOD
The Windy City
Posts: 1102

leftoverqueen:

Whats a "bullet"?

It's one of those see on TV things that I bet my MIL found at a store.

http://www.buythebullet.com/howitworks.php

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11/15/2009 2:09 PM

gamblinggal
Posts: 1

how much broth do you use for the recipe??? and how long is it cooked in the crock pot?

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11/15/2009 2:32 PM

ro-ro
ORLANO,FL
Posts: 3

show me how ! i have the bullet and never use it. it mushes everything.

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11/15/2009 3:37 PM

Robertastg
Posts: 1

Do you use the directions on the back of Hamburg Helper, hamburg, etc? How much broth? How much time in the crockpot?

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11/15/2009 4:23 PM

wybound2016
Posts: 2

OMG.....Your slow cooker soup with the hamburger helper sounds awesome!!! Can you please send me the recipe?? It sounds like something my family would love!! We are always, weekly, trying new recipes!!

THank you in advance!!!

Trish

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11/15/2009 9:56 PM

CateC_BettyCrocker_MOD
The Windy City
Posts: 1102

gamblinggal:

how much broth do you use for the recipe??? and how long is it cooked in the crock pot?

So, there isn't an exact recipe to it. I just eye-ball it.

For this one, I throw it all in one slow cooker and cook for 2-4 hours on low. The longer the cooking, the mushier the noodles. If you are worried about the noodles you can always throw everything else in, and add the noodles before you serve. So here is one I've worked off of.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/garden-patch-minestrone/e1ee3a42-bc27-4dc1-b1d0-42703b1d1c8b

Karen from the kitchens reminded me, " Just be sure to brown meat before putting in slow cooker."

Here are some other ones that I cook for 2-4 hours on low.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/beef-pasta-and-mushroom-soup/a8eda736-497b-4937-8486-344c5783ab47

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/quick-italian-soup/3c5d92ec-5694-4064-b15b-b6362db26586

I'll have to see what it takes for longer crockpot HH recipes. If you play around with the idea- please share your outcomes!

Sincerely, Cate

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11/16/2009 12:57 PM

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