Would you believe that I don’t spend all day in the kitchen?
Well, it’s true, my friends.
I may have written a cookbook and filmed a cooking class, but that doesn’t mean I spend my life in the kitchen. Most days you’ll find me bouncing all over the homestead from the barn, to the garden, to the office, to the kitchen, yet somehow I usually still manage to pull off plenty of from-scratch, homemade meals during the week.
Cooking from scratch is a very conscious choice for me.
Yes, I know there are bazillions of pre-made ingredient options out there.
I know that there are faster ways to get food on the table.
I know I’d have more free time during the day if I opted into more convenience options.
But I go the homemade route anyway. Partly because it’s far healthier, partly because it allows us to use the food we’re growing ourselves, but the biggest reason?
It’s about quality of life.
Which is rather humorous considering the industrialized world of food claims that their pre-packaged options will increase your quality of life…
But here I stand, claiming the opposite.
You see, I believe that humans are intrinsically wired to make things. We’re designed to build, to improve, to fashion, to create.
But we live in a time of unprecedented ease… Everything happens at the press of a button, and while I’m certainly not against technology, our modern culture strips us of the sheer joy that comes with creating something with your own two hands.
Which is why you’ll see me on my soapbox time and time again beckoning folks to fall in love with their kitchens, whether that be for the very first time, or rekindling an old, forgotten romance.
BUT.
How does one embrace from-scratch cooking with it’s slower prep times while still having one foot in our very modern, very busy world?
I’m so glad you asked.
I’ll answer that question (and more!) in this video. (Keep scrolling for notes and links!)
How to Cook from Scratch When You Have Limited Time
1. PLAN AHEAD:
Your menu planning doesn’t have to be extravagant or even that detailed, but man oh man, my weeks are SO much smoother if I take 5 minutes on Sunday to sketch out what we’ll be having for supper that week. Being on the offensive in the kitchen always beats being on the defensive (which usually equals resorting to weird or unhealthy stuff as a last-minute resort to feed the hungry hoardes).
2. MAKE DOUBLE
Whenever possible, make double batches of a meal, so you can either freeze portions for later or just eat it throughout the week. This especially applies to various meal components or ingredients– here are a few of my favs to make ahead!
Also, having a repertoire of easy-to-make stand-by meals has saved the day more than once! Some of our favorite standby meals include:
- Tacos (crockpot taco meat makes it even easier)
- Shredded Pork or Beef Sandwiches
- Easy Pan Fried Pork Chops
- Rotisserie Style Slow Cooker Chicken
- Baked Potatoes with bacon, ground beef, cheese, etc.
3. INVEST IN APPLIANCES:
Can you live without them? Of course. But things like slow cookers, Instant Pots, and food processors will most certainly make your life easier as you live this homestead life that attempts to combine an old-fashioned existence with a fast-paced modern one.
My favorite ways to save time with a slow cooker:
- Cooking whole chickens
- Cooking beef roast to be eaten plan or for French Dip sandwiches
- Making various soups and stews like Baked Potato Soup
- Making homemade beef broth or chicken stock
My favorite ways to save time with an Instant Pot:
- Cooking whole (unsoaked!) beans in less than 60 minutes
- Cooking rice or quinoa
- Cooking chunks of squash or pumpkin
- Steaming fresh eggs for the equivalent of hard-boiled eggs that are EASY to peel
- Making smaller batches of homemade broth or stock
My favorite ways to save time with a food processor:
- Making homemade mayo
- Making pesto
- Making butter
- Chopping large amounts of onions or pepper
- Shredding cheese
Listen to the Old Fashioned On Purpose podcast episode #18 on this topic HERE. Also listen to episode #48 for 5 Meal Planning Tips From a Non-Meal Planner.
I totally agree about cooking from scratch. Sometimes I cook things that are really involved and take a couple of hours, but for the most part I try to keep my active work time down to about half an hour. I can make spaghetti sauce, soup, and a lot of other things which provide extra meals in that time, and since I’m single and live alone, it’s always good to have backups. I like eating out, and I have a couple of commercial frozen meals that I enjoy, but 90% of the time it’s home cooking for me.
I really enjoy your post. I am a retired mom, grandma and teacher. I always prepared ahead when raising my family. There’s nothing better than canned veggies and soups. I remember freezing pies, cobbler, sauces, shredded meats in an effort to keep my sanity during busy week. You are a jewel my dear. I am thrilled to see you keeping these skills current and encouraging others. Even this grandma has learned a few things!!
Blessings,
Mimi
I have spent most of my life making things, and still enjoy it. I’ve always done knitting and sewing, including quilts. I’ve had a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower gardens. I’ve done my share of canning. I’ve retired from doing a lot of those things, but still prefer to cook from scratch. In my old age I appreciate scratch cooking because I have to be more conscious of my health. I don’t need all the sugar and other junk in processed foods. Sometimes, like the recipe I made for dinner last night, the creations flop. But most of the time I feel a lot of joy as a result of my planning and cooking efforts. I applaud you for rediscovering those old skills and for passing them on. I’ve learned some interesting things from you and hope I never get too old to learn new things.
Hey Jill,
I love your tips here! I totally live by these as well. I’ve definitely learned that planning and prep work beforehand is essential. Also, having the right appliances… totally! I don’t know where I’d be without my Instant Pot, that thing is a lifesaver haha!
Thanks,
-Cherelle
thanks for the ninja breakfast for my single and bachelor life
I’m looking for recommendations for food processors. What do you suggest?
I really enjoy watching and learning from you.
Thank you so much.
Thanks for your support! We really appreciate it. 🙂
At our house cooking from scratch tends to get noticed…….from yummy smells coming from a soup bone simmering in the crockpot to time spent with a granddaughter making cookies for Grandpa – the family notices and appreciates. Plus there are ways to make “from scratch” more convenient like freezing cookie dough balls so freshly home baked cookies are only 20 minutes away at any given time. Just takes a little planning.
I love this!!
I have always have tried to keep things homemade. But with 4 young ones I have gotten in to some bad habits but I am working strighting out a few things. Thanks for the great ideas and reminders.
My biggest issues is planing out my week meals. Striving to do better.
We all have seasons like this! Glad to hear you’re getting back into the swing of things, though. 🙂
I always saute several pounds of burger (with diced onions) at the same time–then package and freeze. If the meat is pre-cooked, even quick and easy meals–tacos, spaghetti, goulash, soup, etc.–are quicker and easier!
There’s so much I could complement you on and so much I’d like to share with you, but…..
Let’s leave it that I’m thrilled to have found your blog and know that there are wonderful young(er) people who wish to carry on the tradition.
All the best to you and all your family.
And thank you, thank you, thank you.
You’re too sweet! Thanks for your support. We’re truly glad to have you here!
I need to eat gluten free which can be expensive and full of additives if you buy ready made from the store. So I learned how to bake my own. This past weekend I made a bunch of Teff pancakes which I froze individually for a quick breakfast, and a bunch of gluten free English muffins. I also recommend the silicone souper cubes for freezing extra portions of soups, stews,veggies, etc. The frozen portions pop out in manageable sizes, and pack easily into a plastic bag for freezer ready meals. A real time saver for home cooked quick meals when you need them.