10 Ways to Test Kitchen Efficiency:Place a check mark next to each statement that is true in your kitchen...

1. _____ Do you clean your refrigerator on a weekly basis? It’s best to do before a grocery run so you can plan to use what you have while making your list and so that you have plenty of room to store your groceries.
2. _____ Are your cutting boards easily accessible and in good condition?
3. _____ Do you have a variety of sharp knives that are easy to find and use?
4. _____ How does your supply of cooking utensils look? Do you have adequate spoons, ladles, spatulas, etc?
5. _____ Do you have enough pots and pans? Can you find the lids?
6. _____ Are your microwave-safe containers organized and easy to find?
7. _____ Do you have enough storage containers and bags? (These will make storing “planned overs” and packing healthful lunches a breeze)!
8. _____ Do you have the equipment you need in order to make your job easier? This could be...* Microwave* Toaster oven* Food processor and/or blender* Rice cooker* Stand mixer or hand mixer
9. _____ Is your freezer clean with relatively new foods? Or is it packed and messy? An organized freezer makes cooking much easier.
10. _____ Do you have enough room to work on your counters?

Give yourself a point for every item checked...

• 1-3 points: You’ve got some work to do.
• 4-6 points: Good start! Try our tips.
• 7-10 points: You have an efficient kitchen!

For Fast Meals, Keep These on Hand:Dry:

• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Rice
• Oil and vinegar
• Spices, herbs, seasonings
• Whole grain bread and cereals
• Canned beans and soups
• Tuna

Refrigerated:

• Skim milk
• Fat-free yogurt and sour cream
• Orange juice
• Fruit and vegetables
• Parmesan cheese
• Trans fat-free margarine

Frozen:

• Frozen veggie assortments
• Veggie burgers
• Nuts and seeds