Kitchen and food go together, the kitchen is where the food is stored, prepared and cooked. But, what is your relationship with your kitchen, really???? Or do you even have a relationship with your kitchen?!?! Do you enjoy spending time in your kitchen or is cooking and meal prep just a means to an end? Does your kitchen function well for you, do you have space to cook, do you have good storage for all your food, appliances and cooking utensils?? No, I am not goning to tell you to remodel your kitchen if it doesn't suit your needs, but there are ways to create space and organization that will help navigate your kitchen better.
This is one of the things I work on with my clients, creating a kitchen environment that is more conducive to their needs and ease with meal prep. Organization is first, having foods that you can get to easily, especially the items you use most. But you don't want spices, flours, nuts and other ingredients you use, maybe not as often, to get lost in the dark corners of your cupboards. Easy access, easy to read and see, and easy to store once you are done. Clear of clutter on the counter tops. I happen to have a family that likes to dump things on the kitchen counter, things that do not belong in the kitchen, such as keys, wallets, mail, books, paperwork... drives me crazy!!!! Do not take up my precious kitchen counter space with your stuff! So, be sure you keep your counter space clear and clean, so that it is ready for use. Keeping your sink empty of dirty dishes, don't let them pile up, there is nothing worse than waking up or coming home to a sink full of dirty dishes. This can turn anybody off to spending time in the kitchen. A refrigerator that is clean and clear, glass containers for storage so you can see your food, instead of murky plastic that can stain and warp. It might take a little time, but so worth the end results.
Make kitchen time more enjoyable, keeping the appearance appealing and happy. Maybe a vase of flowers on the counter out of your way, add some color, a bowl of fresh fruits or vegetables, anything that might put a smile on your face, an inspiring quote or saying... Try to make it a positive space, a functional space, a gathering space and a healthy space. Whatever it takes, make is space that you can have a relationship with. An environment to create in, making delicious food, trying new recipes or just learning how to cook, making it easy and enjoyable for yourself.
Start creating this space, take on little projects at at time. Buying glass jars to store your dry goods and labeling them, placing them in your cupboards so you can see them. Getting rid of old spices, and finding a storage space to put them for easy access. Next maybe address the refrigerator, purchase those glass storage containers. organize your veggie drawer, maybe newer veggies in one drawer and the use first the other, or herbs, onions in one drawer and bell peppers carrots and celery... in the other. Whatever works best for you, in oder for you to move about and food prep without any frustration or time wasted on searching for the ingredients you need. We can create this kitchen together if you are in need of some help and motivation. Let's connect you with your kitchen and make it a pleasant place to be!!!
Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry (this can be made without chicken)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
½ tbsp agave nectar
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¼ inch slices
1 yellow, red, or orange bell pepper sliced
½ thinly sliced yellow onion
½ cup chopped fresh basil
Juice of ½ lime
Directions:
Combine hoisin sauce, agave nectar, water and fish sauce, whisk until smooth.
Heat a large skillet over high heat, add oil to coat the pan. Add garlic and serrano chile, stir until fragrant.
Add the chicken and stir fry for about 4 minutes, add the bell pepper and sliced onion, stir fry another 2 minutes, next add the hoisin mixture and bring to a boil. Cook about 30 seconds or until thickened, stir in basil and lime juice.
