Sometimes I say to my self, "What is better then good old fashion Chicken and Dumplings." Who has time to make that?? I finally figured out short cuts to so many different recipes that would usually take the entire day to create. When my kids were little, I would grocery shop for the entire week..with coupons of course, never forget the power of coupons.. But I would get frozen food and pop it into the oven... Well that is OK once in a while but all week?? That didn't get it.  My kids had the idea of eating certain foods.....fish sticks and tater tots were on the menu at least once a week.. I decided to make up dishes on the weekend.  I made enough for left overs and I froze 2 dishes. If I made mashed potatoes for Dinner on Sunday I would make enough for maybe three different potato dishes. And don't forget the crock pot...."Oh my gosh what I've created in that?"...And you can walk away and leave it all day! Great huh?
You can be successful on a budget! Oh how I hated to budget........finally I figured out that a bag of potatoes and a bag of rice can compliment a whole lot of food!! It's what you add to it that compliments the dish...I mashed, sliced and diced. I tried adding every vegetable and herb I could. You present that to the table and  watch your family really enjoy eating.
Are you being processed to death? Do you ever wonder why pre-packaged food stays fresh longer then food made from scratch? According to CBN article, food Manufactures remove healthier, perishable ingredients. In there place, manufacturers substitute, trans fats oils infused with hydrogen high fructose, corn syrup and MSG...So staying away from processed food is easier when you remember they're food that have been altered form their natural state...Don't get me wrong. I can dive into a bag of potatoe chips, devore a plate of cookies just like anyone else. Just keep in mind, a bowl of fruit sitting out on the table is a tasty treat any time!

My children are much older now..they have there own kitchens to cook in. Well all except one, my daughter is still living here at home. I will get a text everyday asking "what is for dinner"? I feel good about my family growing up around my kitchen. You want to cook for the people you love, and teach them to cook for themselves. When you cook at home the smells fill the house. The kids will remember how great it was. This is the foundation that will build cellular memories...
Here are a few things you may want to consider. It is important to keep a sharp knife in the kitchen. A chefs knife is the one I use the most. It is  the the most versatile knife, you can't go wrong. Great for cutting meat and mincing veggies. Storing your knife is equally important. Spices are to be labeled on the date of purchase. I replace mine about every 6 months.
I like keeping frozen biscuits around. I use them for breakfast as well as dinner. Also mayonnaise.....make sure first that is what you are using, if a recipe calls for it that is what they mean. NOT miracle whip, make sure it is a good mayo too. Think toaster oven; it will bake, roast, and broil. Most of all a well stocked pantry is essential. This is my go to place...and keep it organized.  I buy things in cases, it will save you money. Shop at your local Clubs. Sam and Costco are great. I hope this a little bit of information has helped you..be your own chef.....Come back and visit for more time saving tips and recipes.  God Bless..

Hello! and welcome to my Concepts of Cooking. I enjoy real food just like real people. I have been cooking, creating short cuts, and revising recipes well over 40 years. I think of ways of tweaking a recipe to make it my own.. It is important to add a little something and say I made this my own..
As a child I spent a lot of time in the kitchen......most of which were creating dinners for my family. I discovered then how really important is was to cook with fresh wholesome ingredients.
Most of what we ate as a child was raised in my yard...My father grew the best fruits and vegetables! When you are introduced to a vine ripened tomato, or a ear of corn you can smell before it has been shucked. That is fresh!........it is like a little slice of heaven.
Now I insist on the freshest Vegetables and herbs. I am not one to eat dinner out of a box, but if you must; add a little life to it!..If there is a way to make it, I can help make it better...
I like to go to the markets and look at the produce... It's all about the season...So many ways to cook a  veggie...I mean it is really endless.And herbs......certain ones grow in my yard all year..what could be easier...Go out  and clip it, add it, and enjoy it. Why buy?? I have Rosemary growing out in my front yard all year...I like to grow for the season..Some of them I dry, But fresh is really the best....Summer may be gone but my herbs live on.