The average family spends as much as 20 hours per week, planning , shopping, preparing and cleaning up from preparing dinner at home.  There are a few easy tips that can help you reduce that time:

Plan Ahead – By planning out the meals for the week, you can save time by only having to shop once a week.  This can also help with your food budget by reducing the times you are in the grocery store, thereby reducing your temptation to buy those impulse items.

Know When to Shop – Avoid the grocery store on Sunday. This is typically the store’s busiest day of the week, meaning it will take more time and you will be left with less selection.  Shop after the pre-dinner hours or better yet in the morning.  The staff is less hectic and the selection is better.

Cook Once, Eat Twice – Grill some extra chicken breasts or steak and you can have the extra on a second night diced on top of a salad or tossed in pasta.

Look Sharp – A good set of knives is one of the best investments you can make. A sharp knife is faster and safer than working with a dull knife and can make quick work of that kitchen prep work.

Double Up – The next time you make a family favorite (chili, stew, pasta sauce, casserole) make a double batch and pop half in the freezer. It doesn’t take any extra time and it will save you having to cook on the second night.

Terry Madigan is a Certified Personal Chef and Owner of Just No Thyme (www.justnothyme.com), a personal chef service in the San Gabriel Valley. Reach him at tmadigan@justnothyme.com.