Cooking Hacks That Make Meal Time Easy

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The art of cooking has taken a back seat to grabbing fast, easy meals on the go. A common statement I hear is “I don’t have time to cook”. Well friends, here are some cooking hacks that make meal time easy. These tips may just change your life.

20 Cooking Hacks

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Cooking Hacks #1 Use a spoon to peel ginger.

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Cooking Hacks #2 Halve a handful of cherry tomatoes quickly.

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Cooking Hacks #3 Save fresh herbs for later use by freezing them in oil.

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Cooking Hacks #4 Keep lettuce fresher, longer.

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Cooking Hacks #5 Easily retrieve a cracked egg shell without getting frustrated.

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Cooking Hacks #6 Save the sauce.

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Cooking Hacks #7 Turn any cup into a to-go cup!

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Cooking Hacks #8 Shred Chicken quickly in your mixer.

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Cooking Hacks #9 Use parchment paper instead of baking cups.

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Cooking Hacks #10 Peel an entire head of garlic in 10 seconds.

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Cooking Hacks #11 Prevent pots from boiling over with a wooden spoon.

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Cooking Hacks #12 Chop peppers like a pro.

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Cooking Hacks #13 Keep wine chilled with frozen grapes.

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Cooking Hacks #14 Rubber bands make opening jars a snap.

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Cooking Hacks #15 Get more lemon juice from your lemons by rolling them first.

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Cooking Hacks #16 Keep your cutting board in place by placing a damp paper towel under it.

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Cooking Hacks #17 Peel citrus like a genius. Kids love this.

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Cooking Hacks #18 Keep the grill clean and meat moist by cooking meat on a bed of fresh lemons.

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Cooking Hacks #19 Use dental floss to cut cakes and soft cheese.

 

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Cooking Hacks #20 Place boiling water in ice cube trays for clear ice cubes. This creates pretty ice cubes when you freeze fruit in ice for parties.

Problem Solving Strategies

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Problem solving strategies help us navigate life’s “problems” or “challenges” when they arise.  The manner in which we respond to the circumstances we face can be seen as either proactive or reactive problem solving strategies. Instead of looking at the issues that arise as negative forces, instead lets view them as learning experiences that can bring about our greatest good.

The next time we are faced with a circumstance that could be viewed as a problem, step back and evaluate the situation at hand. Let’s look at what makes a response proactive or reactive in nature.

Proactive problem solving strategies emphasize active listening skills and seek to bring about a win-win solution for all involved. With proactive problem solving strategies, we access the situation ahead of time and trouble shoot before an issue arises. We take into account that there are multiple ways to solve any given problem.

Reactive problem solving strategies occur as a response to a situation. Typically, it focuses on quick fixes to avoid further reactive responses or issues in the immediate future. Often, reactive problem solving strategies spring forth from a narrow focus, lack of awareness or not listening.

Problem Solving Strategies

When approaching a problem, follow these 6 problem solving strategies to identifying the problem and best course of action.

1. Identify and define the problem. It is important to identify if the problem is real or perceived, if it’s significant, and if it’s an ongoing problem or not.
2. Learn more about the problem. This is the: Who, What, When, Why and How? Gather only the facts about what happened or what caused the problem.
3. Generate solutions. Focus on what you can do. Focus on what needs to be addressed, the best way to resolve the issue and any alternatives.
4. Choose the best course of action, decide how the issue will be resolved.
5. Implement the solution.
6. Assess and follow up if needed. Did the course of action you chose resolve the problem? If not, make necessary changes and keep moving forward.

As we practice proactive problem solving strategies, these actions will become second nature. Make a mental note of how you feel before, during and after implementing the problem solving strategies. In the comments, let us know how these problem solving strategies have helped you.

Homemade Pho Recipe

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With this homemade Pho recipe you can enjoy a Vietnamese favorite in the comfort of your own home.  Pho is a delicious, quick and easy meal to prepare. Our homemade Pho recipe will fill you up.

Homemade Pho Recipe

What You’ll Need:
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced (divided)
8 cups veggie broth
1 piece (3 1/2 inches) fresh ginger root, peeled, thinly sliced
4 whole cloves
5 star anise
1 piece (3 inches) cinnamon stick
1 cup water
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 package (7 ounces) dried rice sticks (often called banh pho)

Pick your Pho style:
Mixed veggies of your choice or
1 pound sirloin steak, cut across grain into thin slices

Optional Garnishes:
Sliced green onions
Fresh Thai basil leaves
Sliced jalapeno peppers
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Sriracha

Homemade Pho Recipe

What You’ll Do:
In a 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add one of the sliced onions and cook 7 to 8 minutes until onions are softened and browned, stirring frequently. Add broth, ginger, cloves, star anise and cinnamon stick to pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes to concentrate flavors. Strain broth through a fine mesh strainer into a 4-quart Dutch oven; discard solids.

Add water, fish sauce and remaining sliced onion. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Add sliced steak or mixed veggies; simmer, uncovered, 5 to 6 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are tender.

Meanwhile, cook and drain noodles as directed on package. Rinse with cold water; drain. Divide noodles among serving bowls; ladle soup mixture over noodles. Top with desired fresh garnishes and condiments. Enjoy!

Amsterdam

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The charm of Holland is never ending. Amsterdam is the capital of Holland and a multidimensional city with something for everyone. We like to call it a big kids play ground. Journey with us through the history, festivals and fun that make Amsterdam one of the best cities in the world.

Amsterdam

Food In Amsterdam

The Broodje Bal Met Satesaus is a flavorful sandwich that combines a sliced seasoned meatball with grilled onions and peanut butter sauce on a fluffy bun. The combination of ingredients seems interesting but it works, it’s actually delicious. If you find yourself in Amsterdam be sure to try this sandwich. Amsterdam

Another local favorite is the Kroket. A kroket is a deep fried, breaded roll made of meat or vegetables. The inner consistency is similar to thick gravy. Often kroket’s are served as an appetizer however, you can add a side of fries. Fries are also referred to as Patat and come with mayo and peanut butter dipping sauce. Bitterballen are another great option and are served with mustard.

Finish your meal with a Stroopwafle. A delightful dessert made of a thin waffle which his cut in half horizontally and filled with a sweet syrup. This sweet treat is best served warm. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great city to visit any time of year.  The spring and summer seasons are especially nice. On this trip to Amsterdam we celebrated Kings Day with friends. Kings Day is celebrated each year on April 27th. Kings Day is the biggest birthday party in the world, a celebration of King Willem Alexander’s birth. The streets and canals are filled with people dancing in the streets.  Amsterdam

A short train ride from Amsterdam you will find the Keukenhof Gardens. The tulip festival in Holland takes place each year from March 20th-May 17th. There are millions of tulip bulbs that bloom creating a sea of color in the fields outside of Amsterdam. This festival is one of the largest flower displays in the world. Tulips were originally imported into Holland in the 16th century from China and Turkey. Soon after tulips were in high demand and used as a currency throughout the land. Tulips are part of the rich culture of Holland and seen everywhere. If you can make it to Amsterdam during this time of year this is a site you must see. Click here for more information on the Tulip Mania in Holland. Amsterdam

 

Holland is a beautiful country which holds a special place in my heart. I hope that one day you will be a able to experience all that this country has to offer.