Everyday Meal Planning

Preparing a fresh meal for your family doesn't have to be a headache. Use these simple tricks, recipes, ideas, and shortcuts to make no-fuss dishes

A Month of Ideas

A Month of Dinners
Six basic recipes, 28 different meals: the easiest menu plan ever.

The Easiest Ways to Trim Produce

Fast, foolproof strategies for cutting your favorite fruits and vegetables

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

Find Your Perfect Dinner Recipe

Use this tool to find delicious recipes based on how much time you have to cook and what's in your fridge.

Photo: Hector M. Sanchez

6 Ways to Save on Groceries

Follow these simple tips to save you money at the supermarket.

Photo: Emily Wilson

Organize a Dinner Swap

It couldn't be easier: Cook one big-batch recipe, swap with three other families, and, voilà, you've got four nights of delicious, ready-when-you-are meals.

Photo: Hans Gissinger

Smart Strategies

Baked penne with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes

5 Steps to a Successful Dinner Swap
More and more people are taking the dread out of dinner prep by trading meals. Want to start a swap group that works for you? Here are some pointers.

Dinner Preparation Task Cards
Put these slips in a bowl and let everyone choose his or her job for the night.

Cooking Basics Checklist

Don’t know where to get started in the kitchen? Follow these easy steps and tips.

Before starting, read the recipe all the way through. Then preheat the oven, if necessary.
Make sure you have the ingredients and gear you need and get it all out.
Before you start cooking, prep all the ingredients according to the recipe instructions. (This is called mise en place.)

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