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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.

Spring lettuce

The Easiest Ways to Trim Produce

Fast, foolproof strategies for cutting your favorite fruits and vegetables
Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

The Instant Dinner Tool

It’s possible! Get recipe suggestions based on how much time you have to cook.
Photo: Hector M. Sanchez

6 Ways to Save on Groceries

Has your budget taken a hit? Simple tactics will 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
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Garlicky Broiled Salmon and Tomatoes
Boxes of cereal on grocery shelves
Sweet potato and Gruyere uncooked

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.

Woman and child preparing dinner

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

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Henckels Five Star 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Day-Before Dinner Preparation Checklist

Prep these ingredients up to a day in advance to avoid the pre-dinner rush.

  • Wash, trim, and chop vegetables and herbs. Bag and refrigerate.
  • Peel and cut up potatoes. Place in a bowl, cover with water, and refrigerate.

    Related: Common Types of Potatoes

  • Blanch green beans, broccoli, and other green vegetables. Cook in boiling water until crisp-tender. Run under cold water to cool; drain and refrigerate.

View The Entire Checklist

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