2/15/06

[HOST_Carolann] I think we will get started. It's past the top of the hour and even though we will get latecomers, we will have a busy hour!
[HOST_Carolann] Welcome again everyone! And a special welcome to Anna Popescu who is our guest speaker for today.
[HOST_Carolann] She is here to talk to us about Help In The Kitchen for meal planning, preparation and even cleaning up.
[HOST_Carolann] She has a handout available at www.restministries.org/CHAT/handout_popescu.PDF
Anna> Good morning and welcome to this morning's chat, "Help in the Kitchen." I hope all of you were able to access and download the chat notes before our time together. So… any questions before we start out? OK, then! How many of you could use some tips on making your kitchen more user-friendly these days?
Anna> was everyone able to check out my handout?
[HOST_Carolann] yes there is tons of great info there!
Mary_Lou> No, but I'll do that at the end of this session.
Anna> Thanks! Why don't I start out by telling you a little about myself so you can understand where I'm coming from
Lylac> Looking forward to what you have to say, and yes I did.
Anna> I have FM and CFS, plus thyroid problems, osteoarthritis, and I am also prediabetic. There are many days that start out somewhat well for me, and I have lots of energy in the morning, but by Noon, I am starting to feel wiped out.
Anna> That's why making lists is so important to me. I can plan meals while I have the energy. I can also prepare part of the meals ahead of time when I have the most energy.
Anna> Those of you who have already read my handout saw that I am a real list maker. Do any of you use this method of keeping on top of things?
[HOST_Carolann] oh yes! I would be lost without my lists!
Lylac> can't remember without lists, lol
[HOST_Carolann] My problem is losing the bits of paper
Anna> lists and sticky notes -- these are my main organizational tools
Lylac> sometimes I forget the lists! :)
Mary_Lou> Oh, yes! I was a list-maker when I was healthy!
Mary_Lou> It's a good way to keep on track.
Anna> I LOVE to cross items off my lists as I get them done
Lylac> I use small spiral notebooks
Anna> that's a good idea, Lylac
Anna> do you keep them in various places in your house?
[HOST_Carolann] on my desk or on kitchen table or fridge
Mary_Lou> I keep them in the same place otherwise, like Carolann, I'd lose track of them.
Lylac> yes, unfortunately I haven't figured out a better plan, but I keep one usually in my purse, in my room that I am in, etc.
Anna> Well, one of my basic lists is what I call my meal planner. I take the time to sit and make a list of about 2 weeks' worth of meals.
Anna> and I'm talking about SIMPLE meals, nothing too time consuming or taxing on my body
Mary_Lou> Simple is good!
[HOST_Carolann] me too - it's all I like
Anna> Here's an example of what I consider a simple meal: grilled lemon-pepper salmon, Rice-A-Roni, steamed broccoli -- easy and quick to prepare, and tasty too!
[HOST_Carolann] how do you grill salmon?
Anna> Here's another: Canned or homemade soup, peanut butter & jam sandwich.
Anna> Carolann, I have a George Foreman grill, but I also use one of those long pans that has a grill on one side and a griddle on the other.
[HOST_Carolann] oh OK, never heard of that
Anna> I place it across 2 burners on the stove
Anna> You can find these grill pans at Walmart or Target. I don't think they're much more than $15 -- I've had mine for about 6 years.
[HOST_Carolann] I'll look and see at Walmart
[HOST_Carolann] I Love salmon!
liz4cps> I put salmon on a rack in a pan, under the broiler and put teriyaki sauce on it.
Anna> I just brush some olive oil on it, sprinkle it with some lemon pepper seasoning, and place in on the grill -- sooooo easy and delish!
Anna> Oh, teriyaki sauce sounds good too!
Anna> sometimes I make a big chef's salad for dinner -- what I humorously refer to as my "clean out the refrigerator salad"
Anna> The salad and a piece of fruit are enough to fill me up for the rest of the evening
Mary_Lou> All this talk of food is making me hungry!
Anna> I had an email this morning from Christine who recommended using a crockpot and making large quantities to divide up into individual meal-size portions for freezing
Mary_Lou> I have a crockpot. I use it all the time.
Anna> I thought that was a great idea, and I do that too
[HOST_Carolann] yes they're great for stews etc
Anna> Not to get side tracked, but has anyone tried those crockpot liners? and if so, do you recommend them for an easy cleanup tip?
Mary_Lou> Never used them.
[HOST_Carolann] never heard of them
[HOST_Carolann] I never found cleaning the crockpot difficult
Lylac> I have heard of them but I just give my crockpot a good soak and it's not too difficult to clean if you take care of it right away
Trisha> My crock pot is ceramic and very easy to clean, so I don't think I would invest in them.
[HOST_Carolann] that's what I do too Lylac
liz4cps> I sometimes think my crockpot is clean, but after it has dried, I find it's not clean.
Anna> it's not so much that the cleanup is difficult, but for me, the pot is so heavy for me to manoeuvre in the sink. I have arthritis in so many joints... anyway, I thought maybe those liners would alleviate that situation
liz4cps> I have a white crockpot now and it's easier to see if it's clean.
[HOST_Carolann] hehehe, that's good, mine's brown and hides the food I didn't get cleaned
Lylac> conveniences are great, but sometimes I don't buy a lot of them - if you are tight financially then you can't afford the things to help/it's a huge balance sometimes I find
Anna> I have not wanted to invest in them either until someone would recommend them to me after using them. I normally use Pam on the inside of the pot before I layer in my ingredients, and that helps a lot.
Lylac> Then you should try them Anna, I can see that would help you.
Lylac> that's a nice tip, Anna
Anna> Maybe I will! IF I can find a coupon that would give me $1.00 off!
Anna> OK, onward...
Lylac> the crockpot is my friend :)
Anna> From my meal list, I then check through my cupboards, pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to see which ingredients I need to add to my SHOPPING LIST
charleen> I have a george foreman grill that helps me alot
Anna> after my shopping list is complete, I go to the grocery store -- maybe the next day, or the day after that, whenever I feel the best
Anna> Then my daily plan goes into effect. Each day, when my mind is working at its best, I go to my meal list and decide what I want to make for dinner that evening.
Anna> I then write a short (with lots of abbreviations) menu note so that I don't forget anything. Here's an example for my salmon dinner:
Anna> 1) Grilled lemon-pepper salmon: defrost salmon, add olive oil + lemon-pepper seasoning, 10 min. (5 min./side) in George Foreman grill
Anna> 2) Rice-a-Roni: skillet, approx. 20 min. to cook
Anna> 3) steamed broccoli: saucepan with steamer basket and lid, approx. 20 min. to steam; butter + salt to taste
Anna> That little list tells me everything I need to do to get dinner ready, plus I can see from it what I can prepare in the morning when I have more energy.
charleen> sounds good
Anna> In this case, the only chore for the morning is to get the salmon out of the freezer to defrost, but if I was making spaghetti sauce, I would probably make it in the morning and then reheat it about 1/2 hour before dinner.
Anna> I use a jar or canned sauce and "doctor" it up with mushrooms, ground turkey, and sometimes turkey sausage.
Anna> Any questions so far?
[HOST_Carolann] I have found it helpful to have that kind of list too but I put the actual start times - eg 4:00 cook rice, 4:10 steam broccoli, etc.
Lylac> anna, besides your handout, do you have other meal ideas too?
Anna> Thanks, Carolann -- I do that, too, but forgot to mention it here AND in my handout
Anna> I do, Lylac. But first, let me ask Carolann if the handout from my previous chat a year ago is still available at Rest Ministries -- Carolann?
[HOST_Carolann] it should be on the web site still
Anna> The reason I want to know this is that there are several easy and quick meal ideas in that handout too
[HOST_Carolann] but I'm not 100% sure, sorry
Anna> Well, let me give you one idea from that handout that I use a lot.
craftingrama> I have an easy fish fillet recipe ( I like cod the best or white fish) take a microwavable bowl put in fish fillet salt n pepper cut up a potato or 2 (depends on how many there r of you I'm single so its easy) 2 tblsps of margarine or butter cover with lid or saran wrap cook for 8 - 10 minutes depending amount of fish and then put in a cup of frozen vegetables cook for another couple of minutes pour on plate and eat
[HOST_Carolann] quick, easy and healthy recipe crafingrama
Lylac> sounds good craftingmama
[HOST_Carolann] I use frozen vegs alot as chopping veggies is the hardest on me physically
[HOST_Carolann] there are so many more varieties now than just peas and corn!
Anna> Take a package of macaroni and cheese and put a pot of water to boil according to the pkg directions. When the water comes to a boil, add the macaroni PLUS a 16 oz. pkg of frozen mixed veggies. Cook these together until the pasta is done (veggies will also be done by that time), and drain them together in a colander. Add the milk, margarine, and cheese powder that comes in the mac & cheese mix, and stir it well. If you like more cheese, you can add some shredded Cheddar or grated Parmesan.
liz4cps> My easiest entrees -- the ones I pick when I'm tiredest are baked chicken with pineapple (or tomatoes or lemon juice) and steamed rice. If I'm running late, I can start the chicken in the microwave.
Anna> Really good ideas, ladies!
Anna> With the veggie mac & cheese, you can easily make it earlier in the day and then reheat it just before dinner.
[HOST_Carolann] I like make ahead things
Lylac> I found a transcript here, anna (Too Tired to Cook for the Holidays) is that it? http://www.restministries.org/pro-chattranscripts.htm
[HOST_Carolann] that's it
Anna> Carolann, I can so relate to your comment about chopping veggies. If they're on sale, I like to purchase pre-sliced and pre-chopped veggies in the produce section, but frozen veggies are actually fresher than what we find in the produce dept.
[HOST_Carolann] yes I agree Anna
Anna> Yes, Lylac, that's it!
Lylac> liz, how do you season those chicken dishes?
liz4cps> With pineapples or tomatoes, I mostly just add salt and pepper. We have to avoid onion family or I would add garlic.
Anna> my favorite way of serving veggies is to just steam them and add a bit of butter and salt, but if I have the oven going for chicken or meatloaf, etc., I'll roast the veggies on a cookie sheet. Just sprinkle the veggies with a little olive oil and season with salt & pepper.
liz4cps> For chicken with lemon juice, I add more things -- salt, pepper, basil, thyme. Sometimes I add red pepper, too.
Anna> does anyone use cayenne pepper in their cooking?
[HOST_Carolann] never, though it's supposed to be good for you
Lylac> I enjoy cooking but as all of you find it hard physically to do at times (chopping, standing, etc.) I also try to cook double and eat leftovers for the next day. I do this often so I am not always feeling like I have to cook (I have a lot of dietary challenges so I can't eat prepackaged foods/makes it challenging).
craftingrama> I have a special tv tray and a special cutting board with a chute type thing at the end and I chop my veggies while watching tv, if I end up with a lot (Olympics is helping this week LOL) I blanche em and put in freezer bag and then its easy to throw into a pot of whatever I am making and since I make a lot of stir fries that is where they usually end up))
Anna> That's a great idea, craftingmama!
[HOST_Carolann] Lylac and craftingrama - you are both very resourceful! great ideas
liz4cps> My mom had this way of smelling the herbs and spices and combining things on the fly. I tried it and it works surprisingly well.
Anna> Sometimes I saute chicken breasts in a small amount of olive oil, and when they are slightly browned, I sprinkle on some seasoned salt and a TINY bit of cayenne pepper. My hubby love the slightly hot taste of the cayenne, and it doesn't bother my stomach in such small amounts.
Lylac> You can also cook extra batches of rice and freeze the extra.
Anna> Yes, I've done that, too, Lylac
Lylac> I have a Cajun husband, lol, cayenne is a staple here!
[HOST_Carolann] I love stir fries - so easy and quick
[HOST_Carolann] cayenne is supposed to reduce inflammation in the body - so good for arthritis etc
Anna> I do, too, Carolann -- do you make a "leftovers" kind of stir-fry like I do?
Lylac> if you can, try and avoid additives & MSG.. they are not good for the health.
[HOST_Carolann] yes
Lylac> anna, do you find by planning you are able to keep the groceries cost-effective/somewhat low?
Anna> that's a good tip, Lylac -- Lawry's seasoned salt does not have MSG, which is why I can tolerate it. MSG causes me terrible headaches.
[HOST_Carolann] Lylac - I'm with you - convenience is often more expensive
Mary_Lou> Didn't know that about cayenne. That's very interesting.
Anna> Yes, I do, Lylac. Because my shopping list is for 2 weeks, I can modify it if need by to incorporate grocery store sales. Plus my local Safeway always doubles coupons, which helps a lot.
Mary_Lou> Sulphites can be bothersome to people, too.
Mary_Lou> They're a preservative.
Anna> I always buy frozen veggies on sale and stock up. Also, whenever Safeway has a BOGO (buy 1-get 1 free) sale on their meats, I take advantage of that. So instead of purchasing 1 lb. of ground turkey, I'll buy 2 and freeze the second one.
Lylac> here's an interesting site for you all, I've done some research: http://www.msgmyth.com/
Anna> thanks, Lylac, I'll have to check that out when we're done here.
Margie> I cannot find fresh fish at the grocery, even the frozen costs a fortune, and is usually farm raised.
[HOST_Carolann] I don't buy farm raised either
Lylac> margie, that is something I miss too, good fresh fish is SO expensive that we can't usually afford it either.
Anna> neither do I
Anna> I have a Costco nearby, where I buy salmon and freeze it in portion sizes.
craftingrama> we don't even get fresh good old highliner or nothing that's all we have to choose hehe
Margie> Is Costco farm raised - bet it is.
Anna> OK, let's talk a little about organizing and cleaning our kitchens to make meal preparation easier.
liz4cps> Trader Joe's has a lot of god fish, some frozen at sea.
Anna> Margie, the fresh salmon is not farm raised, I don't think. I believe the frozen fillets ARE though.
Lylac> Trader Joe's is wonderful.
Anna> I do not function well when there's clutter, especially countertop clutter in the kitchen.
Lylac> Another tip: farm raised salmon has dye injected into it to give it it's color.
Anna> Plus it hurts my arms, hands, and shoulders to have to heft those appliances into and out of my cupboards.
Anna> So, even though I do have appliances stored on my counters, they are located near where I will probably use them, and I try to keep the areas neat.
revlady> I try to keep everything a my height level
souligh> Hi, I'm Holly. I can't raise my hands above my head, or bend below my waist. Any ideas for storing canned goods?
[HOST_Carolann] I have these magnetic strips on the walls that you can "stick" metal utensils
Anna> Pots have 2 handles, but most skillets do not. I have a large skillet that has 2 handles, which I absolutely love because it makes it much easier for me to manoeuvre.
revlady> 2 handles are easier
[HOST_Carolann] that's a tough one souligh
Anna> Hi Holly! Is there a way you could install a "hanging" shelf underneath the upper cabinets?
Lylac> Do you have shelves located where you can reach things? Your best bet probably.
liz4cps> To drain ground beef, I used to dump all the meat & liquid into a mixing bowl, which isn't near as heavy. Then, separate it when I transferred stuff back to the skillet. Now I use lower fat ground beef and skip draining it!
souligh> That sounds do-able. Where would I get the materials?
Mary_Lou> I keep my canned goods on the bottom shelves of my cupboard. Like souligh, I can't bend or reach high above my head either.
Anna> What I mean is, the shelves would be attached to the underside of your upper cabinets, and be open to the kitchen. Do you have a Home Depot nearby?
[HOST_Carolann] try a place that sells kitchen cabinets maybe
Lylac> I was thinking already existing shelves, holly.
Anna> wherever you can buy wood will have what you need, whether it is a handyman store or even a hardware store.
Anna> Lylac has brought up a good point. Are your upper cabinets at a low enough point that placing your canned goods on the bottom shelves would work for you?
craftingrama> soul if you have the counter space or a microwave stand I use mini shelves wal mart has some pretty good plastic shelves type thing
Mary_Lou> Or you could get a shelving unit to sit on the counter. Then you wouldn't have to be attaching shelves to the cupboards above.
souligh> Yes, there is a Home Depot. The only problem is I live in an apartment. I might be able to get someone from church to rig something up on top of the counters, under the cabinets?
Mary_Lou> There you go:! That's just what I was thinking of, craftingrama!
Anna> these are great ideas, and cost next to nothing
craftingrama> mine r actually supposed to be for kids toys hehe
[HOST_Carolann] I have a little mini wood bookcase I use in my kitchen for canned goods - works great
souligh> I hadn't even thought of it before! You guys are inspirational!
Lylac> definitely look for options out there and you don't have to build anything.
[HOST_Carolann] needs to be sturdy though
Anna> how many of you use paper products for your meals? paper plates, bowls, and cups, etc.?
Lylac> crafting, how would you use a microwave cart then (instead of a microwave). I have an extra one here.
craftingrama> ikea also has some pretty good things that you can reinvent with
[HOST_Carolann] yes Ikea is a good place for stuff like that
Lylac> think outside the box.
[HOST_Carolann] right on Lylac
Anna> I often use paper plates for meals, especially on high-pain or really lethargic days when I definitely don't feel up to doing the dishes. Anyone else?
Lylac> paper plates help a lot, I made a mistake and purchased stoneware dishes.
souligh> I use paper plates, and plastic utensils as much as I can. It would be even easier if I used Aluminum (disposable) containers for baking.
Trisha> Always think baskets. They are so useful for many purposes. Drape a pretty dish towel inside one and fill it with canned goods. Voila!
craftingrama> my daughter got a shelving thing from Ikea and cut it in half and screwed the shelves to the top of the cart I also have I that has a shelve inside it and the micro wave goes on top
[HOST_Carolann] I would rather leave dishes for another day than use throw aways
Anna> my mother keeps one side of her sink full of soapy water for that very reason, Carolann. Maybe I should do the same...
souligh> My problem is if I leave dishes for another day, the other day never comes!
Margie> paper plates - great for the microwave too
[HOST_Carolann] well we are coming up to the end of our hour.... any last comments Anna?
Anna> one thing that I do to save time in the cleanup phase is line cookie sheets with Aluminum foil before spraying Pam and adding any other ingredient
Margie> Costco saves on paper plates cost.
Anna> Wow, the time has sure gone by quickly! I guess I'd like to leave you with the thought that meal time doesn't have to be a chore. If you take the time beforehand to prepare, even making meals can be easier.
Anna> Thank you all for joining me here!
Mary_Lou> Anna, thanks very much for giving us so many good ideas. You're welcome to come and cook for me any time!!!
Anna> And God bless you all!
[HOST_Carolann] Thank you so much Anna and God bless you too!
Anna> Thanks, Mary Lou...
[HOST_Carolann] Thank you everyone for all your helpful tips too
Mary_Lou> Good-bye all and God bless!
Anna> Yes, I'm going to print this out so I can remember all the good tips you've share with us.
[HOST_Carolann] there will be a transcript too
Lylac> Thanks so much for today!
Anna> Oh, that's right... I'll look for that!
souligh> Thank-You for everything!
Anna> You're very welcome!
[HOST_Carolann] maybe we can do this all again sometime
Anna> sounds good to me... there were lots of great ideas here today
[HOST_Carolann] yes for sure
[HOST_Carolann] anyone who wants to stay and chat with each other can feel free to do so
Anna> I need to go rest, so I'll say good-bye for now!
[HOST_Carolann] yes me too! Bye Anna
Lylac> Bye Anna, God bless!
[HOST_Carolann] Good bye everyone, hope to see you all again another Wednesday - God bless