We talked to chefs to get their favorite cooking hacks to keep you happy and well-fed.
They shared theirexpert tipsfor how to cook at homeand make it fun!
And for more, don’t miss these15 Classic American Desserts That Are No Longer Made.
Shutterstock
Use sweet potatoes to make a snack.
Get creative with the foods you have.
Can’t get to the grocery store?
Shutterstock
Get creative with what you already have!
For example, grab thatcan of chickpeasthat’s sitting in the back of your cupboard.
Make your own tomato sauce (and lots of it!).
Shutterstock
“The result is as good asmaybe better thanthe [grocery store] jar,” says Zroya.
On Tuesday, you could make flatbreads with sauce, cheese, and veggies.
On Wednesday, toss it in with whatever dried pasta you have on hand.
Shutterstock
Use up those canned beans.
Raise your hand if you have random cans of beans in the back of your cupboard.
Well, now is the perfect time to put them to good use.
Shutterstock
“Think about turning them into a delicious dip or even putting them over rice,” says Zroya.
Discover the joy of repurposed leftovers.
Dave Anderson, executive chef ofOutstanding Foods, has three teenagers who avoid leftovers at all costs.
Shutterstock
So he found a way to make leftovers fun and tasty.
Simple, tasty, nutritious," says Anderson.
It can be a real time-saver in the kitchen!"
Shutterstock
These 15 Forgotten Comfort Foods Need a Comeback
Mix up your favorite recipe.
Use a variety of spices.
“A variety of spices is essential,” saysCollin Leaver, former chef atPitfire Pizzain Los Angeles.
Shutterstock
Just a pinch of spice can add exceptional flavor and an element of surprise to your plate.
Elevate your snack game.
Use the “first in, first out” rule.
Shutterstock
Make more than one meal at a time.
Leftover steak can be sliced and used for asteak salad.
Get out your grill and/or smoker.
Shutterstock
It’s always a good time to break out your grill or smoker.
Ollier suggests making a brisket, like thisTexas-style smoked brisket.
Use healthy substitutions.
Courtesy of Little Spice Jar
Bake bread and dough.
“At the end of the week, you’re usually left with an abundance of leftover food.”
“The other day, I made an empanada with leftover braised short rib and risotto.
Shutterstock
It was absolutely delicious,” says Ahn.
“Not to mention, this dough lasts up to five to seven days.”
Use “carry-over” proteins.
Shutterstock
Chef David Santosof Um Segredo Supper Club and Good Stock in New York City recommends using carry-over proteins.
From there, you might make several different meals by adding various ingredients.
For example, add your favorite BBQ sauce to some of the meat and make pulled pork sandwiches.
Shutterstock
The next day, add taco seasonings to make tacos and quesadillas.
Incorporate flavors from other cultures.
“you’re able to also use this idea to mix cuisines,” Dupree says.
Shutterstock
“For example, you might mix Italian with American and make a great BBQ chicken pizza.
This really allows you the opportunity to get creative.”
Spice up pasta and rice dishes.
Shutterstock
“Ingredients like tuna, chicken, and legumes will sustain you and give you protein.
Plus, they all work well with rice or pasta,” says Savignano.
He also recommends using olives, peas, carrots, beets, and corn for much-needed vital vitamins.
Shutterstock
Just add extra sauce, cheese, and then bake," he says.
Use ham for both dinner and breakfast.
In the morning, add the leftovers to French toast for breakfast.
Shutterstock
“This will add a savory twist to a sweet classic,” says Hollingsworth.
Make loaded baked potatoes.
“In my house, both of my children are vegetarians,” says Rough.
Shutterstock
“We’re always trying to find ways to keep it interesting.
“It’s also a good way to layer in some tasty vegetables,” he says.
Experiment with eggs.
Shutterstock
Arbusto provided several examples that use basic provisions.
“Make a Spanish tortilla or omelet,” he says.
“All you need is oil, potato, onion, and egg.
Shutterstock
They can also be a great lunch dish or a snack with wine before dinner.
Arbusto also recommends trying your hand at a quiche using eggs, leftover veggies, cheese, and bacon.
Try your hand at making crepes.
Shutterstock
“[Crepes] are like a slightly exotic pancake,” says Arbusto.
Crepes can be made sweet or savory.
For breakfast or a light dinner, add ham and cheese.
Shutterstock
Use aquafaba to replace eggs.
“The best one to use is from chickpeas,” says Aguilar.
It’s a great way to make your eggs last a bit longer.”
Shutterstock
Mix up your freezer meals.
Take stock and meal plan.
“Then make a meal plan which includes some of those items each week.
Shutterstock
Rotate your stock, and avoid replenishing your less-than-favorite items.”
Try a campfire cookout.
Have a campfire cookout in your backyard when the weather permits.
Shutterstock
“I like to make a nice rub from whatever spices I can gather up.
Coat the pork chop well after it marinates for a bit and then wrap it in foil.”
Finally, move the pork chop up onto the grate above to finish it.
Shutterstock
“Complete the backyard campfire experience with s’mores,” Rough says.
“We like to have a contest on who can make a perfectly roasted marshmallow.”
Embrace “mise en place.”
Shutterstock
“This refers to being prepared with all items prior to starting to cook something,” says Harwell.
“One of the biggest mistakes home cooks make is to start a recipe without having prepared for it.
Then you won’t run into any unpleasant surprises while you’re cooking.
Shutterstock
Have an at-home cookoff.
Thomas Carrig, chef atHilton Head Health, suggests having an at-home cookoff.
Carrig recommends adding a healthy spin.
Shutterstock
Whoever prepares the best recipe using the ingredients in the healthiest way is the winner.
“Trick your kids into eating healthy by making them be the judges,” he says.
Turn mealtime into your own personal cooking game show.
Shutterstock
Have theme nights.
“Pick a theme, any theme,” she says.
“Meatless Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Pizza Fridays are always awesome.”
Newgent recommends getting creative and going for offbeat themes, too.
Share a meal virtually.
Be patient with yourself.
You might be tempted to try a big cooking project with lots of steps and details.
If things go awry, don’t despair.
