Get everyone involved

Appears in
The Weeknight Cook
The Weeknight Cook

By Brigit Binns

Published 2012

  • About
Enlist kids and other family members to help plan menus for the coming week. When everyone gets involved, they’ll be sure to enjoy each meal more.

Think Seasonally

Shopping and cooking with the seasons helps guarantee that you will find better quality and fresher ingredients and that you’ll spend less money.

  • When you see fresh berries, asparagus, or other spring produce in the market in winter, these items were probably imported from afar. Not only do many out-of-season vegetables and fruits lack flavor, but they are typically more expensive.
  • Plan menus that match the weather: main-dish salads and light soups and pasta dishes are ideal for spring and summer; heartier fare such as stews, roasts, and risottos are welcome in autumn and winter.
  • for seasonal ingredients and menus, as well as two featured seasonal techniques: using an outdoor grill to create fresh, flavorful dishes and using a slow cooker to make rich, satisfying meals.