09/21/2026
Chefwar Eats! I agree that cooking is a lot of work, but it can also be rewarding, healthy, and delicious as you enjoy the fruits of your labour. I spent several hours over two weekends self-catering, so I can readily prepare deli-style, satisfying meals at any time. On one weekend, I made sourdough naan and pizza dough and processed several vegetables to store in the freezer for later use. This past Saturday, I processed nine pounds of garlic, and with other herbs to create a version of my green seasoning*. I also processed other fresh herbs, such as green onions, and stored them for later use. I prepared a Spanish-inspired marinade for dinner and made extra for future meals. I processed tomatoes and roasted them with garlic and olive oil to make a homemade sauce for all sorts of meals, while I also prepared several condiments for dinner.
Was this a lot of work and effort? Definitely! But for me, using quality ingredients and being intentional with my meal preparations is worth it. Not only do I know exactly what's going into my meals, but I also waste a lot less food. Instead of buying a bunch of parsley, using a little, and tossing the rest, I process and portion ingredients so I use them.
These are some of the steps I take: First, do your grocery shopping the day prior or the same day. Secondly, start with a preparation list or “prep list”, as it is known in the food industry. Some vegetables may require you to dry out the moisture and lay them flat on trays. You can pre-freeze and store them for later use. eg., blueberries: wash and lay out on a tray lined with plastic wrap for easy pre-freezing; then remove and store in a Ziploc bag.
We suggest starting with your most time-consuming task first and working your way down your list. You can use the same method for the blueberries above for several fruits and vegetables. These are just a few of the culinary habits that work for me. If any of these ideas inspire you, please feel free to bring them into your own kitchen.
*(“Caribbean green seasoning is a vibrant, herbaceous purée made from fresh green herbs, aromatics, and peppers blended.")