make dough ahead and freeze so that you can make dumplings or crust without working all day. individual wrap clear wrap and put bundle in freezer bag. the dough can be stored for 2 months...

can make dough for pies, dumplings, tortillas, etc label and can be thawed out the day of cooking..

to save time when grilling season your ribs with a brown sugar rub...garlic powder... season salt...pepper.... and bake in 220°about 1 hr before putting them on the grill.....this will allow them to cook faster without losing flavor.

I buy my spices at either the international market or the Dollar Tree (one of those $1stores)

don't be afraid to use jarred spaghetti or Alfredo sauce... I do not have time to simmer them for several hours.... I put a 1/2 stick of unsalted butter... 2 cloves garlic... fry lightly just to release oil... add a jar of Alfredo sauce (I use cheap sauce). ... get hot. put 1 cup.cream in Alfredo jar and shake well. pour in pan ... let get hot again... add 1/2 cup sour cream... I really eyeball measurements ....

I use salt, garlic powder, pepper, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne, etc. I mix them in the food processor and place in a shaker... I use this like season salt...

to get kids to help by brightly colored measuring spoons and cups. children may not know fractions but know colors..

to encourage kids to eat have the "help" in the kitchen.. they are more apt to eat what they've cooked.