Tips To Get Your Kitchen Ready For The Spring Season
We are quickly heading towards the end of Winter and everyone is gearing up for the spring season in their kitchens!
The kitchen turns into one of the most important spaces in the home during the spring season and you do not want to spend all your time cooking and cleaning the dishes. Whether you are someone who likes to host and have family over, outdoor BBQ, or you prefer to enjoy a movie marathon with your kids, worry not. We have a few tips that will help get your kitchen ready. Rather, using our tips, you will be able to get the kitchen ready for the rush and spend time where it matters the most.
Clean the Refrigerator and the Freezer
First things first, clean out your fridge. Look at the best use dates on the sauces and condiments in the fridge and make a list of everything that is still good. You can use these items for menu planning. Clean the freezer too and make a list of everything that you can use. If there are items that are not suitable for use anytime soon, throw them in the dustbin. If there is something you haven’t used in the past few months, throw it away, you are not going to use it anyway.
Check Your Lighting
Lighting schemes are crucial in kitchen planning to avoid dimly lit work areas. Position spotlights directly above key areas like the sink, hob, and counter to prevent light blockage. Use under-cabinet lighting to illuminate counters, and consider a lit hood for cooking area lighting. Also consider getting pendant lights over your bar or island countertops. Highlighting important areas where larger meals can be served from.
Avoiding shadows is critical. Linear LED lighting helps reduce shadows on task areas. Place linear LED strips above cabinets, under cabinets, or as trimless ceiling strips to ensure even, shadow-free illumination when working in the kitchen.
Fill the Pantry with Staples
Now is the right time to take stock of what you have in the pantry. It will help with meal planning and allow you to buy the stuff you need at a discounted rate during the spring sales. Make a list of everything that is on hand and begin with a shopping list of the items you need to buy.
Meal Plan
Prepare a meal plan to save time during the spring. Make a menu for every day based on the people you have to feed and the activities you plan to engage in. Go back to your list of pantries and the items you have in the fridge and freezer, and use as many of those as you can. Start adding items you do not have to your shopping list and use the internet if you need help and look for quick recipe ideas. Make sure you do not plan an elaborate meal otherwise, you’ll end up spending all your time in the kitchen.
Stock Up
Since we all have the luxury of online shopping, make the most of it during this time of the year. Consider buying ready-to-eat food or stock up on frozen products that do not take a lot of time to cook. It will come in handy when you are juggling multiple things at a time.
Organize the Cookware
Before you start preparing meals for your loved ones, it is advisable to organize the cookware and storage containers. Organize these cupboards to make it easier for you to get the meals ready or to store the leftovers. It can also help you decide if an important piece is required for the spring meals.
Check the Dishwasher
Do remember to check the dishwasher before the guests start walking in. Your dishwasher will have to run efficiently with a large number of dishes and you do not want to go through the trouble of washing them in the sink. Check the drain and clean any residue. Make sure that there are no lost utensils or broken glass at the bottom. Clean the rim of the door using a sponge and white vinegar. This will help remove the gunk. Once that is done, remember to clean your sink and remove any residue from there.
Disinfect the Trash Cans
Irrespective of how careful you are, the food and gunk will collect at the bottom of the trash can. Now is the time to clean them thoroughly. Take the trash cans outside and wash them properly using dish soap and a garden hose. Then use a cleaning spray to disinfect them.
Sharp the Edges
Any chef will tell you that one of the most important tools in their kitchen is a sharp knife. If this is something you do not regularly do, now is a good time to get your hands on the blades and hone the edges. This will ensure safe and quick cuts when you start cooking. If you are unable to do it yourself, seek professional help.
Backup the Essentials
You will need pantry essentials if you want to host. Hence, take the time and check the inventory for plastic wrap, storage containers, aluminum foil, disposable bags, bottle openers, coffee supplies, paper towels, garbage bags, dish soap, corkscrew, and dishwashing detergent.
Lastly, spring are all about family and friends and you must make it a family affair. Do not try doing everything alone. Making meals and handling guests can be stressful. If you have eager family members willing to help, do not shy away. Let them help you in whatever way they can. This will allow you to enjoy the spring while serving them the most delicious food and baked goods. Preparing well in advance will make it easier for you to navigate through the busy days as the year ends.
