Should there be veggies on the dining table? How about protein? Should there be a combination of both? There are numerous factors to consider when feeding a family. Here are some tips.

Make a list. And check it twice or thrice even the regarding the content and quality of what goes on the dining table during meals. Write down what courses are to be served at what meal times and refer to this when shopping for groceries. Checking your list would also make it easier to ensure a well balanced diet. Also, the list is one way of minimizing last minute grocery shopping and frantic pantry searches.

Do regular maintenance. Not for kitchen machinery, but rather the little-noticed stuff that make kitchen life easier. As such, spend a time each week for routine kitchen jobs like filling condiment bottles, grocery inventory, and even for making food that can store well (e.g. bagoong-making, atchara-making etc.).

Cook today for tomorrow. Take a cue from our ancestors who know a thing or two about cooking. For instance, if you want to serve adobo on a Thursday better cook it a day or two before. This would not only save time but would ensure that the adobo would taste its best. Some dishes that seem to taste even better when cooked a day or two before include fabada (bean stew) and yes, even the all-time Pinoy favorite kare-kare.

Cook in batches. If you really want to save cooking time, cook in batches and place in the freezer. Just remember to reheat before serving. The same could be done in baking as some cookies and pastries keep well when stored properly. If you live in the provinces and have a lot of extra produce (e.g. vegetables and fruits) explore the possibilities of storing these through jams and preserves. Doing so would not only make your pantry look full, but will also add to the variety of dishes served during meals.

Keep variety in mind. Dishing out the same treats, even if they are favorites will ultimately make meals boring. As such, remember to keep on adding new dishes to meals in order to introduce new flavors. Its also one way of educating youngsters on the possibilities of food, as well as a meal of ensuring that a meal would be balanced.

Lunch box making made easy. If kids and hubby bring packed lunches to school, its best to consider making a meal plan so as to avoid frantic mornings. Cook the meals beforehand, poop it in the freezer, reheat and pack during the mornings. Keeping a supply of cookies and fresh fruits would also be convenient in ensuring variety and flavor.