639 – Cooking Without the Crazy: Kathi Lipp's Pre-Cook Checklist

Hey there, friend! Have you ever felt like cooking dinner is just one more overwhelming task on your never-ending to-do list? Trust us, We've been there. But what if we told you that just five minutes of prep could transform your entire cooking experience? In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, host Kathi Lipp shares her top five pre-cooking habits that can transform any kitchen experience. Joined by Tonya Kubo, Kathi reveals simple yet effective strategies to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. Kathi and Tonya provide practical advice for listeners looking to implement these habits in their own kitchens, regardless of size or layout. Listeners will discover: The benefits of gathering all ingredients before starting to cook Why printing recipes or using a tablet stand can make following instructions easier The value of laying out all necessary tools before beginning to cook Listeners will come away with actionable steps to create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable cooking experience, ultimately leading to less stress and more time to enjoy meals with family. As promised in this episode, here's the link to Kathi's cookbook stand:  https://www.dayspring.com/mary-martha-psalm-90-17-cookbook-stand And here's her Poppy Seed Chicken recipe! Poppy Seed Chicken  Ingredients: 4 Chicken breasts, cooked and cubed  1 can Cream of chicken soup  4 oz Sour cream  2 tsp Poppy seeds, divided  1/4 c. Melted margarine  1/2 sleeve Ritz crackers  Directions: Combine soup, sour cream and 1 tsp of the poppy seeds in a bowl. Crush crackers and combine with melted margarine and remaining poppy seeds. Layer chicken and soup in casserole dish, then top with cracker mixture. Cover and freeze. Defrost overnight. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Order your copy of Sabbath Soup here and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes. Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released! Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Order Sabbath Soup here  and sign up to receive your free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes. Kalorik Air Fryer Ninja Air Fryer Rubbermaid Food Storage Hoka Shoes Target Baskets for Meal Prep Clutter Free Resources: Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Join our members only Clutter Free for Life Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Do you know how sometimes cooking can feel like a chore? Well, imagine turning it into a party where everyone brings a dish, shares their cooking adventures, and leaves with new recipes and closer friendships. In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo dive into the delightful world of cookbook clubs. Kathi introduces the concept, explaining how these gatherings can transform cooking from a solitary chore into a social, enriching experience. Listeners will discover: What is a cookbook club and how to start one How to choose and assign recipes from a selected cookbook Tips for hosting, including using paper plates for easy clean-up How to incorporate discussion questions to enhance the social aspect Kathi and Tonya also touch on the importance of making cooking enjoyable and how cookbook clubs can reignite passion for home-cooked meals. Want to start your own cookbook club? Our kit makes it easy. Get yours here.  And as promised, here is Kathi's favorite scheduling app! http://www.signupgenius.com/ Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts PLUS a personal shout-out on a future CFA episode. Email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your shout-out. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Click here to be notified when the next podcast episode is released! Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Kathi's favorite scheduling app - http://www.signupgenius.com/ Other cookbooks Mentioned: Against All Grain Cookbook Modern Asian Baking Cookbook Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition America's Test Kitchen Cookbook More With Less Cookbook Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024 After you preorder Sabbath Soup, email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your Shout-Out on a future CFA episode! Clutter Free Resources: Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Hey there, friend! Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cooking dinner tonight? We've been there. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, we're diving into the world of easy, delicious meals that won't drain your energy or your wallet. In this second installment of their two-part series, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo continue their discussion about Kathi's new book, Sabbath Soup, offering practical tips and strategies for stress-free meal planning and cooking. They discuss the importance of valuing both time and energy when it comes to meal preparation, and offer encouragement to listeners who may feel overwhelmed by the daily task of feeding their families. Listeners will discover: The importance of cooking ahead and freezing leftovers for low-energy days Strategies for involving family members in meal planning and preparation The value of establishing clear expectations and dividing kitchen responsibilities Insights into the recipes featured in Sabbath Soup and their ease of use for both novice and experienced cooks Listeners will leave this episode with practical strategies for making meal planning and preparation less stressful and enjoyable, even during busy or low-energy periods. And as promised: Kathi's Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Hint: This dough can be frozen as pre-scooped balls or ready-to-slice logs. Prep Time: 20 Minutes Bake Time: 10 minutes Yield: 112 cookies (recipe may be halved) Ingredients: 5 cups oatmeal 2 cups butter, room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 4 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 24 oz. chocolate chips 1 8 oz. Hershey bar, grated 3 cups chopped nuts (your choice) Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Measure the oatmeal and place it in a blender to blend into a fine powder. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and stir to combine with the butter mixture, then stir in the flour, blended oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chocolate and nuts. 4. Scoop the dough into balls and place about 12 to a cookie sheet, evenly spaced, baking in batches. Bake for 10 minutes. 5. To freeze for later baking: Flash freeze scooped dough balls on a cookie sheet. Individually frozen dough balls are easier to handle and will keep their shape better when transferred to a freezer bag for longer-term storage. Alternately, form the dough into a log about 2 inches around and wrap in plastic wrap. Put the dough in the bag and write baking directions on the bag. I like to experiment with the cookies and find out what the baking time and temp is for frozen dough as well as thawed dough. Bake for 10 minutes, and then keep checking every 2 minutes to get them just perfect. Did you miss Part 1 of this conversation? Listen to 636 Batch Cooking Basics: Reclaim Your Time and Energy in the Kitchen here. Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts PLUS a personal shout-out on a future CFA episode. Email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your shout-out. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Click here to be notified when part two in this series is released! Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024 After you preorder Sabbath Soup, email Tonya Kubo at [email protected] to register for your Shout-Out on a future CFA episode! Sam’s Club Smoked Shredded Chicken Clutter Free Resources: Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Ever feel like you're running on empty, but your family still expects dinner on the table? This episode of Clutter Free Academy is for you! In part one of a two-part series, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo tackle the common challenge of meal planning and preparation when energy levels are low. Drawing from her personal experiences and upcoming book "Sabbath Soup," Kathi shares valuable strategies for creating nutritious meals without exhausting oneself. Listeners will discover: The importance of pre-planning meals to avoid unhealthy quick fixes Strategies for breaking down meal prep tasks throughout the week Utilizing technology and services for efficient grocery shopping Energy-saving techniques for food preparation Kathi and Tonya's relatable anecdotes and practical tips make this episode a must-listen for anyone struggling to balance healthy eating with limited energy. Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Click here to be notified when part two in this series is released! Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024 Clutter Free Resources: Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Have you ever had those moments where you're staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what on earth you're going to feed your family? Well, friend, We've got some good news for you! In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo discuss the concept of Sabbath cooking and how it can save both time and money. They explain the benefits of meal planning and batch cooking, emphasizing how these techniques can reduce food waste and lower grocery bills. Kathi also discusses her upcoming book, "Sabbath Soup," which provides a comprehensive guide to this cooking method. Listeners will discover: How to use ingredients you already have on hand Batch cooking techniques for soups, salads, and casseroles Tips for proper food storage and freezing The financial benefits of cooking ahead and reducing food waste Kathi shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with budget-friendly cooking and offers practical advice for listeners looking to implement Sabbath cooking in their own homes. Plus, here's the Zucchini Boat recipe Kathi raved about in this episode! Stuffed Italian Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage Preparation Time: 20 minutes  Cooking Time: 35 minutes Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini 1 lb. Italian sausage 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 tablespoons olive oil Directions: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or dish. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick zucchini "boat". Place the zucchini on the baking sheet. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes. Add back the sausage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Spoon the sausage mixture into each zucchini boat, pressing it down and filling to the top. Top each zucchini boat with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Did you miss #634 Time Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks: Sabbath Soup Secrets? Listen in now. Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Click here to be notified when the next episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo Snapware Pyrex 18-piece Glass Food Storage Set Souper Cubes Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Clutter Free Resources: Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Hey there, busy friends! Have you ever wished for a true day of rest from cooking? In this episode of Clutter-Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into time-saving strategies for meal planning and preparation. Kathi introduces her upcoming book, "Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest," and shares insights on how to manage meals when time is in short supply. They share real-life ideas for streamlining kitchen routines, including tips for freezing ingredients, using kitchen gadgets efficiently, and repurposing leftovers creatively. Listeners will discover: The concept of "loop meals" or "leftovers on purpose" The benefits of batch cooking and prepping ingredients in advance Using AI tools like Claude to assist with meal planning The value of pre-made meals and "catering by Costco" during busy times Kathi and Tonya share personal anecdotes and practical advice for getting delicious meals to your table without losing your sanity. Trust me, your future self will thank you! Did you miss #633 From Overwhelmed to Organized: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clutter-Free Meal Planning? Listen in now. Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your free download bonus Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. The preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Click here to be notified when the next episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Sam’s Club Smoked Shredded Chicken Costco Dried Mushrooms Claude AI Chat GPT Clutter Free Resources: Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.    

Hey there, friend! Are you tired of feeling like a short-order cook seven days a week? In this episode of Clutterfree Academy, host Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into the revolutionary concept of "Sabbath Soup," as featured in Kathi's upcoming book. Kathi emphasizes starting small, such as preparing one soup for Sunday, and gradually building up to a full week of planned meals. She also addresses common challenges like limited kitchen space and adapting the system for different family sizes and dietary needs. Listeners will discover: The importance of planning and protecting Sabbath rest Tips for organizing the kitchen for efficient meal prep Strategies for reducing cooking time and streamlining the "big cook day" How to involve family members in the meal-planning process Kathi and Tonya discuss the mental and emotional benefits of having a structured meal planning system, including reduced stress, more quality time with family, and true rest on the Sabbath. As mentioned by Kathi in the episode, here's a picture of her clipboard and basket organizational tip for meal prepping. Links Mentioned: Kathi's Co-Host: Tonya Kubo Tonya's newest podcast: The Business You Really Want on Apple Podcasts The Business You Really Want on Spotify Clutter Free Resources: Preorder Sabbath Soup here and receive your bonus down Sabbath Soup Shortcuts. Preorder bonus ends October 8, 2024. Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Listeners will discover: How to implement a fair and fun chore wheel system The value of allowing teens to develop independence and responsibility Navigating the transition when teens leave for college and return home How building a strong family community prepares teens for life's challenges This episode provides listeners with actionable strategies for fostering independence, improving communication, and creating a harmonious household environment. Click here to be notified when the next episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Meet our Guest Amy Betters-Midtvedt Links Mentioned: amybettersmidtvedt.com Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Facebook Amy Betters-Midtvedt on Instagram Order Amy's book You'll Make It (and They Will Too) here Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Do you ever say you'll start holiday prep early, but then suddenly it's December and you're in a tinsel-covered panic? Well, no more! In this episode, Kathi and co-host Tonya Kubo dive into part two of their discussion on preparing for the holidays in August. They offer practical advice for early holiday planning. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the importance of considering family needs, budgeting, and self-care in the planning process. Listeners will discover: How to plan for those perfect holiday photos How to plan for budget-friendly holiday travel How to create a realistic holiday decor plan (even if your husband Roger thinks there's no such thing as too many Christmas lights.) Throughout the episode, Kathi and Tonya offer relatable anecdotes and practical strategies to help listeners reduce holiday stress by planning ahead. Kathi shares her love for early holiday meal planning and cookbook perusing in this episode. She mentions one of her favorite recipes called Raclette. Check out Raclette photos in the banner as well as the recipe below!  Raclette 3 to 7 oz. raclette cheese per person, sliced to fit the small trays under the raclette grill. (We find this at Trader Joe’s and at some of the fancier stores from around November through February, and we’ve even found it on Amazon.) 4 to 6 potatoes new potatoes per person, boiled with the skins on. (You have better things to do with your life than peel tiny potatoes.) Optional Ingredients: Everything else is what you like or have on hand. That’s the beauty of this meal—you get to make it what you love. Here are some ideas: bacon, beef fillet, thickly sliced, pork sausage, zucchini, thickly sliced, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, white pearl onions, bell peppers, thickly sliced, cornichons or pickled gherkins (traditional dinners call for sweet pickles, but we only use dill), pickled baby corn, asparagus, crusty hearty bread, barbecue sauce or ketchup (I have found this to be a game changer) Directions 1. Turn the raclette grill on to medium-high heat. 2. If you are using bacon, place the slices on the grill plate and cook to your liking. 3. Use the bacon fat to cook the other ingredients. (If you are not using bacon, simply brush the grill plate with some olive oil.) 4. Place some meat and vegetables on the hot grill plate. (When we have vegetarians or vegans visiting, we use two grills. You could even just use a tabletop skillet for the veggies and the raclette skillet for the cheese and meat.) 5. While the meat and vegetables are cooking on the grill plate, place slices of raclette cheese on the small trays and put them under the heating element. 6. Slice or smash the potatoes on your plate. Scrape the melted raclette cheese out of the tray and serve it over the warm potatoes. It is also common to place the melted cheese over the cooked vegetables. Some people even put slices of potatoes into the handled trays so that the cheese melts directly on top. About eight people can use one raclette set at a time. This is a warm, hearty dinner that is a universal hit at our house and with our guests. If you want to keep the whole meal on the tabletop, you can even use it to prepare dessert. Just clean off the grill and roast marshmallows over it to create tabletop s’mores. (Is there a better way to end a meal than with chocolate and marshmallows?) Did you miss part one of this conversation? Click #630 Plan Now, Relax Later: 5 August Tips for a Peaceful Christmas  Would you like to receive an early Christmas gift? Join the Clutter Free Facebook Group where they will provide you with a download of all 10 Planning Tips! Remember,. Remember, you can't join the CFA Facebook Group without answering the membership questions. It's how we keep it the kindest corner of the internet. Click here to be notified when the next episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Meet our Guest Tonya Kubo Links Mentioned: www.Tonyakubo.com Raclette cheese Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

Do you feel stressed out during the holidays? Trust us, your future self will thank you for listening to this episode. In this episode of Clutter Free Academy, Kathi Lipp and co-host Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of making key decisions in August to ensure a less stressful holiday season. Kathi and Tonya emphasize the benefits of early planning, such as reduced stress, better financial management, and more time to enjoy the holiday season. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice, making the episode both relatable and actionable for listeners. Listeners will discover: How to decide on holiday gathering dates, locations, and participants early to avoid last-minute conflicts. How to plan gift exchanges, considering family dynamics and financial situations. How to set a realistic holiday budget, including categories like gifts, food, and decorations. So grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and listen in on how to get started on making this Christmas your most organized and enjoyable one yet! Would you like to receive an early Christmas gift? Join the Clutter Free Facebook Group where they will provide you with a download of all 10 Planning Tips! Remember, you can't join the CFA Facebook Group without answering the membership questions. It's how we keep it the kindest corner of the internet. Click here to be notified when part 2 of this episode is released. Also, stay up to date and sign up here to receive our newsletter. Links Mentioned: www.Tonyakubo.com Information from the National Recording Preservation Board on Fibber McGee and Molly Clutter Free Resources: Learn more about Clutter Free for Life Join our Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group Let's stay connected To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.