Zipper Bag Food Preparation

Call me lazy. Call me busy. Call me both. We all have a little of these built into our systems, and most of us complain when we just can't get everything done. I try cut corners whenever I can, accomplish everything I need to, and still have time to relax. Wow! That seems like a dream come true, right? Well, here's the answer to all your dreams: zipper bag food preparation.

The first thing to do is buy a box of gallon sized zipper bags. Make sure you get some that have a reliable zipper. Explosions are no fun. Believe me, I know. Next, it's time to think outside of the box. Think of all the things that you mix up every day for meals and snacks. Then, think of all the clean up. Ugh. Makes you not want to go near the kitchen, doesn't it?

I use zipper bags for a myriad of things. At Christmas time, I mixed up my sugar cookie dough in a gallon sized bag, then I tossed the bag in the refrigerator for the chilling process. Another bonus here is that it takes a lot less space than a big bowl...and we all know that refrigerator space is at a premium! Other things that work well in these bags are meatloaf, cheese fillings for lasagna, and peanut butter balls. Keep thinking...anything you combine with a mixer or wooden spoon can easily be squished in a big zipper bag. Follow the directions for procedure, and every time you have to cream or mix, just squeeze the bag until the job is done. Just yesterday, I made ravioli dough in a bag. Deviled eggs are perfect for this method, too. Put the yolks, mayonnaise and spices in the bag (I use a sandwich sized one here), and squeeze away! Cut a little corner off the bottom, and fill your eggs the easy way.

Be careful not to fill your bag too full, or you might compromise the integrity of the seal. Another good tip is to put your ingredients in the bag, then gently squeeze out the air. Air inside the bag just might make the bag pop open.

Start out with something simple and easy at first, then go wild with your ideas. Think of all the time and dirty dishes you'll be saving. Besides making mixing easy, clean up is a breeze. Toss the bag into the garbage. and you're good to go.