Check out these timely time savers
When everyone is rushing around, you need all the help you can get to put dinner on the table — and whip up holiday treats. These handy little gadgets can help shorten your time in the kitchen, so you can spend more time on what matters most.
1. Slow cooker
It's true that a device named "slow" can help you make a hearty meal quickly. Throw ingredients together before work in the morning — and come home to a fully cooked meal.
Treat your family to a hearty Vegetarian Chili at the end of the day or after a day of outdoor fun.
2. Mini food processor
Although it's just as fast and almost as powerful as its big brother, a mini food processor can be a little easier to manage and store — and therefore more convenient. It's a great way to sneak extra chopped vegetables into salads, stews and casseroles when you're pressed for time.
Use it to whip up a Wild Mushroom and Herb Frittata.
3. Indoor grill
An indoor grill is the quicker, easier — and warmer — alternative to barbequing with the golf umbrella or parka and galoshes.
Try using it to make a Grilled Chicken with Roasted Pepper and Arugula Sandwich.
4. Hand-held blender
On busy mornings, a fruit smoothie is a great alternative to a pastry (or, horrors, no breakfast at all!). Plus, it's a great way to sneak in an extra serving or two of fruit while adding some protein and calcium to your day.
Blend your favourite fruits (such as banana and frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries and orange juice), with a protein such as soy milk or low-fat yogurt (bonus marks if you work in a serving of calcium).
5. Silicone baking mat
Your holiday baking will slide off this great gadget easily, without adding fat from greasing the pan. Unlike parchment paper, they are washable and reusable.
Include Crackle-top Gingerbread Date Cookies or Becel Cookies in your next batch of holiday treats.