If you already know how to cook meals, then batch cooking should not be that much of a leap. The only challenge is in the volume of the items that you will be preparing. Many will use the weekend to make all of their meals in advance for the following week. The logistics can be a nightmare if you are new to this process. It will also take longer than usual although this should go faster as you get used to the steps. The following are some tips to make everything go easier:

Prep the Ingredients Prior to Cooking

Focus on batch cooking the ingredients before turning on the stove and doing any mixing. Measure everything to make sure that you have enough of every ingredient. Use a small kitchen scale and measuring cups for exact amounts. Everything should be in their own containers. Proceed to cutting and dicing as needed. Wash all of the fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Think about the flow of the recipes and place those that are needed immediately near the stove. Group the items according to each meal that you are making. Use pots and pans that are large enough to prevent overflow.

Clean and Organize the Kitchen

The kitchen can get messy given all of the things on the table and the counters. Prevent it from getting too chaotic by cleaning things as you go along. If there are spills, then wipe them up. If you are finished peeling veggies, then dispose of the waste instead of leaving them on the corner. If there are containers that you no longer need, then place them on the sink or wash them right away. A clean kitchen will also clear up your headspace and make you feel less stress about the work that you are doing.

Cool Down Before Packing

The meals you have prepared should not be packed immediately for freezing. Allow them to cool down before you do anything so that they can settle to room temperature. This will make them easier to handle and prevent problem later on with the food. Of course, you will also save money on energy because you are not introducing such hot items into the refrigerator. You should also remember that not all food containers can handle extremely hot food, especially plastics. Even glass can break from the extreme temperature swing of going from scalding hot to freezing cold environments.