6.02F MEAL PREPARATION STRATEGIESScratchSemi-homemade / Speed-scratchFinished / Convenience

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

SCRATCH COOKINGMeal preparation that uses a recipe and no convenience foods for most foods served.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages of Scratch CookingOne can choose what ingredients go in to flavor the dish and provides maximum variety, creativity, and more flavorful in meal preparation. (Example: -Like lots of onions, add extra onions to the casserole -Add more spices if you prefer -OR substitute chicken instead of beef)

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Are there recipes where ingredients cannot be changed?

Yes! Basic ingredients in baked goods CANNOT be changed such as basic flour, fat, or liquid ingredients.Flavoring ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla can be changed.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages to Scratch CookingYou can control ingredients based on health concerns. (Example: someone in your family has high blood pressure; change or omit the amount of salt the recipe calls for)

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages to Scratch CookingProvides maximum nutritional valueFewer additives and preservatives Usually less waste in packagingUses quality fresh ingredientsScratch cooking can be a way to relieve stressShare time with family and friends

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages of Scratch CookingSaves you MONEY! While your time is worth money, the money you save buying your own ingredients can help trim your food bill.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Disadvantages of Scratch CookingTakes more time to planTakes more time to shopTakes more time to prepare

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Examples of Scratch CookingMaking biscuits using a recipe with flour, shortening, and buttermilk instead of from a can.Cooking pasta, adding milk, eggs, and cheese to make baked macaroni and cheese instead of using a box version.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Semi-homemade/Speed ScratchMeal preparation that uses a convenience food, such as a mix or already prepared food as part of the recipe.

+ pancake mix = speed scratch pancakes

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages of Semi-Homemade/Speed ScratchSaves time and energy by providing short cutsAdds variety and creativity to recipesUsually less expensive than convenience foodsEasier for inexperienced cooks to prepare recipes with more confidence than scratch recipes

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Disadvantages of Semi-Homemade/Speed scratchFlavor may not be what you wanted (example: too strongly flavored in some ways and not enough in others)Mixes tend to be high in fat, salt, sugar, and refined grainsless good nutrition than scratch recipesLess meal appeal than scratchMore preservatives and additives than scratchExtra packagingMore costly than scratch

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Examples of Semi-Homemade/Speed ScratchBrowned ground beef + canned beans + canned tomato sauce + spices = chili -use dried beans to save money and sodium, but it takes several hours to prepare dried beans -using canned beans takes only minutes Baking a cake, cookies, or brownies from a box mix

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Examples of Semi-Homemade/Speed ScratchBananas + instant pudding + vanilla wafer = banana pudding -use homemade pudding to control sugar and add nutrition with eggs -instant pudding is ready in 5 minutes, preparing homemade pudding, even in the microwave, takes about 8 minutes

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Finished/Convenience Foods Meal planning and preparation that uses all precooked, ready-to-eat, serve and eat foods Can be used as a whole meal or as parts of a mealMay be purchased at a store or restaurant.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Advantages to using finished/convenience foods

ConvenientTime saving (macaroni & cheese)Energy saving Fear of cooking success is minimizedUsually more nutritious than fast foods (read labels)

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Disadvantages of Using Finished/Convenience FoodsMore expensive than the other meal preparation strategiesHighest sodium/ fat content than the other meal preparation strategiesFlavor and appearance may not compare as well as the other meal preparation strategiesMore additives and preservatives than all other meal preparation strategies More packaging than the other meal preparation strategies

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Examples of Finished/Convenience FoodsRoasted chickensBagged saladsPre-cut fresh fruits and vegetablesCanned foods Frozen fruitsFrozen pizzas and other entrees

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies

Examples of Finished/Convenience FoodsBakery items-cakes and piesPackaged cookiesUsing as parts of a meal, items such as restaurant made salads, side dishes, or entrees.

6.02F Meal Preparation Strategies