Kitchen Systems: Simplify Cooking with Kids in Small Spaces
Running a business from home while managing family meals can feel overwhelming. Between manually doing tasks you know ought to be automated, twatting about with tech and missing ingredients (rice no chicken and ham no burger?), it's easy to fall into the trap of convenience foods and kitchen chaos.
But here's the truth: your kitchen size doesn't matter - your systems do.
Running my Tech & Tastes business from a tiny apartment and 2m kitchen while cooking with my toddler has taught me this: simplicity creates success.
Here's how I keep both my kitchen and business running smoothly, even in the tightest spaces.
Smart Stock Management
Pantry Basics
Keep these staples stocked and you'll always have a healthy meal at your fingertips:
- Chicken stock
- Pasta varieties
- Rice
- Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
- Ketchup
- BBQ Sauce
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Ghee
- Garlic
- Onions
Love a pantry of decanted dried goods
Freezer Essentials
- Chicken thighs
- Meaty beef bones
- Ground beef
- Pork leg
- Mixed vegetables
- Frozen bananas (perfect for smoothies)
Delivery Systems
Take advantage of delivery services. Here in Latin America, I use Rappi. My system:
1. Note items as they run out
2. Order first thing morning
3. Schedule convenient delivery
4. Save time and avoid impulse purchases
Pro tip: Portion meat according to your family's needs and defrost your dinner protein first thing each morning.
Minimize to Maximize
The One Rule
Everyone gets ONE:
- One cup
- One mug
- One plate
- One bowl
Want another drink? Rinse and reuse. This simple system eliminates dish pile-up and teaches responsibility. And make sure those items are sexy and great quaility!
(Remember: You deserve a home and office that is both beautiful and comfortable.)
You'll also love:
Clean As You Cook
- Wash prep tools while food cooks - no brainer
- Clear counters continuously - required when space is tight
- Never leave dishes overnight - caked on food takes much longer to clean and well, dirty dishes overnight is just nasty!
- Start each day fresh - best way to start the day
Involve Your Kids
Make cooking a family activity:
- Include them in meal planning
- Teach prep skills
- Assign age-appropriate tasks
- Make cleanup fun
The kitchen becomes a learning space, creating precious bonding moments while lightening your workload.
Key Takeaways
Stock Management
- Maintain core pantry inventory
- Use delivery services strategically
- Portion and freeze in advance
Minimalist Approach
- Reduce unnecessary kitchenware
- One dish set per person
- Clean as you go
Family Integration
- Create cooking routines together
- Share responsibilities
- Build life skills
Time-Saving Systems
- Morning prep rituals
- Strategic deliveries
- Efficient cleanup
Bulit on Systeme
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