Cooking during a Remodel

Surviving the Chaos: Cooking During a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel can be an exciting endeavor, promising a fresh and improved cooking space. However, it also comes with its fair share of disruption and challenges. During this period, you might wonder how to maintain your daily meals without access to your usual kitchen setup. Fear not! In this blog, we'll explore some practical tips and ideas to help you continue cooking delicious meals while your kitchen is under construction.

Create a Temporary Kitchen

One of the first steps to cooking during a kitchen remodel is to set up a temporary kitchenette. Choose a convenient location like your dining room, a garage corner, or a basement area. Equip it with essential appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, electric skillet, and a portable induction cooktop. You'll also need a table for food prep and a designated area for washing dishes. This makeshift kitchen will serve as your culinary haven during the renovation.

Plan Simple Meals

During a remodel, it's best to keep your meals simple and easy to prepare. Opt for dishes that require minimal cooking and use fewer pots and pans. One-pot wonders like stir-fries, pasta dishes, and soups can be your best friends during this time. Pre-packaged and pre-cooked items from your local grocery store can also be a lifesaver.

Embrace Takeout and Delivery

There's no shame in giving yourself a break from cooking by ordering takeout or getting food delivered. Explore the variety of cuisines available in your area, and treat yourself to a meal without the hassle of cooking or washing dishes. It's a convenient way to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing your sanity.

Meal Prep in Advance

Before the kitchen remodel kicks off, spend some time doing meal prep. Cook and freeze meals in advance, so you have a stash of homemade, heat-and-eat dishes at your disposal. Label and date your frozen meals for easy identification.

Use Disposable Plates and Utensils

Minimize the dishwashing burden by using disposable plates, utensils, and cups during the remodel. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of cleaning you'll need to do in your makeshift kitchenette.

Set Up a Washing Station

While your main sink may be unavailable, you can create a makeshift washing station with a large plastic basin or dishpan. Fill it with warm, soapy water for washing dishes. Alternatively, consider investing in a portable countertop dishwasher that can be connected to a faucet. It's a convenient solution for keeping your dishes clean without the hassle of manual washing.

Be Flexible and Patient

Finally, remember that a kitchen remodel is a temporary inconvenience that will lead to long-term improvement. Embrace the process, stay flexible, and be patient with yourself. There might be moments when you opt for the easiest meal possible, and that's perfectly okay. The chaos will eventually give way to a beautiful, functional kitchen you'll enjoy for years to come.

Cooking during a kitchen remodel may require a bit of creativity and adaptation, but it's entirely manageable with some planning and the right tools. Whether you're whipping up simple dishes in your temporary kitchen, ordering takeout, or relying on prepped meals, you can still enjoy delicious meals during this transformative period. Soon enough, you'll be back in your renovated kitchen, cooking with renewed joy and enthusiasm.