Read the directions from start to finish so there are no surprises! Make sure you have enough of the following:
- Time
- Ingredients
- Tools
Time
Recipes give estimates on cook, prep, or chill-time. These aren't the only times to consider, though! Scan the ingredient list and note any items that need extra prep time. For example, beans may need to soak, or meat may need to marinate.
Ingredients
Check if you have the needed ingredients. You may also want to find recipes that use your WIC foods. Health eKitchen makes it easy to find recipes using WIC foods.
Tools
Determine if you have the right tools or equipment to do the job. When you try new recipes, you may find the recipe calls for a tool you don’t have. Don’t let this stop you from making the recipe. Get creative and look for other ingredients or tools that could work instead. For example,
- Use a fork to mash potatoes or garlic if you don't have a blender or garlic press.
- Use a grater to zest citrus if you don't have a zester.
Zest
To zest, remove the outermost player of the peel of citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and limes. Zest can be used to add flavor to meals