Creative Meal Planning During a Kitchen Remodeling Project

Once your kitchen remodel is complete, you’ll be whipping up gourmet meals in the kitchen of your dreams.  Preparing meals during the construction can be a bit more challenging!  All is not lost, but your remodel is a time when you may need to get creative with cooking outside the kitchen.  Here are several ideas that we like to share with our clients.

Grills are great for steaks and burgers, but did you know you can use a grill to cook almost anything?  If the weather cooperates, why not put your grill to good use making anything from pizza to roasted meat and vegetables, fresh breads and rolls, baked potatoes, and foil pack meals.

By keeping a good supply of nonperishable foods handy, you can provide your family with quick snacks and meals.  Peanut butter and crackers or bread, dried fruit, nuts, canned goods, and granola bars on hand to grab and go come in handy when there is no good place to prepare your regular meals.

Now is the time to make good on your promise to the kids for a weekend at Grandma’s, or check out the new bed and breakfast on the other side of town.  Maybe just plan a week in a local hotel with a pool and good room service.

If you’ll still have access to your fridge and freezer during your renovations, prepare a few larger meals ahead of time.  You can freeze then into individual, microwaveable portions for easy dinners during construction.

Why not use the remodel as a time to connect with friends?  Offer to cook in exchange for use of a friend or neighbor’s kitchen.  People aren’t likely to turn down a home-cooked meal and good company.

In the days before and during your remodel, keep your eye on the mail and local newspapers for restaurant and take-out coupons.  Check out local restaurant coupons so you can make the most of your money on those nights you decide to eat out.

Do you have a camping cookstove or a propane grill on the deck?  If not, now might be a good time to invest.  Check out local sales or borrow from a friend.