To be a shortcut master, it’s a good idea to apply a good level of organization, not just to your cooking, but to your shopping. Sure, it’d be great to spend 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon checking out quinoa flour or the stock of fruit chutneys at a gourmet grocery. But mostly when you’re shopping, your goal is to get home. Here are five tips to make the trip faster:
1. Organize your list. You know how your local supermarket is laid out. In fact, it’s probably laid out like almost every other supermarket. Arrange your list, even on your smart phone, into the common categories: dairy, meat, vegetables, frozen foods, condiments, oils, baking items, cleaning products, etc.
2. Don’t shop hungry. You’ll slow down to stare at the muffins. You’re also more likely to make dinner out of a bag of potato chips, rather than the things on your list.
3. Call ahead. The butcher or fish counters can have your order ready for you when you arrive. And phone ahead for unusual items. There’s no need to waste time searching for curry paste if the store doesn’t have it.
4. Shop alone. It’s not just kids that slow you down. Consider spouses. Or boyfriends. Particularly boyfriends. And never make grocery shopping a social event. Plan time with your friends elsewhere.
5. If possible, avoid rush hour. The market’s the most crowded on weekdays after work and on Saturday afternoons. Consider shopping after dinner, or right after breakfast, or even on a lunch break.