Keeping Tabs!

A pen, marker, tape, and notepad

ORGANIZATION

Kitchen organization is very important! Not only does it help with the flow of the kitchen, but also the energy. If a kitchen is unorganized, you too could become unorganized when you cook. I believe the energy you give when you're cooking is reciprocated into the food. I like to keep my organization on the minimalistic side, but also making sure that it's easy access.

1. PEN & MARKERS

While I'm cooking, planning meals, or even about to shop for groceries, I like to write things down. Yes, I do have a smartphone, but to me there's nothing better than pen and paper. In the kitchen I'm constantly writing down recipes, taking down notes, or even calculating things. I keep it in my apron or in my hair (bun) so that it's in easy access. I keep a cup full of markers and pens in my kitchen.

2. TAPE

Feel free to use any tape you like, but I use masking tape. I've used this in Culinary School and previous restaurants. Instead of writing on containers themselves, I would write on masking tape. I label foods that I remove from original packaging or if I'm putting away groceries so I could FIFO (First In, First Out) or rotate my stockpile. This ensures the quality of the food I have. I make sure to write the name, day, month, and year.

3. NOTEPAD

Again, I love using pen and paper just like how things used to be. I prefer writing recipes down instead of using my phone or ipad so that I don't dirty them. I tend to need to scroll down or tap my phone to keep it awake while my hands are either wet or dirty. The notepad is easier for me to just look at and I don't mind it getting dirty at all.

More ways to keep things organized in my (tiny) kitchen. I've picked these habits up and they work great for me, personally. I love sharing these with you and hope you try some out! Let me know if you have other tips or tricks @christineeethecook.