Reader Help: Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

Editor's note: For our last week at Food Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

by Elissa

Boy is it hard to pick a favorite Food Lush post--there has been so much amazing stuff written here. But the recipe I have probably made the most since learning about it here is Jonna's enchilada casserole--it's delicious, flexible, and easy! My favorite post of my own (perhaps for nostalgic reasons, as my baby is now 18 months old) is this one about eating while pregnant.

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In a couple of weeks we are embarking on a renovation of our kitchen. We're not moving any walls, but the current space will be totally gutted and everything is going to be replaced.

As eager as I am to say goodbye to the hideous faux-brick floor, the stained butcher block counter, and the cabinets that give off splinters, I am dreading living without a kitchen for a month. Who better to give me some tips to keep us fed than all of you?

We will have a refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven set up in our dining room during the remodel. I know we will eat out more than usual and do plenty of take out, and I am also planning to stock up on frozen meals that I can stash in our chest freezer. For those of you who have been through this, what did you end up eating the most? Should I invest in a slow-cooker (I had been toying with the idea of getting one anyway)? And what frozen meals do you like the best (there's only so much mac n' cheese one family can eat)?

Finally, I want to thank all of you for reading, commenting, and making Food Lush such a great online community. I have loved being a part of this. The end of Food Lush has motivated me to find a new place to write online, and my sisters and I have started a food blog called Harts in the Kitchen. I hope you'll check it out and visit me there--we'll be writing about all kinds of food-related things, and I'll be sure to post the "after" pictures of our kitchen once it's finished.

Comments

[emiliym]

I'm not sure where you live, or what the climate is in February, but my folks did a complete remodel of their kitchen a few years ago. They live in Southern California (so, you know, no real winter) and they grilled a lot. My mom also would put pots of water right on the grill and make pasta, scrambled eggs, etc as if they were camping. But, if your winter is anthing like it is here in New England, not really an option for a February remodel.

My folks' remodel ended up taking several months because the remodel company mis-measured their counter which ended up being too long and blocked the front door. So, I'm crossing my fingers over here for you that yours goes much more smoothly!

[Christy M]

I would totally go for the crockpot. If you don't want to pay for a new one, check a secondhand store. Even the new ones aren't much money if you get a pretty basic model. You can do the standard stews and roasts, but you can use them like an oven too, like to bake potatoes and even cakes. I'd also recommend grilling too if possible, people forget you can just throw a skillet on the grill like Emily said and go to town.

[Em]

I think you definitely should get a crockpot! So easy! I was going to recommend grilling as well if you are in an area where the weather isn't awful.

[HereWeGoAJen]

Crockpots are great just for having around, and maybe also an electric griddle? I have one that I use a lot even when my kitchen isn't being renovated. (And, uh, my kitchen never has been renovated.)

Thanks for your posts here, I've always enjoyed reading them!

[J]

Toaster oven? I love mine, and all you need is an outlet to make that work. I'm thinking with toaster oven plus crockpot you can do a lot.

[Jen L.]

Elissa! I have always loved your posts. I remember your "eating pregnant" post--it made me smile. Wishing you all the best!

[survival warehouse food supplies]

Thank you, Jen! Oh, yes, Erica--chocolate vodka party at my house. Wear your tiara.