Let's face it. In most families, moms of all stripes--working, work-at-home or stay-at-home--do much of the kitchen work. However, how a mom cooks is definitely affected by her home/work situation and so is her kitchen.
Work-at-home moms can't spend all day in the kitchen because we're, well, working. But we have considerably more freedom about when we cook. We cook on our lunch breaks, we pop something in to slow cook all day long, and we might even make a little time to do some baking.
Work-at-home moms can't spend all day in the kitchen because we're, well, working. But we have considerably more freedom about when we cook. We cook on our lunch breaks, we pop something in to slow cook all day long, and we might even make a little time to do some baking.
The Work-at-Home Mom's Kitchen
So when you become a work-at-home mom--whether you're coming from a job outside the home or you were a stay-at-home mom--you may find your kitchen needs a little upgrade to match your new cooking style.Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is perfect for work-at-home moms. We're home so the time it takes to cook is not an issue, but we need recipes that go together quickly.Romertopf Clay Baker (4 quart)
Clay pot cooking is an old tradition worthy of a modern mom. The clay pot makes easy-to-prepare and healthy meals. I love tossing the meat and veggies together and coming back to a slow-cooked meal with the nutrients sealed in.
Features: Flared rim for safe, confident transport; indented handle provides easy removal of lid Rounded lid fits securely on base to keep in heat and nutrients Soak in water before baking; dishwasher safe; safe to use in microwave or oven Measures 7.5-in. X 15.25-in. X 10.5-in. This pot comes with a free cookbook.
Features: Flared rim for safe, confident transport; indented handle provides easy removal of lid Rounded lid fits securely on base to keep in heat and nutrients Soak in water before baking; dishwasher safe; safe to use in microwave or oven Measures 7.5-in. X 15.25-in. X 10.5-in. This pot comes with a free cookbook.
Hamilton Beach "Set n' Forget" Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quart)
I like the "set and forget" part. I can remember to put stuff in, but I've been known to get engrossed in work until I smell something burning. The programmable slow cooker automatically adjusts to keep your meal warm and prevents burning or, worse, mushy overcooking. If you're like me and need a little help in what to do with it, get a slow cooking cookbook too (Compare Prices).
Product Features: 3 choices for automatic cooking. Thermometer probe for meat. Full-grip handles. Temperature guide. Power interrupt protection.
Product Features: 3 choices for automatic cooking. Thermometer probe for meat. Full-grip handles. Temperature guide. Power interrupt protection.
Baking
Baking is a tricky thing for the work-at-home mom. It takes a lot more oversight than slow cooking. There is no "set it and forget it" feature--unless, of course, you use a bread machine.Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker (2-lb.)
Dust off that bread maker you got as a wedding gift; it may actually come in handy. I use mine all the time. Say I notice the bread drawer is almost empty, I throw in the ingredients, hit "Start." Not only does it taste good, but it keeps me out of the grocery store for another day. And the old Friday night pizza delivery tradition has become make-your-own pizza night.
Features: Bread machine has choice of 16 pre-programmed menu options, a choice of three crust colors and three loaf sizes. Vhoose from over 100 bread, dough and pizza dough, sweet cakes and jams.
Features: Bread machine has choice of 16 pre-programmed menu options, a choice of three crust colors and three loaf sizes. Vhoose from over 100 bread, dough and pizza dough, sweet cakes and jams.
Coffee
OK, so your house doesn't have a Starbucks in the lobby like your old office, but that doesn't mean you can't have good coffee.Haier Cup-At-A-Time Coffee Dispenser (10 Cup)
If you're the only coffee drinker at home, you can be torn between having a large coffeemaker for guests and a little one. With this one you don't have to choose. Brew yourself a fresh cup of coffee any time you'd like with this cup-at-a-time coffee dispenser. But fill it up when company comes.
Features: 10 Cup/1.5L Capacity Coffee Reservoir with Keep Warm Capabilities Removable Translucent Water Tank
Features: 10 Cup/1.5L Capacity Coffee Reservoir with Keep Warm Capabilities Removable Translucent Water Tank
Mr. Coffee Coffeemaker and Espresso Machine
If you need your cappuccino but your better half just wants plain coffee, this machine is a nice compromise. It combines both coffee maker and espresso machine. The coffeemaker prepares as few as two cups or as many as eight cups . And you can select the strength from mild to bold.
A pause-and-serve feature lets you grab a cup even while brewing; a cone filter basket removes for easy filling and cleaning. The water reservoir is also removable. The espresso portion prepares two to four cups; the steam control is variable for that perfect cup.
A pause-and-serve feature lets you grab a cup even while brewing; a cone filter basket removes for easy filling and cleaning. The water reservoir is also removable. The espresso portion prepares two to four cups; the steam control is variable for that perfect cup.
Delonghi Twenty Four Seven Drip Coffee Maker (4-Cup)
Or maybe you just need your very own coffeemaker in your office. This one should do the trick.
Description: 4-cup (20-ounce) capacity. Pause-and-serve function allows you to interrupt the brewing cycle and pour a cup of coffee. Engineered in Italy.
Description: 4-cup (20-ounce) capacity. Pause-and-serve function allows you to interrupt the brewing cycle and pour a cup of coffee. Engineered in Italy.
