My life runs more smoothly with pureed squash in the freezer. Even better, some of that squash should have been turned into soup last week, with the leftovers stored in dinner-size containers, just in case.

Ideally, I can find at least four hard boiled eggs in the fridge. Plus a few cooked sweet potatoes, a small container of vegetable broth, and the rest of last night’s Caesar dressing in a re-purposed jelly jar.

Life is too hectic to make dinner from scratch every night. Did I say every night? How about most nights? Or make that some nights. How about after soccer practice and piano lessons and running club? After running a business at home, till someone returns from school and needs help with a science project or a math assignment.

Fortunately, our kitchen is right next to the playroom, which is rapidly morphing into a homework room. I can simultaneously peel carrots and weigh in on questions like, “Did you know that in El Salvador, there is a volcano near the capital?”  (Answer: No. That’s why we don’t live there.) Or “What is the difference between transparent and translucent?” (Answer: look it up in your textbook)

I can seamlessly throw together a salad and make rice and sign a homework page and write a check for the soccer team.

Well … not seamlessly, but I can do all those things at the same time.

Did I mention that my favorite kitchen tool is the pressure cooker?