🍽️ Meal Preparation Checklist

📝 1. Plan the Meal

• Choose the recipe or decide what you’re cooking
• Check serving size
• Read the recipe fully before starting
• Note any steps that require extra time (marinating, soaking, preheating)

🛒 2. Gather Ingredients

• Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer
• Take out all ingredients needed
• Wash produce (fruits, veggies, herbs)
• Measure ingredients ahead of time if helpful

🔪 3. Prepare Your Workspace

• Clear and wipe down counters
• Set out cutting boards and bowls
• Gather knives, pots, pans, and utensils
• Preheat oven or heat pans if required

🥗 4. Prep Ingredients

• Chop vegetables
• Slice or season proteins
• Measure spices and liquids
• Open cans or packages
• Set ingredients in order of use

🍳 5. Cook the Meal

• Follow recipe steps in order
• Adjust heat as needed
• Stir, flip, or taste as you go
• Keep an eye on timing
• Clean small messes as you cook

🧂 6. Season & Taste

• Taste before serving
• Adjust salt, spices, or acidity
• Add fresh herbs or finishing touches

🍽️ 7. Serve

• Plate the food
• Add garnishes
• Set the table (napkins, utensils, drinks)
• Bring out sauces or sides

🧼 8. Clean Up

• Wash dishes or load dishwasher
• Wipe counters and stove
• Store leftovers in containers
• Take out trash if needed

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If you want, I can also create a kid‑friendly version, a bilingual English–Spanish version, or a checklist specifically for cooking with children, which could be beautiful for your classroom or home.