However much you like the process of cooking (and/or the final result), you’d likely be happy to cut down on the time it all takes, especially if you’re cooking for the whole household every night. These smart kitchen hacks from Real Simple food editors do just that: They cut down on the unnecessary steps of food prep, so you can cook faster—and start eating sooner—without missing out on any of the joys of chopping and stirring. Some of these hacks focus on the process, while others help maximize your food stores and transform leftovers into tasty soups and stews. Whether you’re just starting to cook regularly or you’re ready to shake your routine up a bit, these kitchen shortcuts have you covered.