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House Blend Seasoning:
1/3 Kosher Salt, 1/6 Black Pepper, 1/6 Garlic Powder.

Minced Garlic:
My husband's parents have a garden and every year, they grow lots of elephant garlic. Once every three months, my mother-in-law will bring me a jar of garlic that she's put in the food processor with some olive oil. It's got the consistency of a paste with little pieces of minced garlic. There's not too much oil. I don't know how you can adapt this at your house, but I recommend you try. I love this stuff!

Rice and Pasta:
If you're making rice or pasta, make more than you can eat and save some for another day.

Rice Cooker:
Get one! They won't save you time, but your rice will turn out perfect every time.