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14 Ways You Know You're A Parent In The Kitchen

Parents are kind of like wizards in the kitchen.
By 

Staff Writer, Food & Travel

If you've ever watched parents at work in the kitchen, you know they possess some sort of wizardry that other mortals haven't yet mastered. Parents have tricks up their sleeves for pretty much anything you can think of, and it's in the kitchen where their prowess really shines. From secret strategies for getting kids to eat vegetables, to a more esoteric command of the multi-wave dinner, the skills of a parent are varied and nuanced.

The artful ways and critical devices of parents in the kitchen seem so effortless they might seem instinctive, but they are learned by necessity and past experience. It's what makes this designation -- parent in the kitchen -- so unique, so recognizable to fellow parents and so bafflingly impressive to everyone else. As a tribute to parents everywhere, we've rounded up 14 of the trusty tips, required staples and classic moments of parents in the kitchen. Share with us in the comments what you think makes a parent when you cook.

1
Baked potatoes are on your regular rotation.
Tastyart Ltd Rob White via Getty Images
Parents don't buy into the nonsense that potatoes are bad for you. Nothing's easier than a baked potato, and with a pad of butter or dollop of sour cream, plus a sprinkling of chives, you've got something super satisfying and delicious.
2
Your slow cooker is your best friend.
Julia Nichols via Getty Images
Leave it cooking for the day, come home and you've got a hot, hearty meal ready waiting for you. Nothing compares to the genius that is your slow cooker. Nothing.
3
You always have a reserve box or two of mac and cheese.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
So, not much has changed since college.
4
Your freezer is a warzone.
northways/Flickr
That much, at least, has changed since college, when your freezer used to be empty, save for the beer can you forgot you threw in there that later exploded. As a parent, you understand the paramount importance of leftovers, frozen meals and ice cream, stashed in the back for emergency situations, involving your kids or just yourself.
5
You eat a lot of sandwich crusts.
Anthony-Masterson via Getty Images
It's fuel, after all.
6
You always have milk in the fridge.
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If you don't have anything else, you at least have milk. Without fail.
7
You're skilled at sneaking vegetables into everything.
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'Cuz you know what'll happen if you don't.
8
You can make pancakes with your eyes closed.
@kosje via Getty Images
And they're far superior to anything you'll find at a restaurant.
9
You always have baby carrots on hand.
kayepants/Flickr
They're like your secret ammunition for snacks, mealtime or any time in between.
10
And chicken breasts...
Flickr: Laurie {Simply Scratch}
In the fridge or freezer, ready at a moment's notice.
11
And Cheerios.
Maya Kovacheva Photography via Getty Images
Certain things you just can't question.
12
You don't judge canned soup.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
You embrace it.
13
You know the last person that opened the fridge.
Image Source via Getty Images
You just have a sixth sense, or, you know who would have left sticky fingers on the fridge door, or who wouldn't have closed the juice container tight enough.
14
You convince your family breakfast-for-dinner is a treat, not just a fall back.
Influx Productions via Getty Images
It's fun! Not a last resort at all!

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