We all know how it’s like. Get up in the morning, check the clock, and grumble. Time is getting more and more valuable and it has become too time-consuming to prepare brekfast. This of course results in groaning stomachs and increased appetite by lunch. And you wonder why that jeans don’t fit anymore?

Hate measuring out ingredients and handling too much appliances? Hate messing around with more than one piece of crockery? Well here’s some handy tips to get some decent food out faster than it takes you to brush your teeth!

1. Grab a few slices of bread and spread pasta sauce on them. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find internationally, but lacking that tomato paste works as well. Then sprinkle some grated cheese over the bread slices, heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts, and voila! Your own instant mini-pizza, and it actually tastes good as well.

HINT: Got 5 minutes to spare? Chop mushrooms, onions or bell peppers into bite sized pieces and sprinkle them on as well before heating.

2. Pancakes are magic. When people say cooking is instinctive, they’re really talking about pancakes. I swear you don’t need to have a single fancy measuring spoon or cup. I make pancakes using just one tablespoon from my cutlery set, the one I use to eat with. Put some self-raising floor into a bowl maybe about 2-3 heaped tablespoons, a little salt, a tablespoon of sugar, a few dashes of oil, a splash of milk. Traditional pancakes require eggs, but if you’re in a rush, you can’t tell the difference. Whip it all up with a whisk until it becomes smooth, and spread over a pan on medium heat. Flip over when browned.

3. Leftover’s from last night? Chances are they take too long to heat up one by one. My recommendation? Throw two to three dishes which you think might complement each other (once again, the key word here is “instinctive”) into a pan and switch on the stove to medium while you carry on with personal grooming. There’s a high probability this mixture you concocted in the pan would taste great, as the gravy from each dish would have fully absorbed into the main ingredients, making them more flavorful.

4. If all else fails, keep a jar of peanut butter in your dashboard, together with a spoon. At least it keeps your skin healthy.