That’s what I call it…my freezer is full of gold after filling it with more than 30 meals that will be ready to make on busy nights which seem to get especially busy as the holidays approach. If you’re not doing your own version of Once-A-Month-Cooking. now’s the time! Even adding six or so extra meals to your freezer can be a real stress and pocketbook reliever when dinner time rolls around after a long day!
I shopped one day and the next day started early right after the kids went to school. It took me nearly the whole day (took a break mid-afternoon but finished up that evening after we ate our dinner–thanks to my hubby for taking care of the kids that evening!) I’ve done mini-sessions before on weekends though when I don’t have a full day to commit to cooking–just break it down into types–sauces, beef entrees, poultry, etc. You get the idea. It really can work and it is SO worth it.
I think I did dishes about three or four times but I really do not like doing dishes and I felt good knowing that I was doing all those dishes in one day and will have minimal cleanup to do on serving nights! That’s one of my favorite things about freezer cooking–getting the cleaning out of the way up front!
If you REALLY want to get into it, you can look into purchasing a program such as Advantage Cooking (that’s what I use). You can use the recipes provided, download and import new recipes or enter your own. Plan your session with the recipes you want to use and you can print a grocery list, a recipe list and so much more. I love it and it makes freezer cooking day so much easier!
I’ve had several people ask me what kinds of meals I fill my freezer with. Here’s what I made during this session:
Asian Flank Steak
Bourbon Flank Steak
Soy Ginger Flank Steak
Stuffed Flank Steak
Calypso Salmon
Herb Crusted Pork Chops (three meals worth)
Sesame Salmon
Chicken Alfredo (two meals worth)
Chicken Marsala
Parmesan Chicken (two meals worth)
Spicy Peanut Chicken
Caesar Marinade
Zippy Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce (use your favorite–we tried a new one and loved it–can’t find it online though)
All-American Chili (two meals worth)
French Dip Sandwiches (two meals worth)
Pizza Burgers (not exactly my recipe but looks yummy and freezes well! I made two meals worth of my recipe)
Manic Meatloaf
Zesty Vegetable Soup (I just assemble the veggies, beef and noodles and leave the broth in the pantry to add with up to two extra cups of water on serving day)
Peachy Turkey Meatballs (sauce made day of serving)
Cincinnati Chili (my recipe calls for pork and beer as ingredients but I couldn’t find a close recipe online–I made two meals worth)
Garlic-Herb Mashed Potatoes (using Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread I made–way cheaper and delicious! I made three sides worth when I found a 5lb. bag of potatoes on “clearance” for only $1! They were turning a bit green but made great mashed potato casserole!)
Taco Seasoning Mix (makes 10 recipes worth)
Buttermilk Biscuit Mix
So, now all I need to do is add a side salad, veggie or other side to my meals above and I’ve got an easy complete meal. Next up I’ll be planning my holiday cookie baking session to get a jump on my holiday baking (and upcoming cookie exchanges) and have more time to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends.
Willing to give freezer cooking a try? Let us know how it can work for you by adding a comment below! And happy planning, cooking and eating!
What a great list! Can you tell me–do you freeze these raw or cooked?
Hi LeAnne! I'd say the majority of them are not cooked…or maybe half-cooked. Things like sauces (for example, the spaghetti sauce) do get cooked then frozen. And anything that calls for browned ground meat or sauteed veggies, etc. will get cooked but then I'll often just assemble and do the rest of the cooking (i.e. bake in an oven) after it's thawed. I love the "kits" that I make–especially for the grilled meat items like the Bourbon Flank Steak or Ceasar Marinade (I use chicken). Everything is thrown in a bag, zipped up and frozen. While it thaws it's marinating then you just throw it on the grill and ta-da! you're done with dinner. So easy! Hope this helps!