I have read in several places that the last thing I am going to want to do following the birth of my child is cook. I'm going to be happy just being able to take the occasional shower. Many of those books and articles recommend cooking meals ahead of time and freezing them to use once you're home.
This is a brilliant idea, except I am having the toughest time thinking of things to make. A lot of people have suggested lasagna or some other pasta-filled dish. While I love pasta, I refuse to live on it. I require a bit more variety than that. Plus, my husband will quickly grow tired of it and choose to live on peanut butter sandwiches, leaving me stuck to eat the entire pan.
So I need some suggestions. I am limited to the freezer space on my refrigerator. I've wanted a small chest freezer forever, but so far the hubs has not agreed to it.
Here's the list of things I'm already planning to make:
-- Chicken enchiladas -- I will probably make two batches (16 enchiladas) and freeze them in fours, which is more than enough for Mike and I to have for dinner and lunch the next day.
-- Muffins -- quick and easy, both to make and to grab as a small breakfast and snack. Plus, I have what feels like a zillion apples to use up.
-- Pasta Sauce -- My husband hates chunky pasta sauce, so I'm considering giving this recipe a try. I think I could manage to boil pasta and take care of an infant.
-- Pizza dough -- I actually already have some of this in my freezer. It's an easy recipe and makes two balls of dough.
Seriously, though. What else should I make? Space is at a premium, so whatever I make has to be something that we'll actually eat and enjoy. Leave me links in your comments with your suggestions!!!
Since its going to start getting colder once baby Collins is here you could always make up and freeze chili? All you'd have to do it just throw it in a pan and heat it up!
ReplyDeleteyou could always cook up a roast and save the juice off of it, freeze it, and then use it later for a stock for your vegetable stew. I always do this and it makes an amazing stew! You can always just do the stew in a crockpot too!
another one i like to freeze for later is taco meat. Cook it up like you normally would and then toss it in the freezer. Assembling stuff for tacos is pretty simple so cooking the meat ahead of time is great!
Soups! They freeze well and reheat wonderfully. This is coming from someone who hates leftovers. It is a great way to have variety because every soup seems totally different, especially the hearty ones. Rice and beans is another good choice. I hate casseroles in general but most say they reheat well.
ReplyDeleteChicken chili? (Just clicked over from Classy & Fabulous)
ReplyDeleteChili freezes really well. Chicken parm. Meatballs (can have w/ pasta or make into a sandwich). Quiche? Just trying to think of non-italian things that freeze well.
ReplyDeleteMeatloaf muffins!! Bake them in muffin tins and then freeze them in ziplocs (or Food Saver bags - if you don't have a food saver, get one!!) Reheat with bbq sauce or tomato soup and they are fantastic!!
ReplyDeletetaco meat, chili, meatloaf, shepherd's pie, tamale pie, crock pot things (put everything in a bag, freeze, start to defrost so it is easy to add to crock pot for a day of cooking), casseroles,
ReplyDeleteThese freeze well and are so tasty
http://www.marthastewart.com/317055/irish-beef-
casseroles
I am no cook so I have no suggestions but I can't wait to hear what the other girls suggest.
ReplyDeletechili, different soups, poppyseed chicken casserole.
ReplyDeletedo you read kellys korner blog? she has a recipe blog with some great casseroles.
make a whole chicken, shred it, and have it on hand for quesadillas or chicken tacos. Same thing with ground beef.