Yes...I am showing you my freezer. |
Why would I pin the idea again? Well, I still like it and I think the concept is great…I just needed better recipes. Also, I just changed to a Monday – Friday work week (after 6+ years of a 3 day work week) this month. It is quite an adjustment. While I love to cook, I do not like to spend my entire evening in the kitchen, esp. now that I am getting home at dinner time. The “make-ahead” idea seemed like a great way to guarantee that I have a few go-to meals or entrees in the house with minimal effort.
Prep-work! |
The two “Don’t Panic” cookbooks give lots of great tips, advice, and instructions for shopping, cooking, and storage,. Everything was really easy…and the whole house smelled YUMMY all weekend! Note: I did substitute a few things: chicken and turkey sausage and bacon for pork and fat-free dairy products for their full-fat counterparts.
I was sure to write the re-heating instructions on the packaging! |
The filling for Chicken Cilantro Enchiladas! |
I intended to take great pictures, but I forgot…more than once. My hands were either covered in something or I was busy stirring…oh, well, I think you get the idea.
The recipes I made were: North Woods Wild Rice Soup
Chicken Cilantro Enchiladas
Pork Chops a la Orange
Cranberry Chicken
Chicken, Sausage, & Shrimp Stew
Baked Penne with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese
Salsa Verde Beef
We invited my parents over on Sunday evening for the stew. It was wonderful (and perfect for one of our rare rainy days here in South Texas)! I am really excited this time around because I know the food is good (I’ve tasted bits and pieces along the way) and it is going to make those busy evenings so much easier. My son and I can still have a healthy, home-cooked dinner on the table and I don’t have to stress about the time or if I have the ingredients on hand for dinner-on-the-fly.
Pork Chops a la Orange..yummmmm. |
If you have done this or are thinking about it, please comment below and tell me what you think!
Enjoy!
This post is linked to:
http://www.claimingourspace.com/2012/09/tout-it-tuesday-24.html
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/09/tuesday-to-do-79-and-78-list-makers.html
http://whimsicallyhomemade.blogspot.com/2012/09/mixer-monday-1.html
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/09/17/made-by-you-monday-119/
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/09/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-119_16.html
http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2012/09/motivate-me-monday-140.html
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/09/uncommonly-yours-link-party-46.html
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-34.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/09/show-me-what-ya-got-92.html
http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/2012/09/wildly-original-bewitching-fall-linky_19.html
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/2012/09/creative-inspirations-linky-party-32.html
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/09/whatever-goes-wednesday-135.html
http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2012/09/catch-as-catch-can-90.html
http://www.livelaughrowe.com/live-laugh-linky-28/
Thanks for posting this! It's really helpful!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Enjoy your cooking.
DeleteYUM!!!!!!!!!! Glad you found recipes that will taste better :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality!
Thanks, Christine!
DeleteI totally need this for those crazy nights when everyone has an activity! Super! You are welcome to link up on tomorrow's Photo Friday over at Ladies Holiday! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks, LH! I just pulled one of the meals out of the oven a few minutes ago after a late meeting at work got me home late!
DeleteGood way to be organized. :) Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
ReplyDeleteI am like all of those that you talk about that want to but don't! Can't wait to hear how all of the recipes taste when reheated! I hope that they are wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Trish