Is Dinner Ready?
Submitted by Molly Ross
Your toddler is cranky and throwing cheerios on the floor, and your older children are still not finished with their school work for the day as you notice the sun begining to set. Just then your husband calls to ask "Is dinner ready?" Instead of feeling like pulling your hair out, just pull a meal out of your freezer to pop it in the oven! "Easy for you to say," you say? It's really very simple!
I have recently begun using simple principles that I learned about on-line to prepare double (or triple!) portions and freeze the rest for a busy night. So many things can be frozen for later use- meats, sauces, soups, entrees, desserts.
Helpful Hints:
1) Try to remove all air from the container prior to freezing.
2) Wrap well to prevent freezer burn
3) Label before you freeze and date it
4) Write the cooking directions on it, to save time searching for the recipe again!
5) Freeze in casserole dishes, metal disposable dishes, ziplocs, or even freezer safe tupperware.
6) For liquids, leave room for expansion
7) Thaw and bake as usual, or bake frozen and add extra time
I pray this information blesses your family with home-cooked meals in a hurry!
Your toddler is cranky and throwing cheerios on the floor, and your older children are still not finished with their school work for the day as you notice the sun begining to set. Just then your husband calls to ask "Is dinner ready?" Instead of feeling like pulling your hair out, just pull a meal out of your freezer to pop it in the oven! "Easy for you to say," you say? It's really very simple!
I have recently begun using simple principles that I learned about on-line to prepare double (or triple!) portions and freeze the rest for a busy night. So many things can be frozen for later use- meats, sauces, soups, entrees, desserts.
Helpful Hints:
1) Try to remove all air from the container prior to freezing.
2) Wrap well to prevent freezer burn
3) Label before you freeze and date it
4) Write the cooking directions on it, to save time searching for the recipe again!
5) Freeze in casserole dishes, metal disposable dishes, ziplocs, or even freezer safe tupperware.
6) For liquids, leave room for expansion
7) Thaw and bake as usual, or bake frozen and add extra time
I pray this information blesses your family with home-cooked meals in a hurry!
My Mom has been telling me for years to make triple portion sizes when I cook. Your post has convinced me I need to listen! Thank you for the great tip!