Fix, Freeze, Feast - Kati Neville [2]
If you already “batch-cook,” belong to a dinner co-op, or practice other forms of advance meal preparation, these recipes will work nicely with your current practices. Even if you have experience, we still recommend you start off with a few different recipes and gradually increase the number you do in a session to meet your needs—although we recommend doing no more than six at a time. The purpose of this book is to make feeding your family easier. No need for crazy marathon cooking sessions that leave you wondering what on earth you were thinking!
Following are just a few of the benefits you will enjoy when you fix, freeze, and feast.
ECONOMY: Every time you eat from your freezer you save money, especially if it takes the place of frequently eating out.
TIME MANAGEMENT: If you normally shop daily and cook one meal at a time, we estimate our method will save you an hour or more every day.
CONVENIENCE: Things come up: There are evenings when everyone in the family is busy; late or unplanned meetings cut into cooking time; children’s school friends or other unexpected company stop by; a friend is in need. It is wonderful to have a few meals on hand, for every day or just in case.
ADAPTABILITY: If you watch what you eat—for whatever reason—pre-prepared meals will help you stay on track.
VARIETY: An interesting selection of freezer meals integrated with fresh meals and the occasional restaurant treat will prevent food boredom.
FUN: Work through your recipes with a friend or two. Sharing stories and laughter makes the time seem less like work and more like play.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: It’s a wonderful feeling to have nourishing food in the freezer and an organized and efficient approach to daily dinners.
Most of the recipes in this book are for entrées, but don’t miss the other gems! We have included an assortment of brunch items, side dishes, snacks, sweets, and sauces. We offer a selection of meatless recipes and even some handmade spice mixes sprinkled throughout the chapters. Fill your freezer with main dishes or the extras — either way, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of make-ahead meals.
Let’s get started!
PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
To be successful, start with a plan. Even if it’s just a mental list of steps you’ll take, thinking through what you want to accomplish will keep you organized and efficient. We have broken our Tray Pack Method into a few simple steps.
THE BASICS OF MAKE-AHEAD MEALS
1. Get Organized! Every session begins with a plan, which includes a shopping list and a prep list. Divide yours between warehouse and grocery store items for easy reference.
2. Consolidate ingredients common to several recipes. Be sure you know exactly what you need and where to find everything before you go shopping.
3. Go Shopping! Take your list and buy your groceries. Don’t forget your membership cards.
4. Follow your prep list to chop, dice, and otherwise organize your ingredients. When all your items are ready to go, you can begin the recipes.
5. Label bags, assemble recipes, and freeze.
6. Heat & Eat! Thaw entrées as you need weeknight meals. Once defrosted, you can quickly prepare home-cooked meals for your family – even on the busiest nights!
1. GET ORGANIZED! MAKING YOUR SHOPPING LIST
Make a shopping list of the ingredients used in each recipe you intend to prepare. We suggest writing every ingredient down, even if you know you have it on hand. Once your list is complete, go through the kitchen and mark off the items you already have. Now you know exactly what to buy at the store, and you also have a complete list from which to work when you begin your session. We buy almost all our ingredients from warehouse clubs and local grocery stores. Different shopping destinations require