Well, it’s that time again in the Kilcoyne house! Over the next few weeks I will be going into my “Freezer Frenzy” mode, stocking up my freezer with meals that have all the prep work done and only need to be dumped in the crockpot or oven to cook or simply be reheated. I used to be really consistent with freeze ahead meals, but last year, with all its ups and downs, shook that up a little. I didn’t like not having several meals available every week, we didn’t eat nearly as well, and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying to DECIDE what to make every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

So, out with the old and in with the new! I am ready to roll up my sleeves and spend a few days planning, cooking and freezing those meals that will ultimately shave time off in the kitchen each day so I can spend more time with the family, eat better and accomplish more!

I usually do my freeze-ahead cooking in batches according to meals. For example, during a weekend, I may focus on breakfast foods that I would like to have for the next month. Doing it this way takes about a month to establish a good stock in my freezer, but it simplifies planning for me. I will probably start this type of planning next month to maintain what I am about to stock my freezer with. You can plan your cooking sessions however you feel like, just do what works best for you. This week’s session will probably include more than breakfast foods though, only because I have need of all three meals being available next week due to busyness. If you are new to freezer cooking, I wrote an article about it a long time ago, as well as a book on how I personally do freezer cooking in my home. You can adjust any of my methods to whatever works for you, and you’ll find recipes there, as well as on my In The Kitchen With Mama Nicci page. I will also be posting more recipes in the coming weeks so check that page from time-to-time to add to your freezer-friendly collection!

Ideas for this week’s session:

Breakfasts-

English Muffins

Bagels

Whole grain pancakes

Whole grain waffles

Breakfast burritos

Smoothie kits

Muffins

Banana bread

Cinnamon bread

Sweet dough for cinnamon rolls

French toast casserole

Lunches-

Chicken soup

Pizza dough

Bean Soup

Sloppy joe mix

Taco meat mix

Grilled chicken for sandwiches

Chili

Bean Burgers

 

Dinners-

Dump chicken

Roast chicken thighs

Meatballs

Chicken/Pork Fried rice

Teriyaki pork

Marinated game meat

Stuffed shells

Chicken Tetrizzini

Chicken Bake

 

As you can see, I have a big task ahead of me. I WILL NOT do all of this in one day. I will make all of this over the course of a few days. It is just what works for me. I may even stretch it out over the week until next weekend depending on what our needs are this coming week. I also bake breads for the week for my family and my boys will be right in the kitchen with me working alongside me as I have need of them, it always helps to have extra hands in the kitchen!

Having a freezer full of meals frees me up during the day to focus on schooling the kids, keeping the house in order and spending more time with each of my family members. My days actually run more smoothly when I don’t have to think about preparing meals, give it a try! Even if it is only an extra meal here and there, you’ll love having a night off once in a while due to that extra dinner waiting for you!