You may be thinking "Really, freezing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? How long does it take to make a pb&j?" But having a freezer full of already made sandwiches is a huge lifesaver for me on those crazy mornings. I typically make a whole loaf of sandwiches at a time. The key to a good freezer pb&j is to spread the peanut butter on both sides of the bread. Then … [Read more...]
Lunchbox Freezer Cooking: Homemade Frozen Fruit Cups
It's only been two weeks into our school year and I am already finding myself in a lunchbox rut. Freezer cooking to the rescue! Every month, I plan to try a lunch box friendly recipe and share my results. This month I choose Frozen Fruit Cups to try. These healthy cups are full of fresh fruit with a little orange juice. Verdict: They are delicious! However, they melted … [Read more...]
Dana’s Healthy Breakfast Burritos
As a registered dietitian, I am always trying to get as many servings of vegetables into my family as possible. One easy way to sneak in an extra serving of veggies is with these vegetable filled breakfast burritos. These burritos are freezer friendly and make for a quick breakfast on the go. Healthy Breakfast Burrito Yield - 8 servings Preparation Time … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce – Batch Cooking
Batch cook your Marinara Sauce in your slow cooker...love this idea and measuring tip from Jackie at Mom on a Mission! Be sure to add that to your list for your next batch cooking session, freezer cooking day or the next time you make spaghetti sauce. Photo Credit … [Read more...]
Tricia’s Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Truly the easiest way I have found to feed my family of seven is to put the slow cooker to work for me. Whether I am out for the day or busy with homeschooling our age range, I can serve up slow cooker deliciosity. My slow cooker history will prove my love: A few of my slow cooker recipes here on $5 Dinners. Chicken, steak, hummus, yogurt and more. We enjoy Erin’s Slow … [Read more...]
Tricia’s Batch Cooking: Biscuits
Few things in my stretching-the-budget and filling-tummies career have made as big a difference as biscuits. Do you remember how much the canned variety costs? Oh, I dearly love the convenience. But I don’t like paying for it. Especially when I have to get so many cans to feed the seven of us. And that’s where batch cooking homemade biscuits comes in. But here’s the trick. … [Read more...]
Denise’s Marvelous Meatballs – Bulk Cooking Recipe
We do LOTS of bulk cooking because our family of seven always seems to be eating but momma doesn't always want to be cooking, and it's important to us (and to our budget) to prepare home cooked meals as often as possible. Our five kiddos are pretty picky and all seem to have different tastes so it feels a lot like hitting the lottery when we find a dish that always pleases … [Read more...]
The Meals I’m Leaving Behind…
I'm headed out of town this weekend for a conference. And while I know my husband plays a wonderful Mr. Mom when I travel, I like to make it as simple as possible for him to get dinner on the table for himself and the kids! (There's that simple word again.) Usually, there isn't a whole lotta time to spare from the time he walks in the door from work and when the kiddos bellies … [Read more...]
Tricia’s Slow Cooker Batch Cooking Navy Beans
I really love it when my slow cooker can do the work for me. January usually means a freezer and pantry challenge, including rice and beans. So, about once a month I batch cook some beans to tuck away in the freezer. Especially in the winter months, that means navy beans. Using the slow cooker to batch cook takes only a little pre-planning. You need to rinse and sort … [Read more...]
12 in ’12 – Meal Ministry Ideas
For 2012, I’ve decided to run a monthly/bimonthly/weekly series called 12 in ’12. It will be a list of 12 related items, recipes, slow cooker meals, etc. that will help you along your way in spending less on groceries and being creative in the kitchen! Next in the series...Meal Ministry Ideas! There are many times throughout the year that we are called on to make a meal … [Read more...]
