I don't remember the last time that I made muffins "from a box." And I'm afraid if I tried muffins from a box, I wouldn't like them. They may be extra sweet...but I'm afraid they wouldn't taste real. Or good even. Since I gave up processed sugar and white flours this month, I've had to get creative with baking. I did get some wheat berries and sucanat to help make some … [Read more...]
Easy & Budget-Friendly Freezer-Friendly Recipes
Looking to save time, money, and stress at mealtime?!
Our collection of freezer-friendly recipes makes it simple to stock your freezer with delicious, ready-to-cook meals. From make-ahead breakfasts and freezer casseroles to dump-and-go slow cooker meals, these recipes are perfect for busy families who want home-cooked dinners without the daily prep.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or filling your freezer for the month, these easy freezer meals will help you eat well on a budget—without the last-minute scramble.
Chunky Spaghetti Sauce
When I first learned that Ryan did indeed have an allergy to dairy (after having suspected it for many months), I really started scouring labels. I knew for the most part what did and didn't have dairy or milk, but it can very sneaky and often finds it's way into a wide variety of processed foods. One of the items I quickly discovered that contained milk or cheese was jarred … [Read more...]
Beef Fajita Skillet Dinner
This recipe is from my 15-Minute Freezer Meals Cookbook! Tap below to get your book ordered! While we the thermometers hit the triple digit mark, no one wants to heat up their kitchen...but you also might not want to stand outside and sweat the afternoon away in front of the grill either. If that's the case for you, then a simple skillet dinner that only takes … [Read more...]
Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
The first pantry challenge recipe for this month...banana muffins. With whole wheat flour. Honey. Really, really brown bananas. And of course, chocolate chips! Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Banana muffins with whole wheat flour, honey, really ripe bananas and of course, chocolate chips! 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour1 tsp baking … [Read more...]
No Sugar Strawberry Freezer Jam
Got a Surplus of Strawberries from a Sale or a Trip to the You Pick Them Farm?! Make this Strawberry Freezer Jam! When you accidentally come home with 17 lbs. of strawberries from a morning at the pick your own berry patch, you have to do something. And you have to do it fast. I started to can the strawberry jam, but quickly saw that if I continued on the canning … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal
Now that it's rhubarb season...and the start of berry season, I thought a strawberry rhubarb baked oatmeal was in order. I took the baked oatmeal recipe from my Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook and gave it a few twists. And this is what I got... 3 stalks rhubarb. plus about 3 cups diced strawberries (that I froze recently.) Toss the strawberries and rhubarb … [Read more...]
Southwestern Spaghetti Pie
This recipe is born of a desire to not waste leftovers. When my kids were young and their palates were limited I often had a spaghetti night and a taco night. At the end of the week when I cleaned out the fridge I often had mix matched ingredients. Leftover noodles, but no sauce. Leftover taco meat, but no tortillas. Instead of throwing them out I decided to combine them. My … [Read more...]
Easy Broccoli and Beef
I love how fast stir-frys come together. Broccoli and Beef is one of my favorite dishes, but I avoided making it for years because I thought the recipe involved too many steps for an easy stir-fry dinner. The recipe I was given by a friend involved cooking the meat in oil, steaming the veggies, cooking both in a marinade and then adding a sauce - just not going to … [Read more...]
Cheesy Spinach Quiche
With plenty of opportunities for luncheons and brunches coming up, don't overlook the chance to make an easy quiche. It's also a simple and frugal, last-minute supper to pull together. Especially if you already have store-bought, frozen pie shells on hand. The secret to its good taste is the pepper jack cheese. Plus, it's my grandmother's recipe, so you know it's extra … [Read more...]
Enchilada Stuffed Pasta Shells
My oldest child was born while my husband was deployed in the first gulf war. Our squadron's support group organized dinners for me every night until my husband returned 4 weeks later. But that is not all. Whoever brought me dinner packed a lunch for me to enjoy the next day. Seriously. I have been paying that amazing gift forward for the last 20 years. One of my favorite … [Read more...]