Freezer to Crock-pot Meals~ The beginning

Now that you have the back-story on how I am trying to take back time,

here is the how to and results of my Freezer Meals project.

 

Before I post any pictures or add anything else, credit needs to be given to the woman who inspired this all. We have never met, however, Jaima's blog is very inspiring and is now in my list of favorites. Since I've never cooked for the freezer before, this first round of meals have all come out of her tips and recipes. She has a lot more recipes, besides the ones that I have used. Check out her toddler meals! They look awesome, but since we don't have a microwave (for natural living reasons), the toddler meals don't really make sense for us. You can find Jaima's blog and all of her wonderful tips, right here: http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net

Now, lets dig in to the project. After researching around and looking at multiple blogs and pages about freezer cooking, the norm of meals seems to be about a week or two's worth prepped and stored. The extremest that I am, chose 12 recipes that would make 24 meals for my family that consists of 2 adults, a toddler and baby. All 12 recipes chosen this round, came from Jaima's blog.

Freezer cooking is so simple! You prep your items (cutting veggies and meat), add in a few additional ingredients all into a freezer bag, mix together and store. DONE!

 

THE RESULTS (what I learned):

 

12 recipes take way longer than I thought they would! Wade was recruited to shop for half of our list, while V'leah and I grabbed a cart and picked up the other half. This took about an hour. Once home, I dug right in, ambitious to finally start this exciting project. Start to finish took about 4 1/2 hrs, including the snack and cuddle breaks taken with V'leah. Would I go big and do 12 recipes (24 meals) again? Probably not. However, I would def. try 6 (making 12 meals)!!! This would cut my grocery shopping from

once a week- at least 4 times a month, down to 2-3 times!

 

Here is the Sausage and Peppers recipe. This one is my favorite so far!

Wade was in charge of picking out the sausage.

He decided that instead of buying the exact sausage from the ingredients list, to pick out the kind he thought looked best, and it was!

 

 

This was a VERY simple, VERY yummy meal!!!

Even V'leah liked it (she ate the rice and sausage)

 

The VERY BEST part of freezer to crock-pot cooking is that my evening time is freed up! Instead of getting stressed out, while V'leah pulls at mommy for attention, Josi is crying for a bottle, daddy is trying to touch base with me ALL as I'm trying to put together a warm, healthy meal for my family....I now can be a multi-tasking diva and put down a delicious meal at the same time, with

NO STRESS!

Also, I'd like to mention that as a momma of a toddler and newborn, it's rare to have a hot meal for yourself. No fears mama! The crock-pot will keep it warm for you! No more cold meals for you, you amazing woman! You deserve a hot meal and extra time in your day!

Freezer meals is the way to get that!

 

***Check out the next blog entry for making the perfect rice every time and how to re-purpose extras into tomorrows breakfast (YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT!)***