I, like all of you, feel like I never have enough time in my day to get all the things I want to done. Since the addition of our son, one thing that seemed to take a lot of time and planning was cooking meals for our family. I started batch cooking Cody’s lunches and what a time saver it has become!!! I am addicted!!!
I normally pick 4-5 meals for him and double the recipe for each. It takes me a full day (I split it into two half days) to make them all. It seems to last me about two months before I run low. It has been so easy to just take a meal out of the freezer the night before and by lunch the next day it is thawed and ready to be served!
The best way I have found to batch and freeze things like soups, casseroles, mac n cheese etc. in individual servings is the “Phantom” method described in Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. For example, today I made a double batch of healthy Mac & Cheese with Veggie Dogs and spooned them into individual cups ( the EASIEST thing to use is the Silicone Baking Cups- these are my favorite!!!). They fit right into a casserole baking dish which I then put a lid over and stick in the freezer overnight. By the next morning, I get them out, peel the silicone away from the food and stick all the servings in a freezer bag. You can then pull out individual servings when ready!
I also made tofu nuggets today (which Cody LOVES) and the easiest way to freeze those, chicken nuggets or fish nuggets is to place the nuggets in a pyrex or corningware dish, layering each row with foil so they don’t stick together. Put your lid on your dish and stick in the freezer. In the morning, take them out and throw all in a freezer bag. You always have healthy, homemade nuggets on hand!
Healthy Mac & Cheese with Veggie dogs which yielded 18 individual meals and Tofu Nuggets which yielded 60 nuggets!! You do the math… that is a lot of meals!
I steam a bunch of veggies for the week and keep in a pyrex bowl so I have a quick and easy side to meals. Lunch has never been easier!
If you want either of the recipes listed above check out our “Recipe” tab. I am still so new to the batch and freeze method so I would love to hear your tips/ tricks or good recipes for batch freezing!!! Saving time in the kitchen allows us more time with our families… what could be better than that!?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
That is awesome! At dinner time Cole eats whatever we're eating, but lunches, I feel like I'm always feeding him the same things. Great advice.
No problem! I know… breakfast and dinner always seemed easy to plan and lunch stumped me every time. Anything to make my life a little easier!!!! Let us know if you find any good recipes to batch and freeze!!!!
My freezer is full of bulk produce ready to thaw and serve and made ahead meals. Nice to share new recipes.Here is a healthy pancake that freezes well. I use breastmilk instead of cow's milk. Add in anything you like or top with fruit, local honey, or organic unsweetened applesauce.1 large overripe banana 1 egg½ cup (4oz) skim milk½ tsp baking powder½ tsp baking soda½ tsp ground nutmeg¾ cup (90g) whole wheat flourMash the banana in a medium bowl. Add the egg and milk. Whisk until frothy. In a smaller bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and nutmeg. Sift into the banana mixture. Mix until just blended. Spoon into pan and flip when you see bubbles. Just a few minutes per side.
What type of tofu do you use and how do you prepare it?
Yum – We'll definately have to try that pancake recipe! We use the extra-firm tofu for the nuggets. Here's the link to the recipe on our recipe blog! http://janzodosrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/04/chick…
I really liked Annabell Karmel's recipe books, especially when E was little. Batch freezing saved me when I first went back to work and still does. I liked the ice cube trays when she was eating smaller portions but agree that silicon baking cups are perfect now. One recipe that goes over really well for us is the Kale Casserole recipe from Yaron's Super Baby Food.
We LOVE Annabell Karmel's stuff!!!! Ice cube trays are the way to go when they are little… so easy and cheap! Haven't tried the Kale recipe but we will now… does it freeze well? Love Kale, It ROCKS!!!!
Jennie can I pay you to do this for me!!??
lol! We could get together once a month and do it together!!!