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After a busy and adventurous summer break, I look forward to the structure and ease of fall. Yes, I wrote “ease”! Getting back into a schedule is a welcomed change, but I still have to plan meals, manage our time, and of course brace for the cold and flu season.
To help us settle into our structured days, meal planning is a must. Bulk/freezer cooking not only helps our budget but it also helps when we’re in a time crunch. If one of my children needs extra help with school, if a little one needs extra one-on-one attention in the late afternoon, or if we’re still settling into our schedule, I know I have a home cooked meal that’s ready-to-go! I take out a casserole or freezer pack in the morning to defrost and then bake in the oven, throw into the crockpot, or defrost something in the late afternoon for quick baking or grilling.
Some favorite resources are 30 Day Gourmet BIG Book of Freezer Cooking, Saving Dinner, and of course Wildtree.
A few of our freezer packs, made with chicken, roast, and steak. From these packs will come the two cups of shredded meat I’ll use in future casseroles, soups, stews, etc. |
A variety of breads. When we need a loaf, we pull one from the freezer. Three loaves will last about a week. We also freeze muffins, waffles, and other breakfast breads. |
This doesn’t include getting sidetracked by the internet, social calls, etc! I’m writing about actual interruptions, such as illness, injuries, nursing babies, and emergencies, that are simply beyond our control.
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Jill says
Thanks for the recipes and great tips! We love garlic oil for ear aches!
Jills Home Remedies says
GREAT article, Elizabeth!
A Mamas Story says
Thanks, Jill and Jill!!!! 🙂
Amy @ Are We There Yet? says
So many great things to glean from your post! I pinned it for future Falls.
A Mamas Story says
Thanks, Amy!!! I’m glad you found some helpful tips. 🙂