Yesterday, we looked at the methods of freezer cooking.  Today, we’re going to see how to get started!

Freezer Cooking Plan

If you’ve never done any freezer cooking before, here is a simple plan to get started:

1)  Check to see what ingredients you already have in your cupboards.  Also, check to see what is on sale for a good price at your local grocery stores.  Then, plan your recipes using what you already have and/or what you can pick up inexpensively.  I suggest starting out with just two to four recipes the first time you do this.   It may also be helpful to pick just one kind of protein for your first freezer cooking attempt.  For example, tomorrow I will share two ground beef recipes.  We’ll triple them and end up with six meals.

2)  Make a list with all needed ingredient.  Then, make your shopping list.  Don’t forget to double or triple the ingredients if you plan to make multiples of each recipe.  Go shopping.

3)  Write out a master plan.  First, list all of items you need to prepare before you can cook.  For example, if you need beans for your recipe, be sure you have soaked and cooked the amount you need beforehand.  Next, decide on an order for your freezer cooking day and make a list.

For example, let’s say you were making a Chicken and Rice Casserole, Chocolate Chip Cookies, meat for Tacos, and Chicken Burritos.  Here’s what I might write down as an order for my cooking day:

• Boil the chicken.  (Start a few hours before you begin assembling the meals)
• Cook the rice.
• Begin browning the ground beef.
• Chop the carrots and celery for Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Shred the chicken.
• Assemble the Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Drain the ground beef and season for taco meat.
• Assemble the chicken burritos.
• Make cookie dough and freeze in individual balls.

I really recommend making a list, so you can think through how your time will be spent so you can make the most of it.

FREEZER COOKING DAY:

4)  It’s time to cook!  Go ahead and set out all the ingredients you need.  Lay out any containers, freezer bags, markers, tape for labeling dishes, etc.

5)  Follow your master plan.  Put your dishes together in an assembly-line fashion.

6)  Prepare the meals for freezing.  Be sure to LABEL each item with the name, any special instructions, and the date you put it in the freezer (or a use-by date if you prefer).

 

For my freezer cooking queens out there, did I forget anything?  For those of you who haven’t done any freezer cooking before, do you have any questions?