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You are here: Home / Food / 5pm: I know exactly what’s for dinner

5pm: I know exactly what’s for dinner

July 27, 2009 By Stephanie 185 Comments

5:00 p.m., any day of the week, anytown, USA: “What are we going to have for dinner?”

That’s the question that rings ’round the country. In my house too, I admit.

But not lately.

Because I finally found a system that works really well for our family and our “season” of life.

At this very moment, I have 8 dinners in my freezer. I can’t tell you how good that feels.

Basically, I take a Saturday and cook/prep for a few hours, while my husband entertains the girls (my 2-year-old usually “helps” me by pouring and stirring and tasting…). I label everything, stick it in the freezer, and then just pull things out to defrost when I’m ready. My feet hurt at the end of the cooking day and I’m a wee bit exhausted, but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT. My husband 100% agrees. It’s like going to one of those meal-assembly shops, but I don’t have to leave my house.

Now, if 5:00 p.m. rolls around and you come by my house, you’ll smell lasagna or enchiladas or tequila-lime chicken or steak skewers with blue cheese dipping sauce. Actually, if you knock at 5:00 p.m., you’ll likely catch me right in the middle of the 30-day shred (I just jumped to Level 3 today…no comment except that I’m dreading the next eight days). THEN, you’ll notice the smell of something succulent wafting through the air.

I’ve taken all my recipes so far from “FIX, FREEZE, FEAST” by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik {Storey Publishing, 2007}. The book features more than 125 make-ahead recipes in 6 categories:

  • Chicken Main Dishes
  • Beef Main Dishes
  • Pork Main Dishes
  • Meatless Mains, Sides, and Soups
  • Sauces, Marinades, and Flavored Butters
  • Breakfast, Snacks, and Sweets

The book gives clear, easy-to-follow instructions for how to best prep, store, and serve your recipes – and the appendix even includes labels that you can copy, print out, and tape to your meals (I LOVE that feature). My only “critique” is that the cookbook doesn’t have pictures, but – in this case – I actually don’t mind much because the instructions are extremely straightforward and the descriptions are vivid.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever tried the “make-ahead” way of cooking?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of “FIX, FREEZE, FEAST” by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik ($14.95). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, August 4th at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #120 Julie. Congratulations!

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Filed Under: Food, Giveaways Tagged With: freezer meals, make-ahead freezer meals, make-ahead meals, storey publishing

Comments

  1. Lily Kwan says

    August 5, 2009 at 12:09 am

    I have tried the make-ahead way of cooking and like it very much.

    Reply
  2. Donna K says

    August 4, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    I have tried make ahead cooking, but I want to do more.

    Reply
  3. Gianna says

    August 4, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    Yes I have. It really is nice to have things on hand when days get hectic :)

    Reply
  4. Helen says

    August 4, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    I try to double a recipe just about every time I cook just to freeze that extra dish which is great for when I don’t feel like cooking. I rotate dishes every 3-4 weeks.

    Reply
  5. Veronica Garrett says

    August 4, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    I use the make-ahead way of cooking.

    Reply
  6. Katherine Dunn says

    August 4, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    I just finished during some freezing but I would love to know how to get better at this. My garden is getting crazy!

    kylie8cake(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  7. Maja says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    i cook, as well as my husband. the only frozen food we buy is pizzas.

    Reply
  8. Angela Palmer says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    I have wanted to cook ahead, but have never managed to get around to it. I’m used to cooking for 4, not in bulk. A bunch of good recipes could help.

    Reply
  9. kathy pease says

    August 4, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    this sounds really great especially for busy moms or if an unexpected event arises you are pretty well prepared for meals.like for me this week my mother in law has been in the hospital and we have been running back and forth and too exhausted to cook

    Reply
  10. Joanne Schultz says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    sort of! I like to cook extra and then package the extra up and throw it in the freezer for quickie meals on busy days.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  11. Leslie S. says

    August 4, 2009 at 11:58 am

    I have been wanting to do this for a long time.I will be homeschooling next year,so I feel like this would be great for my family.Thanks!

    Reply
  12. stephenie says

    August 4, 2009 at 11:57 am

    It sounds like a great book. Being able to store and reheat something healthy and homemade is both quicker and cheaper than going out to area restaurants…especially now that things are getting more expensive.

    I also have a friend with a lot of health problems, so anything that helps me set aside and properly store a portion to bring over to her is terrific.

    Reply
  13. Louis Willhauck says

    August 4, 2009 at 11:51 am

    seems looks like you have nice family.
    god bless everyone.

    Reply
  14. Erin T says

    August 4, 2009 at 10:17 am

    I have done frozen meal planning in the past and love it!!! I would love new repices :)

    Reply
  15. Amy L says

    August 4, 2009 at 10:03 am

    I make double batches of meals & freeze the extra. Meatballs, Vegetable Soup, Chili, Stuffed Peppers, etc. I like knowing I have quick “go-to” meals stored away in case I’m short on time. I would like to win this book so I can expand my choices of meals to make ahead.

    Reply
  16. Patti Sherman says

    August 4, 2009 at 9:20 am

    I sure could use this. I RV most of the summer and try to cook, bake and freeze portions to travel with. I could use some new thoughts on recipes.

    Reply
  17. Jere says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:45 am

    I have always wanted to have meals ready to go in the freezer to simplify meals at my house. I would love to have this recipe book.

    Reply
  18. Kelly F says

    August 4, 2009 at 2:43 am

    I personally have never tried making food ahead. My mom does it with big batches of chili and soup in the winter and it always tastes delicious!

    Reply
  19. christopher h says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:37 am

    i’ve made a few, but they never seem to turn out as well as a meal cooked the same night

    Reply
  20. Heather Goldsmith says

    August 3, 2009 at 11:27 pm

    As a nurse, I work three 12-hour (actually more like 14-hour) shifts per week. When I come home, it’s already past dinner time. So I cook and freeze a lot. There are no pots and pans to wash or cooking mess to clean up. Works out pretty good.

    Reply
  21. Michelle H. says

    August 3, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    I like recipes for large numbers of servings because I have a large family and always have to double or triple recipes.

    Reply
  22. Mishia says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    The only make ahead meal I made was lasagna and stew.

    Reply
  23. Andrea B says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    At most I’ve tried to make enough to have leftovers for the next night, but then my husband eats more than usual, so that hasn’t worked.
    dearandrea
    at sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  24. Shawn Slattery says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    No, Mr. Bachelor over here pretty much lives off frozen food. It’s unhealthy, expensive, and I’m just plain getting sick of it, so this book would be great!

    Reply
  25. tina reynolds says

    August 3, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    i have never tried this but would love too i need something to help make things a little easier thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    Reply
  26. Pamela S says

    August 3, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    I have never actually done it, but I’ve heard of it and am very interested. I’ve even gone to a few websites before to check it out. I have several health problems and recently had two biopsies so I should give this a try so my hubby isn’t feeding my kids fast food during my recuperation! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  27. Tracee Ogaz says

    August 3, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    I am attempting to try this a little at a time. Recently, I just did a hamburg marathon, cooking taco meat, sloppy joes/hot dog sauce, and just seasoned meat. Then I froze it after cooling. So far it has cut my cooking time down. thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  28. jennifer h says

    August 3, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    The only thing that I make in advance is a casserole that we can eat off of for days to come.

    Reply
  29. Paula H says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    I cooked up and froze 21 meals before my son was born. I just doubled casseroles, chili, etc. It was so handy because my son ended up having to stay two weeks in the hospital and I had to have an emergency c-section. I would love more tips and recipes.

    Reply
  30. Aisling says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    This is another of those things that I do for awhile and then get sidetracked. I like to cook on Sunday and make enough extra to put together at least three different meals for the week. Problem is I have a shortage of good recipes that keep or freeze well.

    Reply
  31. xenia says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    I hate trying to come up with something for dinner every night. We always end up with one of the same 5 things that we rotate through, so it’s not like there’s a big decision, but still. I’d really love to try something new.

    Reply
  32. Gabriel J. says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    This is a great book. I freeze a lot to make life easier for lunch meals!

    Reply
  33. Happi Shopr says

    August 3, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    the only thing I’ve made ahead is breakfast burritos for my hubby’s breakfast each morning. :D would love to make things easier for dinner too, though

    Reply
  34. Ed Nemmers says

    August 3, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I love making lasagna in advance and freezing it!

    Reply
  35. alicia wallace says

    August 3, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    We have a huge freezer, and need to fill it with something useful.

    Reply
  36. SGG says

    August 3, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    This would be great for me! I’ve tried several of the retailers where you go in and prepare meals in bulk for freezing, heating and eating later, but their schedules don’t work well with mine. It would be great to have the instructions for things that freeze and reheat well to make from my own home. I don’t enjoy cooking very much, but if you can knock out several meals at once it isn’t so bad.

    Reply
  37. gloria mckellar says

    August 3, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    Right now it’s 4:39 and my son asked what’s for dinner. I admit I don’t know what to make! I run out of ideas. I have twin sons who are 18 and a daughter who is 20 and a husband too. They like homemade foods. I don’t really make ahead of meals. This would be a lot smarter to do than to be stumped at this time of the day! I’m starting to feel good about it already! Thanks!!

    Reply
  38. Christine says

    August 3, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    The only thing I’ve ever made ahead were containers of lasagna and it worked well so I’d love to try more. Thank you!

    Reply
  39. Jason says

    August 3, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    I have never tried that method, but I bet it would save me a ton of time. I am gonna try it more often.

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

    Reply
  40. Melanie says

    August 3, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    This sounds like it could make figuring out what to eat a whole lot easier.

    Reply
  41. allegro says

    August 3, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    a great idea! every weekend we have people show up without warning,sometimes a few, sometimes a bunch. they are always welcome but it can make meal planning hectic.

    Reply
  42. Amanda S. says

    August 3, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Funny enough, I used to work at Dream Dinners which was the original company that started doing the freezer meal concept. I started there when they only had 1 location and had to quit when I had my 3rd child (belly got too big to reach across the counters to refill things, lol). I’ve sort of tried doing it on my own, but lack the ideas, lol. I’d love to have the book though, and try again!

    Reply
  43. Jennifer V says

    August 3, 2009 at 10:49 am

    I used to do once a month cooking and it worked out quite well for me. Haven’t done it for awhile though. I really should start doing it again when I have free time on the weekend. Maybe then we wouldn’t be so tempted to eat out. That looks like a great book to have.

    Reply
  44. Dddiva says

    August 3, 2009 at 10:00 am

    I used to try to do it all in one day and following someone elses plan and quite frankly there was a lot my family didn’t care for and I had like 4 of each meal made. Not the money saver I had hoped for.
    Now, I adjust things to our taste and don’t kill myself making it all in one day- I find that just working with one main idea say chicken I can do several different meals and recipes without getting so worn out we have to get takeout. ;)
    I absolutely love having dinner made up ahead though and am always looking for new recipes.

    Reply
  45. Rachel C says

    August 3, 2009 at 8:16 am

    I’ve made a few freezer meals in the past, but I really need to start to get serious about making them more, I think. Now that I have a little one it’s been super hard to get dinner on the table, between his fussiness, feedings, and my hubby getting home late in the evening. Thanks!

    Reply
  46. Laura says

    August 3, 2009 at 8:05 am

    I agree, I like pictures with recipe books. But, as with you, for certain books, I can live without them. I’ve already gone to their website and saved a couple of their sample recipes! We’re vegetarian, but we’re going to offer our son meat, as we think he needs it for healthy growing and we agree that he should make the choice to be vegetarian or not. Would love this book to help me prepare some dinners for him. I’m sooooooo unaware of meat preparation. Guess I’ll learn soon enough! Thanks for a great review. I expect I’ll get this book regardless of whether I win it. Oh, and yes, we make and freeze recipes. I love to double a dish when I’m making it and eat half that night, then freeze the other half for a later date. Makes life much easier.

    Reply
  47. TerriB says

    August 3, 2009 at 7:33 am

    Chopping and food prep. are so relaxing and worshipful for me, so taking a few hours each weekend to create meals for the week sounds perfect for our family. Would love a copy of this book.

    Reply
  48. Kathy Scott says

    August 3, 2009 at 6:00 am

    We drive 67 miles to go shopping. I think that this would help me have more creative dinners.

    Reply
  49. wombatspurple says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:34 am

    well I’d like to win this book for a friend of mine, I would think she will enjoy it.

    Reply
  50. Erma says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:43 am

    I have not tried it either.

    Reply
  51. renee says

    August 2, 2009 at 10:15 pm

    I have not tried the make ahead method of cooking because I lack kitchen organizational skills. Maybe this book will help me in that area? Maybe pigs will fly?

    Reply
  52. Samantha Miller says

    August 2, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    I love the meatless section in here. I am a vegetarian, so that section is great. My boyfriend could use the rest of the book to make some delicious recipes for him.

    Reply
  53. Amie says

    August 2, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    We have hectic nights so it would be great to learn some better meals to freeze.
    princessamie83@hotmail.com

    Reply
  54. Helen S says

    August 2, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    I subscribe

    Reply
  55. Helen S says

    August 2, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    I have jsut started doing this. This book would be great to help.

    Reply
  56. jjean says

    August 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    The closest thing to “make-ahead” for me has been Everyday Food’s Grocery Bag menu, where part of the meals are cooked a day ahead (like the meat) and shared between meals. I want to do more. I’m going to try to do some slow cooker meals. I thought about going to those make-ahead meal places and making several before I had my babies, but was put on bed rest instead. I would love a recipe book to to this at home. Thanks!

    Reply
  57. Kari Follett says

    August 2, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    The only make-ahead I do is a result of things that come from the garden. I make homemade pesto sauces, pureed zucchini (for bread and sauces later) frozen strawberries for smoothies & Shortcakes, etc. Im terrible and actually preparing meals for the future because my freezers are both always SO FULL that Im afraid I’d run out of room too fast! I love the idea though and that book looks fabulous.

    Reply
  58. Barb C. says

    August 2, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    We used to do this but had limited ideas as to what to fix. I’d love to win a copy of this!

    Reply
  59. Meg says

    August 2, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    I tried this before my babies were born, so that meals would be easy in the first weeks they were home. I had a hard time coming up with different things to make, so I ended up with a lot of lasagna. I would love to do this more often now, but don’t know where to start.

    Reply
  60. Theresa D says

    August 2, 2009 at 11:45 am

    I think I would love to try this book, then maybe dinner each evening would not be such a huge chore.

    Reply
  61. Jennifer M says

    August 2, 2009 at 11:22 am

    I haven’t done this, but it sounds like a great idea and would certainly make things easier.

    Reply
  62. Dana says

    August 2, 2009 at 8:21 am

    I did this a few years ago when the kids were still in early elementary school, and we were remodeling a home. Worked out well, but the recipes were a little lacking in flavour! Would love to try this again, now that I am back to working full time and the kids are in so many activities! I just have not had time to search out some good recipes to try!

    Reply
  63. Janice Wright says

    August 2, 2009 at 3:12 am

    I’ve never done this cooking ahead thing, but it makes so much sense. Prepare several meals on your day off & you will know exactly what you are having on a busy day that you don’t have time to cook.

    Reply
  64. Jan says

    August 1, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    I have never frozen food before serving it but I love the idea. I just got married and I’m learning how to cook little by little. I only have a few recipes in my repertoire and I’m’ really trying to get a little more varied. I would love to win this cookbook to help me with that.

    Reply
  65. Benita G. says

    August 1, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I generally remember to defrost for the family the night before. But when I don’t, it’s really a problem. It certainly is a good idea to cook and then freeze, so prepared food is on hand. I’d love to see the book for ideas about Cooking and freezing.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo.com

    Reply
  66. Julie says

    August 1, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    I have frozen a couple of extra meals, but I want to do a full day one.. I would love to do a group party where we all fix a bunch of meals.

    Reply
  67. Letessha says

    August 1, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    I would love to have this book so I can learn more about this. I usually cut up onions and bell peppers ahead and freeze in a baggie and it helps a lot- saves time.

    Reply
  68. Linz says

    August 1, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    I premake some things, for example lasagna. I make a huge thing when I make lasagna and I freeze half for later on and I cook the ohter half. But that is pretty much the extent of it. I would really like new ideas for freezer friendly cooking.

    Reply
  69. Jessica says

    August 1, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    I love to make things ahead and keep it on hand for when I need it. I love to brown hamburger and spices to keep on hand as taco meat, and it’s convenient to marinate steaks in ziploc bags so it’s an easy meal to pop them on the grill when guests drop by.

    Reply
  70. Danny says

    August 1, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I am really disorganized when it comes to cooking. I rarely can plan my meals out far enough in advance that I don’t have to go to the grocery store every evening before cooking dinner. I would love to be organized enough to cook dinners one evening and have them all set to go during the week. It would save me time and money.

    Reply
  71. Monica Romo says

    August 1, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    I have been wanting to prepare things ahead of time that I can just pop out of the freezer. This book would sure come in handy.
    Thanks!
    Monica
    moni-777@hotmail.com

    Reply
  72. Lucy Schwartz says

    August 1, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    I have on occassion cooked double and froze it for the future. It is really handy if you have to have surgery or have a baby and will be occupied for awhile. My husband is great with Hamburger Helper and boxed mac and cheese. I still can’t face a Hamburger Helper meal.

    Reply
  73. Greg says

    August 1, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    I like to cook soups in the winter and freeze them for later on. They tend to freeze really well and they are nice to have when everyone’s not eating dinner together and you just need single serving entrees.

    Reply
  74. Faith says

    August 1, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    Am always cooking for groups of friends, so this would really come in handy.

    Reply
  75. Harriet says

    August 1, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    My husband loves to do this, and occasionally he allows me to help.

    Reply
  76. Doug says

    August 1, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Have meals in the freezer at this moment. Do so, so that we can run in, heat something, eat and move to the next item.

    Reply
  77. Dillon says

    August 1, 2009 at 11:38 am

    The only time I really freeze items is if its leftovers and I freeze some of the ingredients like left over roast chicken to use in a later recipe. But that’s really the extent of it for me.

    Reply
  78. Jamie says

    August 1, 2009 at 11:35 am

    I love to have meals in the freezer ready to go! It is such a time saver. I can spend one afternoon and get a freezer full of meals. I do like to do fairly simple “dump recipes” I’ve never heard of this cookbook…looks like it would be a good one.

    Reply
  79. Nini Lettner says

    August 1, 2009 at 10:34 am

    I think it is such a great idea to have pre-made meals in the freezer, but I can’t seem to do it for some reason!? We buy a lot of meats at Costco and freeze that, which is fabulous, but I always wonder how well a meal will freeze. Will it get runny when it thaws? How long to you thaw it out? Do you cook it first then freeze it? So many silly questions…I should just take the few minutes it takes to look this stuff up online. Sure would make life, and dinner time MUCH easier!

    Reply
  80. Lindsay says

    August 1, 2009 at 9:54 am

    I’ve attempted the make it ahead cooking, specifically the weight watchers 0 points soup, but other than that I haven’t known any recipes that are good for baking ahead so I haven’t managed to do it. I would love to win this cook book because if I could be half as organized as you I would be so excited!

    Reply
  81. janda says

    August 1, 2009 at 8:50 am

    I often batch cook. Not only dishes, but rice, grains (buckwheat, wheat berries, barley and such), dried beans (I usually have cooked and ready to go), stocks, and meats (chicken and beef roast, mostly). When I want a quick soup I just pull out packages of frozen stuff, saute onion, garlic, carrots, celery, root vegies and within a short time soup is served. I keep cut up cornbread and formed but uncooked biscuits in the freezer, too.

    Reply
  82. Ellen C. says

    August 1, 2009 at 8:23 am

    Freezing dinners definitely makes my weeks go by smoother. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  83. Pat says

    August 1, 2009 at 7:44 am

    Good for you for being so organized! When I cook I usually eat half, then freeze half. This sounds like a fantastic book.

    Reply
  84. Carol W. says

    July 31, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Having a variety of home-prepared foods ready to go is a great convenience. I’d like to add some new recipes to my repertoire.

    Reply
  85. Diane F says

    July 31, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Sure could use a book like this. I am always trying to figure out dinner at the last minute. Maybe this book can help me plan ahead better!

    Reply
  86. Crys L. says

    July 31, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    My sister-in-law does this – and actually, for a friend’s baby shower (second baby) a group of got together and made her a bunch of meals so she wouldn’t have to worry about that once the baby came for a little while.

    Reply
  87. Nicole says

    July 31, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    I love it! What a great idea. Now I’m going to look for a book called, “Stay One Grade Smarter Than Your Child: How To Do Homework” and “Get the Dishes to Do Themselves”…two other 5:00 p.m. activities at our house… ;)

    Reply
  88. Jordan says

    July 31, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I love these kind of meals, but haven’t found any that are really great. I’m definitely going to try this cookbook. It would save me so much time!

    Reply
  89. allison says

    July 31, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    This would be perfect to help prepare meals for when our baby comes and we’re too tired to cook!

    Reply
  90. Blessed says

    July 31, 2009 at 11:36 am

    I have been trying to figure out something to get our meal time more organized, less chaotic and last minute – I think this might just be the thing. Since I’m in the same “season” of life as you are I think you understand exactly what I’m dealing with – an almost 2 year old who loves to “help” and a six week old who always wakes up at the most inopportune moment :) I’m loving this season though! I’ve got a coupon for Borders… think I’ll go see if they have that book in-store!

    Reply
  91. Mia J. says

    July 31, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I have never been that organized to do the make ahead and freeze meals but I would definitely like to try it.

    Reply
  92. jwb says

    July 30, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    This would be terrific! I’m recently widowed and not accustomed to cooking for one, but this would give me instructions of making meals and preparing them for the freezer so I can eat quickly and heathily later!

    Reply
  93. jenny m says

    July 30, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    I’ve done it in the past- Spaghetti sauce, porcupine meatballs, taaco meat do come to mind. I’ve started browning all hamburger once I buy it and bring it home. Thats a helper to just put in the crockpot

    Reply
  94. Christine V says

    July 30, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    would make meals easier, don’t do much freezing

    Reply
  95. Bebemiqui says

    July 30, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    I love easy and quick, I hope this would help.
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  96. Shannon says

    July 30, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    Not really, but it does appeal to me.

    Reply
  97. The Jacobsen Family says

    July 30, 2009 at 11:56 am

    I did try the Make ahead cooking when I was pregnant with my first, since I was told it would be so much easier with a newborn in the house! Problem is, I didn’t make very much ahead, so it didn’t last long. BUT, it was nice, and if I were smarter, I’d do it every weekend just like you do!

    Reply
  98. sarah says

    July 30, 2009 at 11:55 am

    At our house we all pretty much make food and then eat it, I don’t think any of us has tried making meals to freeze.

    Reply
  99. Susan Park says

    July 30, 2009 at 10:13 am

    I’ve tried making a bunch of one thing and freezing it, but this doesn’t work that well for me since I have a small freezer, and we get tired of it before it runs out. I’d love to take a look at what this book offers.

    Reply
  100. Laurie says

    July 30, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I just found your blog and am enjoying it. I do like to prepare ahead, but I think I go about it the wrong way – I always have a ton of meat around but coming up with ideas on what to do with it is my downfall. Also, I forget to defrost. A lot. Sometimes we use Let’s Dish, but their meals can get repetitive so I take months off in between!

    Reply
  101. Jamie says

    July 30, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I’m always looking for ways to make my life simpler. This cookbook sounds perfect for me. I could make some great meals on the weekend, freeze them and eat them throughout the week when my life is the most hectic.

    Reply
  102. Crystal Arcand (3Stairs) says

    July 29, 2009 at 11:34 pm

    Oy, I have not figured out the “At least have a dinner *idea* by five” thing. This book might actually save my children from starving. Because, you know, at 5:01:01 they are quite literally “Starving, Mom!”

    Reply
  103. Ashley says

    July 29, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    no i have not but its a good idea

    Reply
  104. Chris G. says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    I need to get this book so I can cook on the weekends. I’m too tired to cook in the evenings. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  105. Serena says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    I am so bad at coming up with dinner ideas. I usually cook so that there’s enough for dinner the next day, too, but that’s as close as I’ve gotten to make-ahead dinners. I don’t really like to cook, so reducing the amount of time I spend doing it, and even more importantly, being able to figure out what to make in the first place, is something that I’ve been working at. Not much success so far.

    Reply
  106. JAN GARDNER says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    I love to have a “cooking day” when I freeze lots of meals, but I need some new ideas.

    Reply
  107. Tonya Froemel says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    I would love to be so organized to have supper ready and in the freezer. Right now it is usually just slap something together at the last minute.

    Reply
  108. Debbie Criss says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    This would make meals easier. Please enter me, thank ‘you

    Reply
  109. Megan F. says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    I have actually thought about doing this and have planned for it. However, I executed it in a different way. I planned a two week menu out and got all the groceries and the day that I made the meal, I just made double and put the second one in the freezer. It was just easier than being on my feet all day long to do some meals. It has saved us a lot of money since we don’t eat out nearly as much anymore! I would love to get that book to have as a guide to be able to do more in the future!

    Reply
  110. beth shepherd says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    This would be wonderful. We often have scrap nights which is whatever I can find fast as we are running to different sports so this would be wonderful.
    Thank you for the chance
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  111. Rita A says

    July 29, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    This would make meal planning so much easier.

    Reply
  112. Vickie Riddle says

    July 29, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    I love to read and try new recipes from cookbooks!It would be such a blessing to have several meals ready in the freezer to pop in the oven. Great giveaway.

    Reply
  113. Roxanne says

    July 29, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    I haven’t cooked large amounts and frozen on a regular basis, just once in awhile after the kids moved out and I couldn’t stop cooking for four…

    Reply
  114. Denise B. says

    July 29, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    I am a cookbook addict, and I can just sit on a couch and read them like a regular book; but they give me so many ideas.

    Reply
  115. Shauna Lynn says

    July 29, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    I’ve wanted to try to do this for years, it just seems like all the times I do try my hubby doesn’t like the food after it’s out of the freezer and cooked or recooked. I could sure use some recipes that have been tried and true!!

    Reply
  116. Kiley Smith says

    July 29, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    I freeze my beef stew and my tamales but other than that I don’t really know what I CAN freeze and what I CAN’T! This book looks amazing!

    Reply
  117. Susan C says

    July 29, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    I have never tried a system like yours, but I have frozen stews or soups to eat later. I would love to have a weeks worth of food in my freezer!
    smchester at gmail dot com

    Reply
  118. Selene M. says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    I have not tried the “make-ahead” way of cooking. Sounds interesting.

    Reply
  119. Angie says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    I’ve always ben interested in trying this, but haven’t found a book with recipes that fit our family’s likes/dislikes. I’d love to try this one.

    Reply
  120. Angela J says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    I like the idea of having foods in the freezer ready to thaw, heat, and eat.

    Reply
  121. Meka says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    Wee just bought a new freezer! I would love to fill it with yummy food (and gallons of ice cream)!

    Reply
  122. Donna says

    July 29, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I have done this before and it helps with lunches during the week. Especially if you fix chili and soups! I need some different recipes though. I would love to have this book!

    Reply
  123. Angie says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:55 am

    The only make ahead meals hubby does are on Sunday’s for Monday or Tuesday night dinners so they don’t get put in the freezer. Sounds like a cool cook book. I think Kev would prefer to cook a whole weeks worth sometimes but then again sometimes we aren’t feeling what was on the original menu plan so it’s nice to switch it up sometimes.

    Reply
  124. patricia says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:50 am

    I make ahead alot of food and freeze. I just make a crockpot full of snap beans and froze 4 cartons of them to use with meals later on.

    I do this when my husband is home to help me and it really helps me out in the long run because I am battling chronic illness and get exhausted real fast.

    Reply
  125. Erin S. says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:49 am

    we usually only do sauces. after my first and second child we did more meals in the freezer but now it’s become a little more challenging. i like your meal ideas. i think we could use a little variety.
    oh and just as a follow up i tried your wonderful idea of sending individual muffins to someone but with cinnamon rolls…..BUT i don’t know what i did wrong – they tasted awful!! i gave them to the garbage. :P try try again….

    Reply
  126. Danielle Ingold says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:41 am

    This really is a great concept. So many people find it hard to eat Healthy because of TIME. Having meals not only planned ahead of time, but ready to cook, would save time, money and overall make for a healthier lifestyle.

    Reply
  127. Deborah R. says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Yes, I try to make a make-ahead meal any time I’m spending a long time in the kitchen anyway, but I’m kind of stuck with the same old recipes. I love having something I can whip up in minutes that looks like it took all day to make.

    Reply
  128. Karen says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:52 am

    I try to freeze meals as much as possible, but I’ve never actually tried a “system” like this, so I’m very interested.

    Reply
  129. Bunny says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I’ve never tried the make-ahead method, but I’ve wanted to for so long! A while ago I was given a gift certificate to one of those cook-once-for-the-week places, and it was really great, but I never got around to doing it at home. I wasn’t really sure what would/wouldn’t freeze and reheat well. Having meals already prepped and in the freezer would be great for my family. I’m really the only cook, but some nights I’m just too tired or busy to make dinner. If the only cooking skill required was reheating, my family would be better able to fend for themselves, lol!

    Reply
  130. brandy w says

    July 29, 2009 at 5:22 am

    i need help cooking, i never know what to make and i always make the same thing. this book looks really helpful

    Reply
  131. Carol Lawrence says

    July 29, 2009 at 2:31 am

    Since he retired my husband usually cooks,and while he doesn’t cook ahead he usually makes enough that we can freeze some for other meals. He would love this book. jelly15301@gmail.com

    Reply
  132. Janet F says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:58 am

    Yes I like to make meals ahead and freeze them. Every two weeks I write out a food menu and I cook the recipes, put them in individual ziploc bags or containers, label and freeze them. It is so much easier knowing that dinner just needs to be heated.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  133. Sara says

    July 28, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    I really wish we had an extra freezer in the garage to do something like this. My freezer just seems so small without having a bunch of meals in it. I will have to work on organizing the freezer…

    Reply
  134. angie says

    July 28, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    I actually haven’t. This sounds like a great idea, though. Quick and easy meals would help out so much.

    Reply
  135. Beth says

    July 28, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    We have a small family but since I am soon to be a college student, this book would be so handy!!
    Premade meals will be a HUGE help!

    Reply
  136. Lauralee Hensley says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    I do this type of POWER COOKING (that’s what I’ve heard it called in the past) for a few recipes I have. I love the days I just pull something out of the freezer. I’d like to win though, so I’d have more variety of things to freeze for those quick meals. I agree your feet do hurt, because you are on them the whole day you do the cooking, but the other days feel a bit more blissful. The recipes I do right now are stuffed bell peppers, lasagna, burrito’s, chili con carne, rolls of various types, sausage egg biscuits, pancakes or waffles, pulled BBQ pork, meatloaf, sloppy joe filling, pizza dough, pizza sauce. I do need more recipes though, so I’d love to win this book. Good luck to all.

    Reply
  137. Stacie Rasmussen says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    We tend to make larger batches of food, and since our family is small, we can freeze some and have it a few weeks later.

    Reply
  138. Madeline says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    That’s a great idea. In the summer I tend to be a little too spontaneous in my cooking due to the mounds of fresh veggies abounding. But in the winter, this sounds perfect!

    Reply
  139. Cindy says

    July 28, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    When I had my third baby I had a shower that everyone brought me a freezer meal.It was so wonderful. I could really use a book like this. It would help me out greatly. I really found it so wonderful to just go to the freezer and all the time consuming tasks were done!!

    Reply
  140. Becca says

    July 28, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    I first did freezer dinners just before we brought our first baby home. A good friend of mine was going to Dream Dinners, or one of those places, on a regular basis. When she told me about it I realized it was something I could easily do on my own. My husband helped the first time and we stashed away a dozen or so meals before Riley was born. I rarely do a big day of cooking like that any more. But anytime I am making something that can be frozen, I double the recipe so we can eat half that night and freeze the other. I still make a “fresh” dinner most nights, but we probably eat something out of the freezer once or twice a week.

    Reply
  141. NGS says

    July 28, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    We’re always looking for good meal ideas. We have some dietary restrictions at our house, but I like to use “normal” cookbooks and adjust accordingly. This would be great to try!!

    Reply
  142. Betty King says

    July 28, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    I would so like some new recipes for cooking in bulk and freezing. Having had a large family and having had to work most of the time it has been a life saving time saver for me.

    Reply
  143. Kimberly says

    July 28, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    I have tried to do this over the last few months since I started working again. It definitely takes some of the stress out of dinnertime. i would love some new ideas and I’m sure the cookbook could help with that.

    Reply
  144. sara l. says

    July 28, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I have never tried the “make ahead” approach, but I’ve been doing some research on it. I was thinking of having some of my best girls over and kinda make it into a party! This cookbook would be awesome to get some ideas from!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

    Reply
  145. Sue says

    July 28, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks for telling us about this! With four kids all involved in things, if I don’t have a clear meal plan for the week, it’s chaos. I hope I get this one!!

    Reply
  146. Tiffany says

    July 28, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    In my house we have done a little bit of making ahead meals, normally we will just double a receipe. We enjoy the fact that we don’t have to think about dinner and there is no prepping involved the day of. I would love to get into the habit more.

    Reply
  147. MaryBeth @ Four Silly Sisters says

    July 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    I’ve been reading at onceamonthmom.com for a while, but since I was the only adult in the house I didn’t feel like it would be worth it to prepare entire meals in advance like that. Now that Scott is finally home I’ll probably give it a shot.

    What are some of your favorite freezer meals so far?

    Level 3 already?? I got a few days behind due to sick kiddos and not having the energy after holding/ helping someone throw up for 24 hours to make myself work out. I know I should move up to level 3, but I love, love level 2. Is it much harder??

    Reply
  148. Jinxy says

    July 28, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    My hubby and I plan our weeks menu on Saturday and then go grocery shopping.

    One cooking day sounds like a good idea.

    Reply
  149. Paula Patterson says

    July 28, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    I have tried it once by myself. Then two other times with friends from church. It is so worthwhile especially when all the children are involved in sports. It makes dinner much easier.

    Reply
  150. Carri says

    July 28, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    I’ve tried several of the make ahead places like Let’s Dish, etc and they are very expensive. I occasionally do freeze meals, but would love to do it more often!

    Reply
  151. susan varney says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    i so need help to cook mverno@roadrunner.com

    Reply
  152. Bess says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    I would LOVE to have this book!

    Last year I had 10 friends from church over to my house to do a meal exchange. We each picked one meal that freezes well, made 9, arrived with them, spent time together and exchanged! We instantly had 9 new meals on our freezer, made by other people! This book would be awesome to give me ideas for this year’s meal exchange.

    Reply
  153. Heather says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    the only thing i have ever really made ahead was baby food. i did the same thing… take some time one day to and chop, cook, puree and freeze the portions in ice cube trays. then i could pull them out as needed.
    i have never tried a “make ahead” method for getting dinner on the table for everyone. the only thing i try to do ahead is plan out some meal ideas for the week. it makes my grocery shopping way easier.
    i am very intrigued by the “make ahead” idea, though. i am even thinking i could get my sister-in-law on board and we could make a few meals together… we have dinner with them a couple of nights a week anyway. and i now have some ideas for new recipes to look for online. thanks : )

    Reply
  154. Monica says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    I have several mom friends who do ‘binge’ cooking sessions to freeze stuff before having a baby and then have meals for up to a month saved and frozen! WOW :)

    Being a working momma, my husband recently told me to start picking up some frozen pizzas to use (i.e. so that he can cook) on those nights I’m too tired to decide what’s for dinner!
    This book would be so awesome for us!

    Reply
  155. Terri F says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I have never done this in large quantities, but I have been reading so much about it, that I’m really getting antsy to try. I guess I just have to be brave and take the plunge. The most I’ve ever done is baking two loaves of banana bread, for example, and freezing one. This book might just help me out!

    Reply
  156. mrs.mommyy says

    July 28, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    make multi bags or containers- cooking extra meat, etc

    Reply
  157. Diane S says

    July 28, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    I always try to make more then we need for dinner and freeze the remaining meal. Its great for those rush evenings.

    Reply
  158. Mamatini says

    July 28, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    Sometimes I do, but it is usually more in the winter because a) those types of meals (chilis, stews, soups, roasts) tend to freeze/thaw better, and b) because in the summer our meals are all about easy, light, cool, fresh because I can’t bear to heat up the kitchen!

    Though something you mentioned about the book reminded me that I do prep/freeze sides and sauces: tomato sauces, roasted red peppers, stocks, cake bases.

    One of the luxuries (“treats”) for ME of being a SAHM is the ability to cook! I love to cook. But I can imagine that when I go back to work, that treat will be a lot less leisurely and more frantic. A book like this would then be a welcome support!

    Reply
  159. adrienne Gordon says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:59 am

    nothing seems like a greater time saver for dinner than a book like this.

    Reply
  160. becca says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:58 am

    I tried to fix my meals ahead and freeze them a while ago, but got discouraged and only did it a couple of weeks. My problem was that the main dish was made but I still had to make side dishes which didnt seem to make my prep time any better then if I just made the dinner. So I am still thrown on what I think works best.

    Reply
  161. Kristina says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:46 am

    This is a fabulous idea. I am constantly looking for ways to speed up dinner prep in our household. You would think that dinner for two adults would be simple, but it’s not. We both work very long hours (10-12 hrs in the office), so upon our frantic rush back home, it can be daunting to have a 30-60 minute dinner prep and clean up ahead of you. I have tried to cut down on dinner prep by prepping everything on Sundays. We even have a whiteboard on our fridge that has the week’s menu on it, which definitely helps, but I keep toying with the idea of making everything a head of time on Sunday and just popping it in. Does it still taste fresh? Is it only casseroles? Do you have to prep the sides? Thanks again for these tips. I love anything that makes my life more efficient, b/c then I get to spend the few moments with my hubby, who I adore. Thanks!

    Reply
  162. Sara says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Before both of my girls were born this was something that I wanted to do. I never did. I don’t have a lot of freezer space so I don’t know how much I’d be able to make ahead but it sure would be nice to have back up meals for those days I don’t have the gumption to do something else. I like that there’s an actual cookbook for this too. It saves the energy of getting recipes together and doubling and what not.

    Reply
  163. Suzanne B says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Great idea. I have a family of 9… I am not sure if I have a freezer big enough! But I am willing to try!

    I have a freezer in the basement as well, so tons of room.

    I’m willing to try it. I am schedule oriented, so this might work! (I LOVE my crockpot for these reasons!)

    Reply
  164. Jenny N. says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:25 am

    I’m not very good at making dinner ahead of time but it turns out that’s OK becaues I AM good at getting something on the table by 6 p.m. My process consists of mapping out the meals of the week then writing a grocery list of all the items I need. I usually plan for 4-5 dishes in one week and we eat leftovers the other nights. However, my process hasn’t been as smooth since cute little #2 came along. It’s just such a big job to get both kids in the car and to the grocery store. I’m tried just thinking about it.

    Reply
  165. Janel says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:20 am

    I tend to keep my freezer stocked with individual ingredients as part of a well-stocked pantry. Keeping some ready to cook dishes on hand would be a life-saver for busy days!

    Reply
  166. Cindi says

    July 28, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Another book my husband would love. His job is taking him out of state and overseas more and more.
    He enjoys cooking and would love to make food for us to eat while he is gone. It would also save us money because our children and I eat out while he is away on business!!!!!
    Thanks, Cindi

    Reply
  167. Barbara says

    July 28, 2009 at 10:59 am

    I have cooked with a friend a few times. It is fun and very worthwile! We would love this book for new recipe ideas :)

    Reply
  168. Shantel Cannon says

    July 28, 2009 at 9:49 am

    This would get my creative juices flowing to really dive into the kitchen and do some prep. I really believe planning ahead saves so much time and effort. I work full time so it’s tough to come home and want to spend another hour cooking. I could just take one of these meals out and heat it up and be good to go. It would save me so many steps and create more time with my kiddo! Thanks for the give-away. I am so impressed everyday when I check your site out. Keep up the good work! I am hooked!

    Reply
  169. Sara says

    July 28, 2009 at 9:42 am

    I was just thinking this past week that I really need to find a cookbook that has make ahead meals. My daughter takes two naps a day and I could do most of the prep for a meal during the naps and then just pop it in the oven come meal time! This would be perfect for us!

    Reply
  170. Christine Jensen says

    July 28, 2009 at 9:37 am

    I keep thinking that I SHOULD do this, but haven’t seen any recipes that call out to me to make it worth the effort…I do make a big pot of spaghetti sauce and freeze that in individual containers for future meals, so I guess I do it for that.

    Reply
  171. kristen says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:55 am

    This is such a fantastic idea. I usually make extra of something and throw it in the freezer for a later date, but to actually make a bunch of meals and put them aside… great! I should do this, too, when baby #2 decides to come along (not in the picture yet! I am just planning!!!).

    Reply
  172. erica says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I’ve never tried it, but I’d like to give it a shot. Sometimes at the end of the day I’m exhausted and want nothing more than to lay on the couch…NOT cook dinner. In fact, sometimes (like last night) Chris makes dinner so I can play with the girls and relax a little, but I feel guilty because he worked hard all day, too! I need to get it together and try this freezing stuff sometime and see if it works for us.

    Reply
  173. Ginger says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:24 am

    I have been doing meals ahead of time at a store that specializes in meal prep. It can get kind of expensive and hectic especially having to leave the baby! I would love to win this book so I could prep meals at home!

    Reply
  174. Allison says

    July 28, 2009 at 8:18 am

    This would be great!

    I haven’t yet tried to do this, though I know a couple of people who live by it. The idea of spending a day making food to then NOT have to do it every day is very appealing to me. I’m starting school full time at the end of August, but I still want to be able to serve my family healthy, well balanced, meals. This is something that I have been very concerned about being able to accomplish, so I think something like this would be really helpful!

    Reply
  175. workout mommy says

    July 28, 2009 at 7:53 am

    I’m TERRIBLE at cooking and planning ahead, so this books sounds like it is just what I need.

    Or maybe a person who will come and do it all for me? Can I pay extra for that? :)

    Reply
  176. Debra Cox says

    July 28, 2009 at 7:15 am

    I would love to win the FIX FREEZE FEAST book.

    Reply
  177. Sharon A says

    July 28, 2009 at 6:38 am

    Sunset magazine ran a feature in 2004 for Master Recipes that you prepared and then made other dishes from. I enjoyed the day of cooking.

    Reply
  178. Lisa says

    July 28, 2009 at 6:05 am

    This book sounds great. Most of the blogs I read write about doing this, and I have wanted to try. I need to set aside some time in my schedule.

    Reply
  179. Lisa says

    July 28, 2009 at 4:35 am

    My Babies aren’t “babies” anymore, but time for cooking seems to get worse instead of better! I’d love to try this method and appreciate the offer!

    Reply
  180. Carol says

    July 28, 2009 at 4:23 am

    I never “make’ahead”, I’m lucky to gtet dinner on the table at all. This book intrigues me, I would love to get as organized as the author. thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  181. Lydia says

    July 28, 2009 at 2:41 am

    I did this before with lunches for husband before baby was born. It worked well as long as he stuck to eating the homemade convenience food at the right time and not as a snack :) I’ve also tried my hand at making baby food and freezing it.

    Reply
  182. Native_Momma says

    July 27, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    We had an apartment with a fairly large freezer and now we don’t :( I used to make meals ahead all the time *note that scallops potatoes with ham doesn’t work well* and we even used one of those meal-assembly shops for awhile. That kinda helped me out like I could replicate the stuff they made on my own. I think soon though we will be buying one of those deep freezers (my birthday maybe?)

    Reply
  183. susan says

    July 27, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    I’m embarrassed to say but I hardly ever cook. My hubby is the cook a majority of the time (which he always like to point out to me)! We do have a few “make-ahead” meals but not too many. I think having more in the freezer may help now that we have a little one.

    Reply
  184. Marissa says

    July 27, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    I have never tried this, but I really should. I hate when 5pm rolls around and I’m suddenly faced with the question of what to cook for dinner. A freezer full of food would be such a blessing!

    Reply
  185. Deborah says

    July 27, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    I have done a cooking day with a friend using onceamonthmom.com… and actually I am doing another cooking day this Monday with two friends, so we are cooking for 3 families on one day.

    I think though, this may be the last time doing this way though, it is a lot of work on my part to pull it all together… and I don’t have the flexibility to choose my own dishes. I would love to try out the book you are giving away. I think cooking once a week or two would be better. And picking and choosing the menu items would be better too.

    It is fun to cook with friends, but it is not feasible to always do it that way.

    That being said, it is great to have a freezerful of food! The one cooking day actually made enough food for two months for our family. My two year old and 4 month old do not really qualify us to be a family of four eaters, which is what the site is geared towards. It is nice to not have to worry so much about what to make every night.

    Reply

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