Be Prepared - Kitchen Tip Tuesday

15 April 2008


After a very complicated and painful tooth extraction today, the pork chops I'd planned to cook for dinner didn't seem like such a good idea. In fact, food didn't sound like a good idea at all. So, I scrounged around to see what easy and quick things I could find. All I could come up with was Kraft Mac & Cheese. So, that's what I had for dinner. Dan cooked up some fries and chicken strips for those who felt they could chew. We were all fed, but it got me to thinking.

I normally have several make ahead meals in the freezer, a few quickie items like frozen pizzas, or at least sandwich stuff. The freezer got pretty much emptied during my 6 week battle with the shingles. This is not a good thing. It is always good to have something simple for the kids and hubby to devour. You never know when Mom will fall ill, unexpected guests will show up, or you'll need a casserole to take to an ailing friend. So, when you have the opportunity, make a double recipe of a family favorite and throw an extra in the freezer. Don't overlook the family frozen entrees when they are a super deal. Simple things like this can come in handy.

Unfortunately, I never seem to realize that I'm low on such things until I need them. So, I am going to add some double batches of casseroles into my next few meal plans. I know it will make me feel better knowing I don't have to cook the next time I have a 103 temp.

What about ya'll. Do you do once a month cooking? Or do you just keep some things stashed for emergencies? What kinds of foods do you freeze? I'd love to hear your input on this.
Check out lots of great kitchen tips on Tammy's Recipes!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Awwww, Nessa! I hope you are feeling better soon.

Ok, confession time. Please don't whack me with a ruler! Ya know all those hot pockets, pizza rolls and "junky stuff" we get for free with coupons, that is our emergency reserve. It's much easier to have a 'find it yourself night' if there is something the kiddos can just pop into the microwave. Now, my baby is almost 9, so I don't have to hover over them like I would, say, a 3-year-old.
Those couponing freebies aren't always good for you, but they are good in a pinch!

Unknown said...

Let me just clarify that those are not MY recipes. I don't think that I have ever given anyone a recipe to ANYTHING. I may not even know what the word "recipe" means.

With that said, what Gina calls her "emergency reserve", I call "Wednesday night". And Thursday... and maybe also Friday. It depends on whether or not J is off work those nights to cook. Tonight he is making meatloaf out of ground Buffalo. I will devour it with much rejoicing .

Nessa said...

I agree Gina, coupon freebies are great for in a pinch. Unfortunately, the only thing not already consumed in the freezer at the moment is toaster strudels.

Tammy, you crack me up! J is an awesome cook though. I love his potato salad.