Friday, July 1, 2011

Postpartum meal planning.

It is that time again.. time to stock up the freezer and pantry in preparation for the arrival of another little Hayes. Here is the basic list for this time. I will include a quick how-to and, if I can, a link to the recipe if you're interested!

  • Lasagna - I split a regular 9x13 of my favorite recipe into two 8x8 aluminum containers because we can't eat an entire 9x13. Works great! If you need a recipe, hit me up!
  • Goulash - This is just my grans basic recipe. You can find the recipe HERE.. super easy and the kids love it!
  • Enchiladas - This is another one that I split up into two 8x8's. My step-mom's recipe.. again if you need it just ask!
  • Chicken potato casserole
  • Chicken pot pie - HERE is the recipe. I make the chicken and veg mixture and freeze it in an 8x8. Thaw overnight. Then layer with about 6 sheets of filo (cooking spray between each layer) and bake.
  • Sweet soy chicken
  • Veggie pasta shells
  • Red and white tortellini
  • Burgers (boca burgers, too) - Confession: I used to make beef and turkey burgers and freeze them. Now I just buy them in bulk at Sam's club. Freeze the buns, too, and just pull them out as you need them.
  • Hotdogs - Hebrew Nationals, of course.
  • Meatloaf - Again, I think any recipe will work, but if you want mine just ask!
  • Beef barley soup
  • Spaghetti and meatballs - I buy beef meatballs in bulk and put them in the crockpot with spaghetti sauce.
I buy frozen and canned veggies and add them in to each meal as a side dish. I even buy frozen bread and dinner rolls to serve, too. This time I am also stocking up on some desserts and even some frozen Stouffer meals, too.
If you all have a favorite frozen meal recipe please let me know! I need some new ideas, especially some vegetarian options!!

Happy cooking!

6 comments:

Ruth@GraceLaced said...

I hope you are having some meals delivered to you by friends and family after #3 arrives! You have to enjoy a little rest in the midst of the transition. Stuffed shells and manicotti work great as you can freeze them individually (back in the tray the pasta came in) and take out as many as you need for the meal. Don't forget shepherd's pie...

Susan said...

Ruth - Nope. No one has ever offered to bring over a meal. That's part of the reason I do all the planning! :) Thanks for those ideas, too!

Susan said...

That sounded a little "woe is me". :) I have to say.. Miah takes time off, my mom comes and stays with us, my mother in law is such a HUGE help and she has offered to make meals in those early days this time, my Aunt is coming to stay with us.. there is no shortage of love around here! :)

Anonymous said...

i don't have any little ones on the way, but i love freezer cooking and these are great ideas, thanks for sharing!

Rochelle said...

i would bring you a meal if i could ;o). we also love freezing stuff, just because we're only two people so usually one meal can be saved for another time. if i can actually remember anything i've made i'll let you know!

Susan said...

Thank you, Rochelle! :)