Freezer Meals are the result of a carefully thought-out remedy for procrastination.
You freeze meals in bulk to come up with weeks of food preparation. The process of such a manner is called Freezer Cooking.
Have you ever been in that situation wherein you are just so preoccupied with the demands of life? Then, suddenly, you get so stressed out after finding out that it is already dinner time!
Now, you put yourself in a situation that requires you to rush decision-making. You are like trying to accomplish a mission with limited time and resources in a video game. So, you think about going to McDonald's drive-thru or ordering Chinese food instead.
However, the time between those problems is just enough to cause rumbling sounds to your stomachs. You do not want to be rushed at decision-making, do you? You always want to be prepared no matter what circumstances may come your way, especially if you are the type of person who is ultimately busy throughout the day. Not to mention if you juggle your work, family, and personal life.
Most importantly, you always want a meal ready despite your busy schedules.
What are Freezer Meals?
Freezer meals are done through the process of freezer cooking. It is just the method of cooking your meals in large volumes and freezing them afterward. For beginners, you could always start and try by doing it in small, reasonable amounts. But, it would cost you time and effort. The most cost-efficient and time-conserving way of freezer meals is to have them cooked in bulks and freeze them altogether. There are no exact procedures or manners on what to cook and how to cook the meals you want. Although, some websites like this provide you with a variety of options on what to cook. You still have the freedom of choice to choose the meals you would want to eat.How to Prepare a Month of Freezer Meals in only a Day
Isn't it amazing that you can now make meals that will be good for one month in a day? It is like having extraordinary powers that allow you to prepare for the future. Well, in terms of combating hunger, of course.
So, how is that made possible? How can you cook a month of meals in only a day?
The most important thing you should do is set the date when you will do this. Clear that chosen date from other activities, appointments, and plans. So, you have all the time you need to ensure everything goes well, according to plan and success.
Below is the information you need to know to make this possible.
Make an Inventory of What you Already Have and What you Do not Have.
If you have some leftover food, recycling them and turning them into freezer meals can save you money.
Moreover, if it is insufficient or you run out of supplies, make a detailed and complete list of what you need. Included in this step is already planning the meals you will make. You have remembered a single ingredient to save time and effort later.
Shopping Time!
This is the step in buying all the necessary cooking supplies and ingredients. This includes the freezer bags or packages you need for your freezer meals. Generally, everything that you need to achieve successful freezer meal making.
Prepare and Organize
After shopping for the necessary things, it is time to prepare and organize everything. This process is to allow you to have a smooth-sailing freezer cooking process. So, ensure your freezer is clean and you already have the desired space.
Next, Mise en place! This French term means preparing your ingredients, cooking tools, and equipment. This includes having all the bowls, pots, containers, and other cooking equipment set. Plus, having all the ingredients sliced, chopped, peeled, measured, etc.
The last thing you should have prepared and organized is the order of your meals. What meal are you going to cook first, next, and last? This will keep you on the schedule, stay focused, and be collected in this process.
Cooking Time!
In this step, it is all on you! You can have fun and enjoy making the freezer meals you like.
I am sure you already have the recipes for the meals you prepare. Well, you have already bought the things you need now. So, it is safe to assume that you got this one! But, if you are unsure what meals to prepare, do not forget that the internet is your best friend.
Many recipes are made available nowadays, as well as in freezer meal preparation. However, to save you the time and trouble of opening a new tab and searching for the recipes, here are a few that are commonly suggested and prepared when it comes to making freezer meals:
Freezer Meals Recipes:
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Bacon
- Dumplings
- Quesadilla with Cheese, Spinach, and White Beans
- French Toast Casserole
- Scrambled Egg Muffins
- Lasagna
- Baked Chicken Strips
- Granola Bars
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Fried Rice with Green Peas
- Chicken Pesto Alfredo
- Beef Stew
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Boneless BBQ Ribs
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Burger Steak with Gravy Sauce
The only thing that you need to make sure of is that all your processes are clean and sanitized. This is to avoid food contamination that might lead to bacteria buildup as you freeze them for some time.
Store the Freezer Meals Properly and Neatly
Keeping things neat and in order is vital because cleanliness is essential to this process. If you want to end up with safe and healthy freezer meals, ensure everything is appropriate.
Prevent any damage to the packaging or containers to prevent air or substances from entering. Furthermore, to avoid leakage in the whole freezer.
Clean the Kitchen!
By this time, you will be exhausted from all the chaos you endured. But you need to push yourself more and clean the kitchen spotlessly. Well, you can always ask for help from your kids or spouse. It is just fair. Besides, cleaning the kitchen can be an excellent way to bond with your family and enjoy yourself. After all this process, you have to heat them, and your meals are ready for munching!
Why Should you Opt for Freezer Meals?
The sole purpose of freezer meals is to provide easy preparation and save you a lot of time.
You get to spend only one day or even just a few hours cooking all your desired meals. It may take time and energy to boil in large volumes. However, the aftermath is you get to have already prepped up meals for the remaining days and even weeks to come. You can now say good riddance on those hectic mornings trying to prepare breakfast for the whole bunch.
Also, say goodbye to the long hours you spend preparing meals for lunch and dinner. All at the same time while trying to juggle unfinished chores. This means you can save those extra hours to do what you must finish on that day and in the coming days. This is an excellent advantage for those who need more time to prepare meals for themselves or their family.
Furthermore, what is also great about freezer meals is that they retain their original nutrients. However, slight texture, color, and aroma differences might occur after thawing. Yet, the nutrients and vitamins have stayed the same and intact as opposed to deciding on another drive-thru due to your limited time.
So, you not only save your time and effort but also get to provide healthy meals for the family.
Is Freezer Cooking a Safe Process for Meal Preparation?
They say anyone can always try to freezer cook their prepared meals. However, not everyone can ensure that what they make is safe. There are certain factors to keep in mind. This is to ensure that you are making meals safe for consumption. It would be best if you considered that you would be keeping these meals for days, weeks, and even a month. Hence, it is necessary to ensure that what you are preparing does not expire or be put to waste before consumption.
Freezer meals should be done by carefully planning the ingredients to be used and the steps to take. It is all easy and convenient until a family member gets sick. The sickness may be due to bacteria buildup or foodborne diseases. Therefore, ensuring that what you put on your tables is safe and healthy is just as important.
How do you make sure your Freezer Meals are Safe?
The United States Department of Agriculture has stated that as long as the food is frozen, it is always guaranteed to be safe. The freezing process, specifically at zero-degree temperatures, prevents the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms in the food.
The Number of Days the Food Needs to be Frozen
However, the same principle only applies if we do it for more extended periods. The process of freezing can be effective for a maximum of a month. Yet, it is still essential to keep yourself aware and informed.
You need to know the different types of food that can or can not be frozen. Fortunately, the internet can provide us with all the answers we need. A specific chart is made available for further reference. This chart shows the days it takes for a particular food only to be kept frozen. The good news is that this chart's food variations can be frozen for a month or more.
The Type of Packaging you Should do or use
Another factor to consider when freezing meals is the kind of packaging used. Proper packaging ensures and maintains the quality of the meals. A lot of meal packaging variations are available in nearby stores.
Examples are freezer bags, plastic containers, disposable foil pans, and other freezer-proof materials. There are certain things to remember when deciding what packaging to use.
- What happens to the food after you freeze it? Will it be microwaved and cooked in the oven? Barbecued? Ask yourself these questions to know what appropriate packaging you should use for that food.
- You have to make sure that the packaging you will use is made for freezing. It should be thick enough to endure the freezing temperature over some time. It also has to prevent air or any matter from coming in, should not leak, and should not break easily.
As you do this, you should add labels to your packaging. Label the freezer meals with the date, the name of the meal, cooking directions, and other important information. This will allow you to ensure that the freezer meals are prepared well and will not be put to waste.
