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 so preoccupied with life's demands that you suddenly feel stressed when you realize 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 for whatever circumstances arise, especially if you are busy throughout the day and manage 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 to prepare freezer meals is to cook them in bulk and freeze them. However, there are no exact procedures or instructions for what to cook or how to cook the meals you want.
Although, some websites like this provide you with various options on what to cook. You still have the freedom to choose the meals you 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 a date for this. Clear that chosen date from other activities, appointments, and plans so you have everything you need to ensure success.
Below is the information you need to know to make this possible.
Make an Inventory of What you Already Have and Do not Have.
Recycling and turning them into freezer meals can save you money if you have leftover food.
Moreover, if your supplies are insufficient or you run out, make a detailed and complete list of what you need. This step includes planning the meals you will make. You will remember a single ingredient to save time and effort later.
Shopping Time!
This is the step in buying all the necessary cooking supplies and ingredients, including the freezer bags or packages you need for your freezer meals. Generally, this includes everything you need to make a successful freezer meal.
Prepare and Organize
After shopping for the necessary items, it is time to prepare and organize everything. This process will allow you to have a smooth-sailing freezer cooking experience. So, ensure your freezer is clean and has 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 and having all the ingredients sliced, chopped, peeled, measured, etc.
The last thing you should prepare and organize is the order of your meals. What meal will you cook first, next, and last? This will help you stay on schedule, focused, and collected during this process.
Cooking Time!
In this step, it's all up to you! You can have fun 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
You only need to ensure that all your processes are clean and sanitized. This will prevent food contamination, which can lead to bacteria buildup when the products are frozen.
Store the Freezer Meals Properly and Neatly
Keeping things neat and in order is vital because cleanliness is essential to this process. Ensure everything is appropriate to produce safe and healthy freezer meals.
Prevent damage to the packaging or containers to prevent air or substances from entering. Furthermore, avoid leakage throughout the 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.
You can always ask your kids or spouse for help—it's 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, freezer meals are great because 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, unlike deciding on another drive-thru due to limited time.
This will save you time and effort and allow you 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. Certain factors must be considered to ensure that meals are safe for consumption. It would be best to consider that you will keep these meals for days, weeks, and even months.
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 prepared by carefully planning the ingredients and steps. This is 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 food frozen at zero degrees Fahrenheit is always guaranteed to be safe. The freezing process 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 all the answers. A specific chart is available for further reference. This chart shows the days a particular food can be frozen. The good news is that the food variations in this chart 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. Nearby stores offer many different meal packaging variations.
Examples are freezer bags, plastic containers, disposable foil pans, and other freezer-proof materials. When deciding what packaging to use, remember certain things.
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What happens to the food after you freeze it? Will it be microwaved and cooked in the oven? Barbecued? Ask yourself these questions to determine the appropriate packaging for that food.
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You must ensure that the packaging you use is made for freezing. It should be thick enough to withstand the freezing temperature for some time. It must also prevent air or other matter from entering, leaking, and not breaking 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.
