On Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:47:41 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:
>
>"Brooklyn1" <Gravesend1> wrote in message
.. .
>> On Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:46:34 -0700 (PDT), Kalmia
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>I'm going to turn over a new cooking leaf. I'm sick of panicking at 4
>>>pm and then trying to thaw something, finding out I am lacking an
>>>ingredient, feeling rushed, and then resorting to going out.
>>>Today I decided what to make when I woke up, pulled the needed
>>>ingredients, thawed the meat -- things went smoothly and I had a more
>>>relaxed day. I won't utter a clue on how many years ago I should have
>>>started this plan.
>>>
>>>Is this your routine or what?
>>
>> It's rare I decide last minute. I typically have my main meals
>> thought out some three days in advance. And I always prepare enough
>> so that there are plenty of left overs (they are not really left overs
>> since they are planned), so even if I decide I don't want what I
>> planned I have a freezer full of choices. I hate having to cook from
>> scratch every day. (snippage)
>>I think that each time one cooks make lots, then there is rarely a day when
>>dinner has to be
>> figured out last minute... cooking lots is also a good way to reduce
>> the grocery bill.
>
>
>I don't plan three days ahead, but I definitely cook enough to have complete
>meals stored in the freezer. No last-minute shopping required.
I plan most meals around what's on sale, and for meats I'm a fan of
those "Family" size packs, they save money and there's enough for
several meals... like with skinless/boneless chicken breasts I'll cook
2-3 packs at once; slice into cutlets, bread, fry, and freeze. They're
very good in sandwiches, with pasta, or just plain in a salad. It's
not much more effort to fry two pounds of cutlets as ten, because it's
the same clean up.
>I have
>freezer/dishwasher safe divided/portioned plates with snap-on lids. Like
>this:
>
>http://www.collectionsetc.com/Produc...mr:referralID=
>
>or Tiny URL:
>
>http://tinyurl.com/75q4te9
>
>They stack easily on the freezer shelf. Each is clearly labelled so if I
>want, say, corned beef & cabbage with new potatoes, I just reach in and grab
>it. Thaw, reheat in the microwave. Dinner is served! (Of course not
>everyone has the freezer space for this.)
I use the rectangular containers (Glad), supposed to be disposable but
they last through many uses and are dishwasher safe.