Menu Plan Monday ~ The Busy Mum’s Freezer Edition
We are a very BUSY family of four. I am ashamed to admit that sometimes, especially on the days I work, I have not exactly made the best meals for my family. But it’s time to take stock and fix the problem. Of course I have a secret weapon that I have swooped on.
Frost Bite By Susan Austin
I have occasionally made an extra batch of pasta sauce or a lasagne or quiche to put in the freezer but I wouldn’t exactly call that creative or life saving! Frost Bite has some sensational ideas and recipes for your freezer! It even includes the best method for defrosting each recipe. The large glossy pages are adorned with easy to follow instructions accompanied by pictures of each meal that are as drool worthy as the recipe itself! I particularly love that it is a complete cookbook. Frost Bite includes sections on baby food, party food and even food for lunchboxes! I have a large collection of those mini cookbooks and you loose yourself remembeirng wether that recipe your searching for is in the 5 minute dinners, fast and fresh or quick and easy cook book! Frost Bite is a one book for all, cookbook!
So this week I am doing things a little differently.
1. On the days I have only one child at home (and a little more time) I am going to try and make a back up meal for the freezer. By keeping it similar to the meal I am already making I should only be adding an extra half hour to my cooking time.
2. Make salads in advance. I have heard of a lot of people doing this and now it’s my turn. Lettuce, washed and pre cut. Cherry Tomatoes. Cheese Cubed. Grated Carrot. Cucumber Sliced. Maybe even some olives, croutons and parmesan for some variety! I will do this on Sunday night and again on Wednesday night.
3. Take the easy option once a week. I am all for quick and easy. I like to have a stand by of easy options, especially for Friday nights and hopefully it will prevent us from getting takeaway!! By knowing in advance, that we will have one easy night, I might try and put in a bit of effort on the other nights! I am not perfect and my kids won’t die from fish and chips!
So here it is the BUSY MUMS MENU PLAN!
Monday~ Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni ~ and for the freezer ~ Spinach and Ricotta Tartlets*
The Canneloni is a regular favourite in this household and I am thinking the tartlets would be great for lunchboxes!
Tuesday ~ Chicken, Bacon and Potato Bake ~ and for the frezer ~ Chicken wrapped in Proscuitto with Pesto Sauce*
The bake is done in the slow cooker so takes little preparation giving me more time to make this delicious chicken and proscuitto dish!
Wednesday ~ Beef Tacos ~ and for the freezer ~ Chilli con Carne*
Prepare salad for Thursday/Friday
Thursday ~ Beef Stroganoff
Is my work day so a simple Beef Strognaoff in the slow cooker! The “nanny” may even be able to put it in for me!
Friday ~ Fish and Chips from the freezer!
An easy oven meal ~ Crumbed Fish for kids, Steamed Fish for Adults, Chips and green salad (this takes a whole 5 minutes to prepare!)
I am sticking with 5 nights this week as I think this may be more manageable. We have no idea what is happening next weekend especially with Father’s Day.
Besides using “Frost Bite” for my meal plans I will also be able to call on it when wanting to make freezer ready meals for others. A frozen prepared meal is perfect for a new mother, someone sick, a busy single parent, the elderly, people returning form holidays or how about spreading some kindness to your neighbours!
*All recipes form “Frost Bite” by Susan Austin
“Frost Bite” is available at David Jones and other good book retailers.
Follow Susan’s blog at frostbitefood.blogspot.com
Linking up with The Organised Housewife
