Use your freezer

On busy nights, the easy thing to do is turn on the oven and pop in a frozen pizza. This is an option to make sure you are fed, which is very important. I have an idea of how to use your freezer to get dinner in the same amount of time as that pizza.

I love the freezer. I even bought a 7 cubic foot freezer last year for under $200.00 and it has saved me well over that, in the year I have had it.

Yes, there may have been a frozen pizza in the freezer on occasion. One way I get dinner on the table is by making produce bundle and prepare ahead meals.

I have several meals my family can eat any night of the week and never be sick of. Fajitas, soup, tacos, and simple salads are our go to. To make sure that I can make these items easily, without needing to take 5 minutes and chop vegetables every time. I buy my produce when on sale and then chop and freeze them. Often individually, but what is a bigger help, is to make meals.

Fajitas typically have onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a spice blend of cumin, chili powder, lime and salt. I put these all in a couple of bags, or tubs, throw them into the freezer and on the busy nights, I add oil to a pan and sauté the vegetables. I also have pre-portion rice and beans (in 1 or 2 cup containers) in my freezer to add as a side. I enjoy my fajitas with a protein source and as a topper for a salad.

Another option is soup bases. Soup bases are celery, onion, carrots and other root vegetables if you like. Add a tablespoon of oil to your pot, sauté the vegetables, add broth (also easily made ahead and frozen), add a protein and fresh or dried herbs. When a cooked protein is added the soup just needs to come to simmer for 10 minutes and it is ready to serve. Add a salad and enjoy!

A great way to know what will freeze well is to look in the freezer section. Using these freezer section items is also a great way to get a fast nutrient filled meal on the table. Just make sure to make sure the vegetables are not packed with additional preservatives or salt.

For more meal ideas, stay tuned.

As always, if you would like to have meal prep ideas, and weekly menus I can be reached by email at spicetolifewellness@gmail.com.

Bon Appetite!