Further to my previous post I would like to update you on progress!
As my last article said I set out to throw myself into the deep end of cook for a day and then eat for a month. Well the special day came around - my son's 1st day of Montessori (2.5 days a week as he needs an 'out' plus is too loud at home when I am working despite the excellent childcare hubby provides) I had taken the day off work and was full of ambition!
I had hoped to do all the shopping and some of the prep work the day before, but the way the week was shaping up - I had to do it all on one day (as the day before was a civic holiday and no other day that week would work..)
The day started with a full on shopping trip. I got back home and tucked into the most involved of all the recipes, looking back if only I had started with all the easy ones... Anyway it was the day I went into early labour! I wasn't sure at nearly 9 weeks early that I was in labour, but when hubby came in the kitchen and saw me kneeling on the floor hands up at head height chopping veggies - he pointed out that maybe I should take a break!
A few hours later I was at the hospital and amazed at all the great things they can do to help stop the labour... it really was incredible. (But that's not what this post is about.)
My groceries and my baby managed to wait and when I came home from the hospital I worked in earnest to get everything done and am delighted to say - my freezer now contains 37 dinners (6 different recipes to rotate) and 7 lunches.
It was very hard work and I learnt a lot from it, but that is the great part, apart from still cooking baby girl - I really have got the bug and feel for this batch cooking!
Now I feel I can accomplish a lot more and a lot more easily. I also intend to branch out and fill up the freezer on baked goods, treats and the such like, but sssshhh don't tell hubby as he already thinks we have 'too much food in the freezer' - like there can be such a thing!
I intend to log my journey in more detail for you next time and provide more advice, maybe this can just provide inspiration? No matter what I am a convert! To me this makes so much sense I am not a fan of cooking, but to have one day and to then prepare everything so you know where you stand for the month, saves bags of time, money and even washing up. You can prep x meals of chicken and then do the clean up and then x meals with beef/ pork and so on, this appeals to me on so many levels.
If this sounds too daunting - just try a 2 week plan and maybe double up ingredients and therefore you are still making a month's worth. (I mean really in a 14 day stretch how much variety is there in our meals...?)
Good luck and enjoy - healthy, cost effective meals with your family and more time to spend with them too! To find out more and share ideas go to Make Ahead Mammas!
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