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Freezer meals for a new baby
I know we've done this time and time again, and normally I would search for threads myself first, but I don't have that access yet.
I want to get a bit of a jumpstart on making meals for when we don't have the time or inclination to cook. They need to be easy enough for Simon to be able to defrost and rewarm if required.
Also, it will be January/February which means the height of our summer so soups are out.
So far I'm thinking of the following
bolognese
meatballs/tomato sauce
braised chicken dish with tomatoes, honey and almonds
moussaka
pizza - planning on rolling out and topping for our own "frozen" version
spinach/ricotta pasta rolls
Does anybody else have any suggestions?
I am content with the idea that we may end up eating a LOT of rotisserie chicken and salad, but I don't want it to be our only option.
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
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You might generate more (post #68371, reply #1 of 19)
You might generate more replies over on the Delphi forum. Folks are tired of fighting with this format for the time being.
Twice baked potatoes with some added meat like ham or Italian sausage or such.
Almost any casserole you make can be frozen if there is a sauce. Chicken pot pie without the crust. Then top with biscuits or pie crust when you bake it.
Pasta sauces or chili or soups and stews.
I'm trying to avoid really (post #68371, reply #6 of 19)
I'm trying to avoid really heavy foods as I won't feel like eating it. Try and imagine eating that in July.
I do think pies are a good idea though.. a couple of savoury ones will be very useful I think.
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
I think your ideas are good (post #68371, reply #2 of 19)
I think your ideas are good ones. As well, I'd recommend stocking up on cheese and crackers--easy, portable, quick protein that can be eaten with one hand. Same with frozen partially cooked bread or rolls; easy to turn into a meal. Canned beans or bean salads with crumbled feta and bread are good, hummus etc. Freezing quiche might be a good idea too.
I hadn't realized that you are so close to the end :)
Will do. I think I may just (post #68371, reply #4 of 19)
Will do. I think I may just eat my weight in brie afterwards anyway.
The canned legumes are a good idea too. DH likes those as salads especially.
Yes, just over 6 weeks to go! I can hardly believe it. Feels like just last week that we announced it. :-)
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
Mmm, brie! I know you said (post #68371, reply #9 of 19)
Mmm, brie! I know you said no soups, but what about a light vegetable soup, something like the Autumn Vegetable Soup, but with light spring veggies? Also, you could freeze the base for a cold soup, where you could thaw it, stir in cream, and serve. So something like beets cooked in broth and pureed-- thaw, add dairy, garnish and serve.
How about a quiche kit with frozen crust and fillings-- add cheese and custard, bake and serve with big salad.
Maybe I'm flailing-- it is COLD here, so I am having a hard time getting inspired for summer.
pie (always a good idea)
Mr Picky Pants doesn't really (post #68371, reply #10 of 19)
Mr Picky Pants doesn't really like any soup, chilled or otherwise. I do like the idea of the quiche kit though!
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
I have a Mr Picky Pants too. (post #68371, reply #13 of 19)
I have a Mr Picky Pants too. LOL He doesn't like soups. I make them anyways and he will tolerate them, but will not eat them after the initial serving.
It will be the height of your (post #68371, reply #3 of 19)
It will be the height of your summer! This twists my brain! So you will have no problem with smoothies for yourself. I would buy some frozen fruit, as Canuck said, you will have one hand only a lot of times! LOL! Remember it well!
If you could bake stuffed pizza, like a calzone with spinach and mushrooms that is easy to pop in the oven, too.
Smoothies are a good idea - (post #68371, reply #5 of 19)
Smoothies are a good idea - thank you. I already have a whole heap of strawberries I froze earlier in the season, but another packet or so won't go astray.
I hadn't really thought about calzones, but yes, they'll be good too. Thanks for that.
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
Syrah I like to keep single (post #68371, reply #7 of 19)
Syrah I like to keep single servings of buttermilk blueberry pancakes in the freezer. Not sure if you like them but they freeze great and that plus scrambled eggs and I'm good on a tired nite.
That is a good idea. I could (post #68371, reply #11 of 19)
That is a good idea. I could make up a batch or two of those.
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
Hmmm not sure how my post (post #68371, reply #12 of 19)
Hmmm not sure how my post ended up showing twice. Anyway, Syrah, make sure to put a piece of parchment paper between each pancake, otherwise it's very hard to pull them apart.
Syrah I like to keep single (post #68371, reply #8 of 19)
Syrah I like to keep single servings of buttermilk blueberry pancakes in the freezer. Not sure if you like them but they freeze great and that plus scrambled eggs and I'm good on a tired nite.
So far I've made using a (post #68371, reply #14 of 19)
So far I've made using a kilo of meat for ragu bolognese, 1 kilo of meatballs in tomato sauce. A big serving of braised chicken. 1 kilo worth of chuck steak made into a red wine braise, which will become at least three family sized pies I think. Also 2 very high loaf pans of lasagne. I've decided against the moussaka because eggplant is ludicrously expensive at the moment, not sure what the go there is at all.
I've just about given up on being environmental and have bought foil containers.
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
In addition to the stuff you (post #68371, reply #15 of 19)
In addition to the stuff you have already, get your DH to buy fruit to make fruit salad. It can be very simple, just your favorites cut up and tossed with a little orange juice, but it was one of my favorite things to eat after my babies were born. Helped to satisfy the unending thirst while nursing, too.
Something with which to make sandwiches (eating with one hand) like pitas and such are good too. Not make-ahead, but handy and simple. Your favorite salamis/meats and cheese and crackers are good, too.
I was a bit odd, and after my babies were born turned into a cooking fool after not cooking much before delivery!
I'm so excited for you!
Leigh
All good ideas. I so miss the (post #68371, reply #16 of 19)
All good ideas. I so miss the convenience of being able to eat a fresh deli meat sandwich. I literally had no idea how much ham/salami/mortadella I eat.
The fruit salad will be easy enough because of all the summer fruit. I think we'll have a lot of salady stuff too. The midwives suggested having things like hardboiled eggs in the fridge ready to go as well.
I'm excited for me too!
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be obtained." -Marie Curie
Fruit salad is one of my (post #68371, reply #17 of 19)
Fruit salad is one of my favorites too. I can't remember what I kept on hand after our first but this time around I've kept a steady stream of tortilla chips, cheeses (including pre-shredded for when I'm really tired) and fresh salsa for nachos. Love nachos. You can keep all kinds of stuff, sour cream, jalapenos. I have to really hustle to take in enough calories and stay hydrated when nursing.
Good luck and congratulations, so exciting!
Sorry somehow posted twice... (post #68371, reply #18 of 19)
Sorry somehow posted twice... Fruit salad is one of my favorites too. I can't remember what I kept on hand after our first but this time around I've kept a steady stream of tortilla chips, cheeses (including pre-shredded for when I'm really tired) and fresh salsa for nachos. Love nachos. You can keep all kinds of stuff, sour cream, jalapenos. I have to really hustle to take in enough calories and stay hydrated when nursing.
Good luck and congratulations, so exciting!
I'd recommend you to make (post #68371, reply #19 of 19)
I'd recommend you to make lasagna. Here's the recipe:
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Best regards
Cindy