Once A Month Cooking

[jamauk]

Does anyone here do once a month cooking or "freezer cooking"? Where you take one day, cook a gazillion meals and stock your freezer....then you are set for the next month and have very little cooking to do?

A group of friends and I have recently started doing this and I'm looking for some good recipes. Just thought I'd ask!

[roz]

I'm so glad another foodie is back!

I don't freeze ahead because I think of my meals on the spur of the moment. I shop and buy what looks good and fresh. Then, as I shop, I think of what to do with them. But some days I come home and crave something--so I might rework the planned use of the foods I bought. I follow my cravings because I believe they are controlled by nutritional needs. Sometimes they are controlled by using up the food needs. For example, I had some leftover roasted chicken. I had some grape tomatoes that were getting shrived. I made a grape tomato sauce, added fresh marjoram, oregano and basil. I added the chicken and served it over brown rice fusilli. It was delicious! I do have frozen things in my fridge to add to dishes--such as edame beans and the sort to add protein to a meal.

[jamauk]

I love to cook spur of the moment, too...but I'm finding it more and more difficult to do right now! I can't seem to find the time!

I also want to get the freezer stocked with some good meals so when we get home with the baby no one really has to worry about cooking...just pop it in the oven (or on the grill) and its done!

[roz]

I know how difficult it is to find time! If you cut up some peppers and put them in a Ziploc bag, etc. they will stay for a few days (no cucumbers--they don't do well). I know this won't help in the one month ahead menus, but it will help in the salads that will go with them! You can also make up a salad dressing that will last a few days too.

[jamauk]

Thanks Roz, I used to make my own salad dressings all of the time, but I got out of the habit once Ben was born.
I do keep chopped veggies in the fridge (mostly carrots, celery, peppers, etc..) for snacks.
I'm looking for some bland foods to keep on hand as well....I didn't have the best of luck nursing Ben so I'm hoping to be able to play with my diet a little if I have trouble nursing Carter.

[Lurker]

I used to do a cook up for the week..I would do a large tray of lasagna and freeze it in portioned out squares. Risotto was another one I would do (although you need to be careful with rice), and chilli (sin carne in my case). Also I would make soups.
Now I don't have a freezer - I miss it. I still do all my South Beach prep on a sunday though (bags of chopped veggies and salads) Cooking is therapy.

[jamauk]

Originally Posted by Lurker

Cooking is therapy.

I couldnt' agree more!