Freezer Meals for PP Time: Recipies

[wifedeangel]

One of the smartest things I did last time before the baby came was to make up a whole bunch of freezer crockpot meals. It was such a lifesaver to be able to just throw a bag of stuff into the crockpot and have dinner and leftovers.

This is the system that I use, and some of her recipes too: mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html?m=1

So does anyone have some good crockpot or freezer meal recipies they'd like to share? I think it's time to start making these again.

[Widget123]

Confession: I did not make a single freezer meal before DD was born and I ate like crap for most of my maternity leave. I think I will try to make some things this time around, so please do share

[Bluedaisy]

I plan to use our new BBQ to grill as much as possible, but I'm really not a slow cooker fan so I'm no help.

[ThePalindromicOne]

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

[Bluedaisy]

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

I'm glad you posted this.  My thoughts were that between DH and I both being home for two months and it being summer that one of us could grill something or throw a salad together.  Also my husband normally does most of the cooking anyways.

I am a FTM though so maybe this isn't realistic?

[belle0720]

Theoretically I should have plenty of time to do this since I should be on leave starting 4 weeks before my due date. I have no recipes to contribute, but I would love to steal all of your ideas. And if anyone wants to drop off some of these freezer meals, feel free to come on over!


Edited for grammar

[ThePalindromicOne]

Apr 3, 2015 16:11:31 GMT -5 @jemomma said:

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

I didn't prep meals for my first and I also didn't have any family nearby to help out, DH and I ended up eating out a lot. We had planned for that so it wasn't a big deal. Same with my second. If you are planning to cook most nights, its doable but it will be hard to make yourself actually do it. Depending on how good of a sleeper your LO is, you will be very tired. I don't think its absolutely necessary to prep meals ahead of time, but it can be helpful for some people.

Thanks for your thoughts!  I'm hoping that we'll get away with grilling all summer long!  I don't family around to help out either, but my parents and inlaws will be visiting for a week post-baby's arrivals so we'll see how it all goes I guess.

[wifedeangel]

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

It really depends on your baby. If they're colicky or prone to PURPLE crying, trying to fix something is going to be very difficult.

My H works and travels a lot, so I couldn't rely on his help regularly. Generally I found that if I had a proper dinner and good leftovers, it helped me feel better generally, than If I was living on takeout and PBJs or turkey sandwiches.

There's also freezer meals, where you make something like a pasta dish or shepards pie in a foil pan, freeze it, and then you can just put it in the oven to bake.

[jcprn]

This is why I LOVE Pinterest! Tested some of these out and still have some in my freezer waiting to be made.

www.jamimclaren.blogspot.com/2013/02/freezer-cook.html

therealisticorganizer.blogspot.com/2014/01/organized-slow-cooker-freezer-meals.html

www.mommysfabulousfinds.com/2013/09/easy-crock-pot-freezer-meals.html

They all have a bunch of recipes within the links.

[billyhorrible]

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

All summer long, sure.

Those first 3 weeks when you are running on absolutely no sleep and have a baby attached to your breast for 22 hours a day?  Probably not.

Freezer meals aren't intended to last for months, just those first few days/weeks when you're trying to get adjusted.  Especially if you're breastfeeding which means you are going to be hungry almost every minute of every day.


We didn't do crockpot meals, because we needed food quickly as opposed to having something that may or may not be ready when we were hungry.  But as far as freezer meals go, they were a life saver.  During the time DH was home, I had the life of luxury.  I didn't have to do anything but eat, sleep, and feed the baby.  I would wake all night, feed the baby, and go back to sleep.  In the morning DH would bring me food while I was in bed feeding the baby.  At lunch, DH would bring me lunch while I was feeding the baby.  At dinner, DH would bring me food while I was feeding the baby.  And because all he had to do was reheat, he could use the downtime to do laundry, clean the house, take care of the baby while I slept or showered, etc.

I made:
lasagna
baked ziti
chicken tenders
meatloaf
baked ham
swiss chard
scallopped cabbage
corn fritters
gingerbread
spoon bread
lemon pudding
rice and peas
enchiladas
minestrone soup
blueberry muffins
apple crisp
meatballs
corned beef
corn sticks

[turtletyme]

billyhorrible, some really good stuff on that list I wouldn't have thought of (breads!) I'm going to start making double batches of meatballs/sauce, cordon bleu stuffed chicken and enchiladas in the next month or so.

[mabillon]

I found that freeze breakfast and snacks were so essential. I didn't cook AT ALL the first 3 weeks but had my mom in town who did. I actually saved the bulk of my freezer meals for the week my mom left and my first weeks back at work.

We ate a lot of sandwiches though. With an older child in the picture, I plan to make more this time with dairy-free options too.

[ThePalindromicOne]

Apr 3, 2015 16:57:13 GMT -5 billyhorrible said:

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

All summer long, sure.

Those first 3 weeks when you are running on absolutely no sleep and have a baby attached to your breast for 22 hours a day?  Probably not.

Freezer meals aren't intended to last for months, just those first few days/weeks when you're trying to get adjusted.  Especially if you're breastfeeding which means you are going to be hungry almost every minute of every day.


We didn't do crockpot meals, because we needed food quickly as opposed to having something that may or may not be ready when we were hungry.  But as far as freezer meals go, they were a life saver.  During the time DH was home, I had the life of luxury.  I didn't have to do anything but eat, sleep, and feed the baby.  I would wake all night, feed the baby, and go back to sleep.  In the morning DH would bring me food while I was in bed feeding the baby.  At lunch, DH would bring me lunch while I was feeding the baby.  At dinner, DH would bring me food while I was feeding the baby.  And because all he had to do was reheat, he could use the downtime to do laundry, clean the house, take care of the baby while I slept or showered, etc.

I made:
lasagna
baked ziti
chicken tenders
meatloaf
baked ham
swiss chard
scallopped cabbage
corn fritters
gingerbread
spoon bread
lemon pudding
rice and peas
enchiladas
minestrone soup
blueberry muffins
apple crisp
meatballs
corned beef
corn sticks

Well if I'm being realistic summer doesn't start here in Seattle until July 4th anyways... so I do have a month to gear up for all the walking.

[ombradellarosa]

Usually the women's organisation at my church arranges for people to bring meals to new parents. The thing is, I don't know if they're going to do that in my area. Sadly, I don't feel like they care that much about me. I was out for three months (usually we're every-Sunday people) due to morning sickness and only my two friends even checked on me. No one else asked if I was okay. I guess I could find out by asking about two other ladies who are having babies the month before me and making sure they get meals. People might think that I'm doing that so I get the same courtesy, but I don't really care. I kind of am (although I really think that someone should make sure it gets done because they need it as much or more than I do, they're both STM+) and if it doesn't work I'm going to be mad.

I guess it doesn't hurt to be prepared, so I might as well make some things just in case. And breakfast for sure, because I don't expect anyone to bring that regardless.

[ThePalindromicOne]

Apr 3, 2015 16:57:13 GMT -5 billyhorrible said:

Apr 3, 2015 16:05:05 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I was going to poll this one too....
Freezer meals, is it really necessary? I understand the convenience, but am I really NOT going to have any time throw something together, prepping dinner if I have the groceries doesn't really take us that long... and I plan on walking to the farmers market and grocery store all summer long (am I delusional?)

All summer long, sure.

Those first 3 weeks when you are running on absolutely no sleep and have a baby attached to your breast for 22 hours a day?  Probably not.

I'm sorry I had to come back to this...  22 hours?  Like 22 out of 24 hours?  Don't toy with a FTM, this has to be an exaggeration... what's a more realistic number?  Or am I really that naive?

[wifedeangel]

Apr 4, 2015 14:03:04 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

Apr 3, 2015 16:57:13 GMT -5 billyhorrible said:

All summer long, sure.

Those first 3 weeks when you are running on absolutely no sleep and have a baby attached to your breast for 22 hours a day?  Probably not.

I'm sorry I had to come back to this...  22 hours?  Like 22 out of 24 hours?  Don't toy with a FTM, this has to be an exaggeration... what's a more realistic number?  Or am I really that naive?

So it's not 22 hours, but it can feel like it. Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours, and aren't very efficient nursers yet, so they can be at the breast for what feels like forever. Kellymom.com has some great info on this. But the point is, having some food that's quick and easy to prep will be very welcome.

[honeybunches101]

Love this idea! We will start making double bathes of food that freeze well and can be reheated easily - chili, meat sauce, lasagna, banana bread. Those were life savers last time. I have never heard of freezing ingredients to later put into the crock pot, but that is a great idea too. I am so excited to be moving into a house with a basement so we can get a second fridge/freezer in time for the baby.

For FTMs asking if it's really necessary, totally depends on the kind of baby and recovery you have! I had a lot of tearing and could hardly walk for 6 weeks, and my baby was very colicky. Like screaming every second of the day unless he was on the boob. So there's no way I could have been chopping vegetables, he would be hysterical and turning purple within minutes, and wouldn't take a pacifier. So we ate tons our takeout the first few months. I have decided that this baby will be much easier but still plan to make lots of food ahead of time because it can't hurt to have on hand!

[paintdadanta]

We have family in the area that will help us with meals some but I still plan to have a few freezer ones on hand and lots of other quick-ready recipes. DH may just get sick of my baked pasta dishes and BBQ chicken. I'm all for 5 minute throw together and done dishes.

[leenziepops]

I think the best freezer meals are ones that just need to be thrown in the oven. I'm freezing pasta bake, lasagna and pastries. Perfect for emergency PP situations!

[ladysif]

Apr 4, 2015 14:48:38 GMT -5 wifedeangel said:

Apr 4, 2015 14:03:04 GMT -5 ThePalindromicOne said:

I'm sorry I had to come back to this...  22 hours?  Like 22 out of 24 hours?  Don't toy with a FTM, this has to be an exaggeration... what's a more realistic number?  Or am I really that naive?

So it's not 22 hours, but it can feel like it. Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours, and aren't very efficient nursers yet, so they can be at the breast for what feels like forever. Kellymom.com has some great info on this. But the point is, having some food that's quick and easy to prep will be very welcome.

...and that clock starts from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. So if your baby nurses for an hour, you may only have 1-2 hours before the next feeding starts. And that doesn't take into account cluster feeding stages. 

[ladysif]

I am 100% for freezer meals! I will make a ton again, especially with a toddler now in the picture. I can't even tell you how many times I thanked myself afterward for doing it; it was one of the best things I did. It made our life so much less stressful and more enjoyable. We knew we had a healthy, well-rounded meal, DH could pick up a loaf of french bread or something fresh if needed to supplement the meal over his lunch hour at work, and the biggest benefit was I had zero guilt about snuggling the baby instead of trying to figure out dinner or grocery shopping a ton. It is not necessary, but it gives you more time to enjoy life and baby. I was so grateful to myself so many nights, ha!

Also SUPER handy when company came in the later weeks. We were fortunate to have several meals dropped off in the early weeks by friends/family, but the in-laws have an unspoken rule that they take us out/order in for one meal and every other meal of their visit is up to us (me).

I can't find my list at the moment, but know I made the following:
Italian meatballs in sauce
Swedish meatballs in gravy
pork vindaloo
chicken tikka masala
quiches for breakfasts
lasagna
tons of soups, chili, stews - DS was a fall baby, so probably not so much of that this time. I think I'll prep grill food instead this time; I'll make up and freeze batches of rub for ribs, season and shape hamburgers, marinate and freeze chicken, etc.
meatloaf
scones
cookie dough so I could just throw in a small batch to have some fresh ones on hand (again, good for company)

I don't remember what else, but will be happy to share recipes for anything; all tried-and-true freezer-friendly meals. I'll make all this again and then some, time-permitting.

[sugarkissed]

We have this amazing place here in which you can preassemble meals to freeze and cook at home. They provide all of the ingredients, you just go spend an hour or so assembling them and then bring them home to freeze. The food is really good and the menu changes monthly. We went to just try it out and now we go back every month! We make 12 meals for $180 and it usually takes an hour when DH comes to help.

[dmoney]

Some of my family has already talked about dropping by once I am home from the hospital with food for at least the first week that I am out of the hospital. Since im not a big eater and neither is DH, we will probably take half of whatever they drop off and freeze it. If we really need food my parents are staying with my sister for the summer (only a 20 minute drive away) and his mom is a 5 minute drive away. Im sure either of them will be more then willing to come over and cook for us. Plus DH LOVES To grill and we have a smoker so we will be using that a great deal this summer.

[dmoney]

IF you ladies do plan on using the crock pot, i HIGHLY recommend buying some crock pot Liners... They are a life saver!! Typically (depending on the liner) you need 1-2 cups in the bottom of the crock pot, put the liner in and then cook as usual... The water just helps the liner from melting to the pan but it makes clean up super easy!

[turtletyme]

Apr 6, 2015 7:46:20 GMT -5 dmoney said:

IF you ladies do plan on using the crock pot, i HIGHLY recommend buying some crock pot Liners... They are a life saver!! Typically (depending on the liner) you need 1-2 cups in the bottom of the crock pot, put the liner in and then cook as usual... The water just helps the liner from melting to the pan but it makes clean up super easy!

I have been using the liners for a few years now, but never knew about the water trick! Sometimes they do get stuck, especially when I buy the store brand. Thanks so much for this tip... I will be using it immediately! (Making chicken stock this week.)

[mrsmonogrammed]

I've been pinning lots of recipes.....haven't tried most of them, but Im excited to give them a whirl!

Here's the link to my board if anyone is interested:
pinterest.com/malpal801/mmmm/

[junch817]

@demanda88 - Silly question. Do you freeze lunch meat? I've never tried that before. How long have you kept it in the freezer?
Then again, if we have to stop and pick up fresh bread or sandwich buns, we could just pick up fresh lunch meat too... Or do you freeze that stuff as well?

[dmoney]

Apr 6, 2015 8:26:37 GMT -5 turtletyme said:

Apr 6, 2015 7:46:20 GMT -5 dmoney said:

IF you ladies do plan on using the crock pot, i HIGHLY recommend buying some crock pot Liners... They are a life saver!! Typically (depending on the liner) you need 1-2 cups in the bottom of the crock pot, put the liner in and then cook as usual... The water just helps the liner from melting to the pan but it makes clean up super easy!

I have been using the liners for a few years now, but never knew about the water trick! Sometimes they do get stuck, especially when I buy the store brand. Thanks so much for this tip... I will be using it immediately! (Making chicken stock this week.)

I am surprised the box did not tell you to do this?? On the first box we ever got it said it in big bold letters... Glad I could help!

[dmoney]

Apr 6, 2015 9:23:23 GMT -5 @jemomma said:

This may be a dumb question, but for those who freeze breads - do you bake the bread and then freeze or do you just freeze the dough?
It seems like it would take longer to thaw the dough and then bake when you need it rather than just putting the already baked bread in the oven to warm up...

I have done both... I find that freezing the dough is really good if you freeze it in the shape that you already have it in.  If you want to try and re-shape it then freezing the dough doesn't work all to well.  As for freezing bread we did it on Friday at the start of Passover since we had a full load in the house... I still just take it out and heat it up a bit.

[junch817]

Thanks @demanda88.
My mom just got an extra freezer from my grandma when she moved her into a nursing home, and it's all mine! I need to get it to our house soon because I need the freezer space badly. I had so much breastmilk last time, and freezer meals from people, and this time I have even more resources (ie neighbors, mom groups, church group, plus friends and family) so I'm expecting even more! I have have have to get that freezer to us soon!