Time is precious; it’s difficult to balance work, family schedules and dinner-time, without feeling like you’re loosing your mind.
Take-out or dining out is not an option for most of us. It’s not the healthiest way to eat, and it’s simply too expensive on the family budget. Whether you have several children or live alone, everyone can appreciate a few spare moments to do something other than worry about what to cook for dinner, and then face the clean up time in the kitchen.
With a small investment in some plastic storage containers and a little freezer space, you can have that extra time for yourself. There are container products out there that allow you to freeze, bake and micro-wave, and serve, all in the same tray. They are so convenient; they even come with matching lids for easy storing.
When it comes to portions, just reset your thinking. Think double of some of your favorite dishes. Buy double the ingredients, and prepare double the amount. It’s that easy. Pasta, baked chicken, enchiladas, roast ham and potatoes, no matter what your choice, just prepare enough for two meals. Serve dinner today, and freeze a complete dinner for next week.
You have to cook it anyway, why not extra? This way, the next time you feel rushed and pinched for time, dinner is already made, just heat it and serve with a fresh salad and rolls. It’s not left over’s, it would be a fresh made meal served with ease, you just happen to have prepared it a week or two earlier.
I’m not suggesting that you do this with every meal; my advice is that when you are preparing something that can be easy and inexpensively expanded, pack and freeze enough for another time. Casseroles like tuna and noodles, Mac-n-cheese, lasagna, one dish baked suppers.
Make this a habit, and trust that the day will come when you will appreciate having thought ahead. So, go ahead, reward yourself with the time you will save, and the peace of mind knowing that dinner is already done, and it’s a healthy one, after all: you cooked it.
