I love me a good slow cooked Sloppy Joe! Tangy and a little sticky on a soft bun with melty cheesy goodness! I usually make a big batch about once a month and divide them into freezer bags, they thaw quick and dinner is just a salad and some chips away!
SJ's are a great lunch, dinner or hey, I wouldn't judge you if you had one for breakfast! ;)
Sloppy Joes
4 lbs ground beef
2 tsp garlic
1/2 cup minced onions
1/2 cup minced peppers (the orange/sweet red variety are SO tasty in this)
In a very large skillet brown the meat/veggies until beef is browned. Drain off excess fat and return to skillet.
Add
3 small cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp mustard
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp Worchestershire sauce
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
dash celery salt
dash onion salt
salt and pepper to taste
Simmer 1/2 hour.
If you are going to freeze let it come to room temp before bagging. Remember to label and date so you don't think it's chili or spaghetti sauce! :)
Serve on toasted buns with a nice slice of Colby Jack cheese!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Your family can't live on just chicken?
Pretty much Arielle would eat chicken every night! Grilled, in a casserole, salad, baked, piccated....she's not too picky.
But it can get a little, well....chickeny! So throw some ground beef into the mix once in awhile and have some variety! I usually get my ground beef at Sam's Club.
Cooked Ground Beef
5 lbs ground beef (don't go for the extra lean kind here..a little fat adds a LOT of flavor and we need all the flavor we can get coming from the freezer)
3 tsp garlic
1 cup minced onions
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
1/2 Tbsp black pepper
Brown ground beef in a super size skillet with garlic and onions until it is no longer pink. Add salt and pepper and cook a few minutes longer until it's nicely browned and even. Drain off excess fat and let cool. Portion into quart size bags 1 or 2 cups depending on your family size. Label and date bags. Press meat out flat and stack in freezer.
Just think of all the things that cooked ground beef is the base of. Chili, tacos, enchiladas, your favorite casserole......now you have a great head start on those!
But it can get a little, well....chickeny! So throw some ground beef into the mix once in awhile and have some variety! I usually get my ground beef at Sam's Club.
Cooked Ground Beef
5 lbs ground beef (don't go for the extra lean kind here..a little fat adds a LOT of flavor and we need all the flavor we can get coming from the freezer)
3 tsp garlic
1 cup minced onions
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
1/2 Tbsp black pepper
Brown ground beef in a super size skillet with garlic and onions until it is no longer pink. Add salt and pepper and cook a few minutes longer until it's nicely browned and even. Drain off excess fat and let cool. Portion into quart size bags 1 or 2 cups depending on your family size. Label and date bags. Press meat out flat and stack in freezer.
Just think of all the things that cooked ground beef is the base of. Chili, tacos, enchiladas, your favorite casserole......now you have a great head start on those!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Chicken Rice Salad
So....if you've cooked yourself up some yummy chicken you probably wonder what you should do with it, right? We LOVE summer salads at my house, and this salad is our favorite! It makes a nice big batch and it is better the day after you make it so leftovers are supper yum!
Chicken Rice Salad
1 bag of frozen chicken, thawed (2 cups pretty please)
2 Tbsp pineapple juice (drained from the can that you will be using later)
2 Tbsp orange juice (or slightly less than 1/2 Tbsp concentrate)
1 Tbsp vinegar (I like red wine vinegar but apple cider is good too)
1 tsp salt
Dash of Oregano
Dash of black pepper
Combine marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken in the bag. Seal bag and stash the whole works in the fridge overnight (or at least 3 hours.....I have even frozen the bags at this point then just thaw it and throw the salad together).
Add
3 cups cooked rice (take the time to make real rice, please! None of that instant crap, you can thank me later)
1 cup minced celery
1 cup sliced almonds
small can of pineapple tidbits or chunks drained (remember, you used the juice yesterday)
1 cup mayo
salt and pepper
Mix this all together with the chicken minus the marinade and season to taste. Chill before serving. Serve in lettuce cups or tomato flowers with a nice crusty roll or a croissant if you are feeling fancy!
Don't try to freeze this, but like I said the chicken/marinade mixture can be frozen as can the cooked rice so you can literally have this on the table in minutes!
Chicken Rice Salad
1 bag of frozen chicken, thawed (2 cups pretty please)
2 Tbsp pineapple juice (drained from the can that you will be using later)
2 Tbsp orange juice (or slightly less than 1/2 Tbsp concentrate)
1 Tbsp vinegar (I like red wine vinegar but apple cider is good too)
1 tsp salt
Dash of Oregano
Dash of black pepper
Combine marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken in the bag. Seal bag and stash the whole works in the fridge overnight (or at least 3 hours.....I have even frozen the bags at this point then just thaw it and throw the salad together).
Add
3 cups cooked rice (take the time to make real rice, please! None of that instant crap, you can thank me later)
1 cup minced celery
1 cup sliced almonds
small can of pineapple tidbits or chunks drained (remember, you used the juice yesterday)
1 cup mayo
salt and pepper
Don't try to freeze this, but like I said the chicken/marinade mixture can be frozen as can the cooked rice so you can literally have this on the table in minutes!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A tale of 3 chickens!
A big package of chicken breasts becomes a delicious basis for 3 different chicken dishes.
First a small disclaimer.....I am LAZY!! I don't like to debone chicken, it's not my forte...not gonna lie!
So, I buy the biggest package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that I can find (typically at Sam's Club).
When I first started this freezer adventure I would do all of my meat on the same day but now I tend to only do what I am in need of. So I seldom do all three chicken recipes at the same time. Do whatever you need to do!
Basic Cooked Chicken
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tsp garlic
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
2 tsp cracked black pepper
Put this all in a large stock pot. Next, add in a bunch of veggies (I like to use up the ones that are a bit past their prime). I use carrots, celery and onions. Add 4-6 chicken bullion cubes (unwrap them please this is a paperless dish). Cover with water just until everything is in the pool! Cover and turn on the heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat and continue cooking about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit until it comes to room temp. Remove the chicken from the stock and cut into bite size cubes. Divide cubes into quart size zipper top bags (depending on your family size choose 1 or 2 cups in each bag). Label and date the bag. I press the chicken out flat without breaking it and gently squeeze it to remove as much air as possible.
Strain the stock, discarding veggies. Pour this into quart bags also in 1 or 2 cup portions. Label and date. Freeze the stock flat on a cookie sheet until solid. Then stack them in the freezer.
Use this for casseroles, divans, pot pies, salad, sandwiches and general chicken dishes.
Mexican Shredded Chicken
1 Tbsp Chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
Mix and sprinkle over 6-8 chicken breasts and place in your crock pot (it's OK if they overlap). Mix 1/2 cup chicken stock and 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice and pour over chicken. Cover with lid and cook on low about 6 hours. My crock pot has a temperature probe so the time is just a guess! :)
When chicken is done and if you are fortunate enough to own a Kitchen Aide throw those breasties in the bowl and using the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 20 seconds and you will have perfectly shredded chicken. Do NOT try this with cold chicken as you may damage your mixer, and that would be tragic! Divide shredded chicken into 1 or 2 cup portions in quart bags. Label and date bags. Press them out flat and stack in the freezer. Use this for enchiladas, tacos, salads, sandwiches and Mexican dishes.
BBQ Chicken
6-8 chicken breasts
1/2 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the BBQ sauce over the top. Cover with lid and cook on low about 6 hours. Shred chicken and divide by 1 or 2 cup portions into quart zip top bags. Label and date bags. Press out flat and stack in the freezer. Use this for BBQ sandwiches, wraps and pizza.
Just one of these recipes will give you enough chicken for 3-6 meals depending on your family size.
Next up.......super yummy way to use cooked chicken!
First a small disclaimer.....I am LAZY!! I don't like to debone chicken, it's not my forte...not gonna lie!
So, I buy the biggest package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that I can find (typically at Sam's Club).
When I first started this freezer adventure I would do all of my meat on the same day but now I tend to only do what I am in need of. So I seldom do all three chicken recipes at the same time. Do whatever you need to do!
Basic Cooked Chicken
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tsp garlic
1 Tbsp Kosher salt
2 tsp cracked black pepper
Put this all in a large stock pot. Next, add in a bunch of veggies (I like to use up the ones that are a bit past their prime). I use carrots, celery and onions. Add 4-6 chicken bullion cubes (unwrap them please this is a paperless dish). Cover with water just until everything is in the pool! Cover and turn on the heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat and continue cooking about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit until it comes to room temp. Remove the chicken from the stock and cut into bite size cubes. Divide cubes into quart size zipper top bags (depending on your family size choose 1 or 2 cups in each bag). Label and date the bag. I press the chicken out flat without breaking it and gently squeeze it to remove as much air as possible.
Strain the stock, discarding veggies. Pour this into quart bags also in 1 or 2 cup portions. Label and date. Freeze the stock flat on a cookie sheet until solid. Then stack them in the freezer.
Use this for casseroles, divans, pot pies, salad, sandwiches and general chicken dishes.
Mexican Shredded Chicken
1 Tbsp Chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
Mix and sprinkle over 6-8 chicken breasts and place in your crock pot (it's OK if they overlap). Mix 1/2 cup chicken stock and 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice and pour over chicken. Cover with lid and cook on low about 6 hours. My crock pot has a temperature probe so the time is just a guess! :)
When chicken is done and if you are fortunate enough to own a Kitchen Aide throw those breasties in the bowl and using the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 20 seconds and you will have perfectly shredded chicken. Do NOT try this with cold chicken as you may damage your mixer, and that would be tragic! Divide shredded chicken into 1 or 2 cup portions in quart bags. Label and date bags. Press them out flat and stack in the freezer. Use this for enchiladas, tacos, salads, sandwiches and Mexican dishes.
BBQ Chicken
6-8 chicken breasts
1/2 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the BBQ sauce over the top. Cover with lid and cook on low about 6 hours. Shred chicken and divide by 1 or 2 cup portions into quart zip top bags. Label and date bags. Press out flat and stack in the freezer. Use this for BBQ sandwiches, wraps and pizza.
Just one of these recipes will give you enough chicken for 3-6 meals depending on your family size.
Next up.......super yummy way to use cooked chicken!
Monday, August 27, 2012
You can freeze salad, right?
FREEZE DON’T
FREEZE
Pasta Sour
Cream
Enchiladas Cream
Cheese
Shredded/sliced cheese Lettuce
Cooked rice Cottage
cheese
Pancakes Scrambled/fried
eggs
French toast Bechamel/cheese
sauce
Cookies and cookie dough Shortening
Corn and flour tortillas Unblanched
asparagus
Chopped onions German Pancakes
Refried beans Cake
batter
Fruits Mayo
Veggies Raw
potatoes
Pumpkin Tomatoes
Biscuits and rolls Gravy
Lasagna
Baked cakes/cupcakes (frosting doesn’t do so well)
Coffee
Guacamole
Avocado
Buttermilk (freeze in ice cube trays)
Eggs (crack them into a freezer safe container)
Milk (if you must….pour off about 2 cups so it doesn’t
burst)
Yogurt
Nuts
Spices
Sugar/flour (even brown sugar)
I prefer to freeze using double zip freezer bags. We aren't storing for posterity here, just for about a month. If you are diligent about dating your bags you should be using it long before it would "expire" so I don't really worry about it.
Anything small or sticky (like raspberries or hamburger patties) place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid. Then place them in freezer bags. Do the same thing with cookie dough then you just plop them onto cookie sheets and bake them adding about 1 minute extra to the baking time!
Hardware:
Quart and gallon freezer bags
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Wax paper (use for forming/wrapping meatloaves/hamburger patties and separating cheese slices)
Disposable pans
Permanent markers for labeling and writing cooking directions on bags
Don't use glass pans in the freezer...just take my word for it! :)
Next up...... Cooking chicken 3 ways!!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Where's dinner? I don't know, it didn't come thru here!
7 pm: LONG day at work.....my feet hurt, my eyes are heavy and I just want food in my belly NOW!
What's for dinner? I don't know, what do you want for dinner? Anything, I'm starving! How about some chicken enchiladas? I'm way too tired to do all that work....what else? Hmmm, what about a nice bowl of chili? I didn't thaw any hamburger.....Oh for Pete's sake Mom what do you want to make?
What do I want to make? I want to make a bowl of cereal and call it good!
Forget it....here take my debit card, go get us some food. OK, do you want Wendy's, Carl's, Costa Vida.....imagine how this conversation ends! Frequently in a bowl of cereal.
Life was a lot simpler when I was a stay at home Mom and had time to plan/shop/cook. But enter reality not many women are stay at home Mom's and if you are it is most likely an endless parade of ball games, music lessons, DR, Dentist, Orthodontist and other appointments! We all need more TIME!!
Well, I can't give you more time. What I can give you are my hard learned lessons from stay at home to full time working single Mom!
From my frustration came the idea that if I could do some of the work ahead of time I could cut down the time from preparation to consumption!! Get it on the table faster.
So one day when I was off I went through every cookbook I own and wrote down 14 meals to make.
Then I made a grocery list.....then I went shopping! When I got home I divided out my hamburger, some of it I browned with onions and garlic. Some of it I made meatballs with and what was left I made a meatloaf with. Into freezer bags and into the freezer!! Happiness in a zippy bag my friends!
Then I took my gleaming new stainless stock pot and put in some chicken breasts. I fortified this with onions, carrots, celery and garlic. I simmered it until the chicken was cooked. Then I cubed the chicken and put it in freezer bags too! The stock I strained and poured into bags and stashed them in the freezer as well!
I also made a few meals in disposable pans....lasagna, Mexican lasagna and chicken pot pie! Let me tell you.....chicken pot pie is NOT a great thing to freeze! It takes forever to thaw, the sauce kinda curdles a little and it's not yummy. As I post recipes I will let you know if it's something you can make and freeze whole or if it's better to make it and bake it the same day! Trial and error.....lots of trial and thankfully not too much error!
My next post will be a primer......a general freeze or don't freeze list. It won't be a hard and fast list of laws because I have frozen some things that do just fine that are on someone's list of don't freeze! Likewise somethings that I won't freeze other people have had great luck with!
So that's it for tonight.......we'll get cooking soon!
Toodles
What's for dinner? I don't know, what do you want for dinner? Anything, I'm starving! How about some chicken enchiladas? I'm way too tired to do all that work....what else? Hmmm, what about a nice bowl of chili? I didn't thaw any hamburger.....Oh for Pete's sake Mom what do you want to make?
What do I want to make? I want to make a bowl of cereal and call it good!
Forget it....here take my debit card, go get us some food. OK, do you want Wendy's, Carl's, Costa Vida.....imagine how this conversation ends! Frequently in a bowl of cereal.
Life was a lot simpler when I was a stay at home Mom and had time to plan/shop/cook. But enter reality not many women are stay at home Mom's and if you are it is most likely an endless parade of ball games, music lessons, DR, Dentist, Orthodontist and other appointments! We all need more TIME!!
Well, I can't give you more time. What I can give you are my hard learned lessons from stay at home to full time working single Mom!
From my frustration came the idea that if I could do some of the work ahead of time I could cut down the time from preparation to consumption!! Get it on the table faster.
So one day when I was off I went through every cookbook I own and wrote down 14 meals to make.
Then I made a grocery list.....then I went shopping! When I got home I divided out my hamburger, some of it I browned with onions and garlic. Some of it I made meatballs with and what was left I made a meatloaf with. Into freezer bags and into the freezer!! Happiness in a zippy bag my friends!
Then I took my gleaming new stainless stock pot and put in some chicken breasts. I fortified this with onions, carrots, celery and garlic. I simmered it until the chicken was cooked. Then I cubed the chicken and put it in freezer bags too! The stock I strained and poured into bags and stashed them in the freezer as well!
I also made a few meals in disposable pans....lasagna, Mexican lasagna and chicken pot pie! Let me tell you.....chicken pot pie is NOT a great thing to freeze! It takes forever to thaw, the sauce kinda curdles a little and it's not yummy. As I post recipes I will let you know if it's something you can make and freeze whole or if it's better to make it and bake it the same day! Trial and error.....lots of trial and thankfully not too much error!
My next post will be a primer......a general freeze or don't freeze list. It won't be a hard and fast list of laws because I have frozen some things that do just fine that are on someone's list of don't freeze! Likewise somethings that I won't freeze other people have had great luck with!
So that's it for tonight.......we'll get cooking soon!
Toodles
Coming Soon!!
OK my friends, I am going to do it! This will be my blog for my cooking style, recipes and tips for making your life easier as you try to have it all!
Bear with me while I test and adjust.....please feel free to give me feedback on what you like (or don't for that fact...I can take it)!
Bear with me while I test and adjust.....please feel free to give me feedback on what you like (or don't for that fact...I can take it)!
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