Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tasty Tuesday: I need help!

As we try to fill up our freezer, it seems my cooking creativity is waning. Any ideas for delicious homemade frozen dinners? No, I don't want to buy a box of lasagna (a) because I'm not a huge fan, b) because that doesn't quite fall in the "homemade" bucket).

I know there are some creative cooks out there ... help please!

9 comments:

Jamie Bordewyk said...

Enchiladas, risotto and soup freeze really well. Then you can just make a salad to go along with them :)

Unknown said...

This is one of my favorite freezer staples: Chicken Chowder with Chipotle.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=833307

If you add the potatoes before pureeing the broth, and puree the potatoes as well, it makes the soup nice and thick and it will freeze much better. I add some extra carrots to bulk up the vegetable content. Add a salad, and you've got a complete and hearty meal. (I also round it off with a few corn tortillas in the toaster)

Pagel said...

Amber- I found your blog from a link on Lisa's and I LOVE it! I am not sure if you remember me or not... Courtney from Colorado? I was living in Denver and working in CO Springs when you were down there with LMB. Anyway, I thought I would leave a note(CONGRATS on the twins!) because I am just getting through my first year of mommyhood. My little Tanner turns one on the 24th. Time flies! Staples that we had in freezer were homemade pasta sauce, lentil soup, pizza dough and fruit. I always tried to look for things that could be quick meals, ie. smoothies, pasta, pizza, etc. Good luck with the little ones and enjoy!

MrsEm said...

How about individual portions of ground turkey and onions that you could turn into pasta, tacos, etc very quickly? I'd also stock up on TJ's burritos and tamales.

Unknown said...

I have a great and easy lemon chicken recipe if you want it, I think I have shared it with Kathleen. Susan

Amber said...

These are great - thanks all! Susan, I wold love the lemon chicken recipe - can you send it over? Courtney, of course I remember you! You saved me during my teaching days in Colorado Springs :). Congrats on your baby - my gosh time flies!!!

Unknown said...

Delicious Lemon Chicken

oven to (375 degrees)

In a large zip lock bag put 1 cup flour, 1tsp salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. paprika. Two at a time, put 3 lbs. chicken tenders and shake to coat. Into a 9x13 pan sprayed with olive oil place the coated tenders. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn over and bake another 10 minutes. After that pour the following sauce over the tenders and cook for another 15 minutes. In a small bowl combine 1/3 cup lemon juice, grated peel of 2 lemons, 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil, 2 Tblsp. minced onion (if desired), 1/3 tsp thyme, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Mix and pour over chicken and return the chicken to oven for 15 minutes. Total cooking time 35 minutes for this delicious meal.

I serve it over cracked wheat bulgar, but it would be good over rice or even just alone. Enjoy!

JCase said...

I made awesome chicken pot pies, spaghetti sauce, chicken tortellini soup and chili before my first (born in Feb. hence all the winter like meals). I froze them in tin throw away dishes or tupperware. Let me know if you want the recipes for any of those.

Karen said...

I have rediscovered the "crock pot" or as it is called now the slow cooker.

You can be quite creative, and put wonderful meals together when you have a (little) time. The best cookbook I have found is Art of the Slow Cooker by Andrew Schloss....some very elegant dishes! I have six children so I love that I can do dinner at a convient time .....

Karen