Fill the Freezer

Today I began another round of freezer meals (though I didn't finish!). With work looming in the next two weeks, along with the soon reality of having a Pre-Schooler and a 1st grader, along with dance, gymnastics, Daisies, and PTO activities.... freezer meals are must (so we can actually eat!)

I have added in some breakfast options that will hopefully help out with my darling girls and their typical avoidance of breakfast!

I have made many of these recipes before (**) and they can be found by clicking HERE

New recipes will be linked and you can click on their names. 

Yummy!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings**
Crockpot Beef Barley Stew**
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken**
Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken**
Cheeseburger Meatloaf - 2 pans**
Sloppy Joes - 2 batches**
Unstuffed Shells - 2 pans**
Chicken Tetrazzini (used Turkey in the past)**
Garlic Lemon Chicken**
Crockpot Honey Parmesean Pork Roast
Spaghetti Pie
Herb Marinated Chicken
BBQ Beef Teryaki Skewers
Poor Boy Steak
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Crockpot Pulled Pork
Turkey Meatballs
Homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade Pizza Dough
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos**

Egg McMuffin Sandwiches
Mini Banana Bread
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Egg Muffins
Homemade Waffles
Homemade Pancakes

Recipe Review: Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken

If you are looking for the EASIEST crockpot recipe you can find.... look no further! 

I love making this super EASY recipe! You even have yummy leftover to create another recipe later in the week! Enjoy!

Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken

Fill the Freezer

This past weekend I ventured into another freezer meal cooking quest. I prepared 22 meals for the freezer.... We are hoping to continue eat out less and survive some busy weeks that are in our foreseeable future! Most of these are crockpot meals, making them even easier to prepare dinner!!

Here is what I made:

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot Beef Barley Stew 
Crockpot Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Rice Bowls

Crockpot Chicken Gyros

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

Chicken and Potato Gnocchi Soup

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Sloppy Joes - Good old fashioned Ground Turkey with Manwich Sauce (we aren't too fancy)

Unstuffed Shells

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

French Dip Sandwiches

Root Beer Pulled Pork

Turkey Tetrazzini

Garlic Lemon Chicken

Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Crockpot Beef Carnitas

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
(I can't find my original recipe. This is super close, but I added dry Onion Soup mix

Guacamole Stuffed Chicken

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

INGREDIENTS

 
2TBSP Olive oil

1/2c. minced onion

2 cloves garlic.  

28oz. can of crushed tomatoes

12oz. tomato paste

13oz. tomato sauce

1 cup water

2TBSP white sugar

2tsp dried Basil

1/2tsp Fennell Seed

1tsp Italian Seasoning

 1tsp salt and 1tsp pepper
 

In a saute pan, combine 2TBSP Olive oil, 1/2c. minced onion and 2 cloves garlic. 

Saute until onion is soft. 

Meanwhile, in slow cooker, combine 28oz. can of crushed tomatoes, 12oz. tomato paste, 13oz. tomato sauce, 1 cup water. 

Mix well. 

Add in onion and garlic mixture. 

Add 2TBSP white sugar, 2tsp dried Basil, 1/2tsp Fennell Seed, 1tsp Italian Seasoning, 1tsp salt and 1tsp pepper. 

Mix well to combine.  

Cook in slow cooker on LOW for 2-3 hours.

Food

I haven't posted any new recipes lately and we have been trying 

A lot of them! Here are two links to two that we really liked.

French dip sandwiches

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/01/slow-cooker-french-dip-sandwiches-with.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+weightwatcherspointsrecipes+(Skinnytaste)&m=1

Delicious homemade chicken soup

http://www.eunamaes.com/2014/01/easy-homemade-chicken-noodle-soup.html?m=1

Freezer Meals Recipe Reviews

Before I get ready to embark on my new round of freezer meal cooking, I thought it was fitting to review some of the recipes I made in my first round of freezer meal cooking last month. You can view the link to these recipes HERE!

I am going to list the meals and links of recipes that I would make again. 

Feel free to click on the link and find the recipe for yourself!

Enjoy!!!

Crockpot Parmesean Honey Pork Roast

Black Bean Corn Salsa Chicken

Hearty Beef Stew

Spaghetti Sauce

Creamy Italian Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Spareribs

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans

Crustless Spinach Quiche

Crockpot Pulled Pork

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

 

Freezer Meals: Round 2

I am prepping for my next round of freezer meals.... here is what I am looking to cook up!

They are all new recipes from my first round of freezer meals 

(visit those posts HERE and HERE and HERE). 

I will also add some of our quick and easy foods... Sloppy Joe's, Spaghetti Sauce, and Meatloaf.

I am feeling a bit more prepared this time around and am preparing a week or two in advance this time. Last night I prepped my recipe spreadsheet. I listed each recipe and its ingredients. Now tonight I will compile all the ingredients into a master shopping list. I don't think I will be cooking for 2 weeks or so... still need to finish up our freezer stash from round 1. I will be posting some recipe reviews on those recipes soon!

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
BBQ Cranberry Chicken
Swiss Stuffing Chicken Casserole
Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Rice Krispy Chicken Strips
Lemon and Yogurt Marinated Chicken 
Wild Rice Chicken Casserole
Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Best Ever Beef French Dip Sandwiches
Lemon Oregano Roast Chicken
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells
Easy Sausage Breakfast Strata
White Chicken Enchiladas
Spaghetti Pie
Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Recipes, Recipes, Recipes

I have made quite a few new recipes over the last few weeks. 

I thought I would share them! I will link them up! 

They were all really good... I wouldn't share if they weren't!!

 Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

Crustless Spinach Quiche

Easy Sausage Strata

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Pork Roast with Apples and Onion

Enjoy!!

Freezer meals part 3

So today was the main day of my freezer cookies adventure. I did break it into a 2 part venture, though, since I was making so many things. 

Yesterday I made a double batch of homemade spaghetti sauce ( I adjust the recipe and make it in the crockpot), a double batch of sloppy joes and a dozen turkey meatballs.

 I cooked up 2 1/2lbs of ground turkey for the sloppy joes and spaghetti sauce and then made the meatballs with ground turkey too. 

Sloppy joes are such an easy meal for us because both of my kids love them (and my big kid too!) with ground turkey and whole wheat buns they are also reasonably healthy! 

For the freezer cook-off, I froze all of my meals in ziploc freezer bags. 

Here is my line up from today... 

1. I labeled all bags first with recipe name and any directions to follow or ingredients to add. 

2. I then grouped like recipes... Chicken, pork, Mexican, etc to make things move faster.

3. I put the freezer bags in a tall bowl to assist with them not tipping.

 

Besides the fact that I tackled this while Jim worked out and my children destroyed the house, it went really well! 

I have gotten a few new recipes in the last day and am going to prep those too (need to use the zucchini and basil from the garden). 

Clicks HERE for the recipes I made.

Click HERE for my shopping list spreadsheet. 

Happy cooking!!

My island getting ready to cook! 

The Ipad was super handy for keeping my recipes all pulled up to follow along with assembly!

Yum! Some of the ingredients!

Freezer Meal Prep: Part 2

So I posted earlier (HERE) about my venture into preparing freezer meals. 

Here are the steps I am taking

1. Choose recipes to make

View mine HERE

2. Compile list of ingredients needed per recipe

Click HERE

3. Create Master Shopping list of all ingredients needed

 Click HERE

4. Shop! 

5. Chop/Prep/Cook - Freeze Recipes

** Please note that my ingredient/shopping list was prepared for the recipes I chose and does not include spices or "pantry items" I know I always have in my house... spices, ketchup, garlic, etc. 

Please click on the direct links available in the first post in order to see directions, specific quantities and additional spices or ingredients needed.

Freezer Meals: Take 1

As I prepare to go back to work, I have been trying to think ahead with meal planning, cooking and recipes. Freezer cooking is a pretty popular thing, but one of the new things I have discovered is freezing/prepping crockpot meals. I am going to give this a whirl! You basically prep all your ingredients, package in freezer bags and then defrost the night before and add to the crockpot in the morning.
Here are some fellow bloggers who have shared their freezer meal plans:

Natalie
Jaima
Six Sisters
Stephanie

I am currently in the planning stages with making a master shopping list of the ingredients to shop for in the next week or two. Here is what I am planning to make. All the recipes have links to their original sources. A few of them are recipes I have made (and reviewed) before, while others are new to us! 

As soon as I am ready with my list and plan, I will share!!

Leave a comment if you are interested in following along and joining me on this meal planning/cooking trip!

Crockpot Parmesean Honey Pork Roast
Black Bean Corn Salsa Chicken
Healthy Mama BBQ Chicken 
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Hearty Beef Stew
Spaghetti Sauce
Creamy Italian Chicken
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Slow Cooker BBQ Spareribs
Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans
Crustless Spinach Quiche
Crockpot Pulled Pork
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Recipe Review: Chessy Chicken Noodle Casserole

 We have been trying out some yummy new recipes at our house... Time to share them!!!

A couple of weeks back we tried this yummy Chicken Cheese Casserole featured on Our Best Bites. 

It was right after Norah's party and we had some leftover fried chicken that I pulled off the bone and whipped up this recipe with. 

This recipe was super yummy!! 

EVERYONE ate it... and liked it! 

You know that never happens!! Ha!

It was actually a recipe I followed pretty true to form... again, that NEVER happens!! 

(Though I used pre-cooked chicken to use up leftovers, so that is how I did modify it.)

My one little tip: Sargento makes a shredded cheese called "off the block". It doesn't have any of that waxy stuff on it that makes it difficult to melt in a recipe, so it worked great it in this recipe. No need to shred your own cheese!! 

Enjoy!!!

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2013/04/creamy-chicken-noodle-casserole/

MPM

Our menu for the week... 

It's going to be a busy (BIRTHDAY) week, so I am not sure which days I am making what!

Panko Tilapia

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Crockpot Roasted Chicken

Turkey Burgers

Chili Mac

We are working through the freezer this week. 

All I needed to pick up were some random things... buns, pizza crust... I love weeks like that!

Linking up with OrgJunkie.com

MPM #8

I am back for another meal plan for the week. We have been eating really low key meals of late, which will probably be continuing now that the weather has turned and we can grill. I don't find myself making too many "recipes" in the summer... but I will keep meal planning!

Here's what we will be eating this week!

Sunday - Fajitas and Beans & Rice - Family Fiesta!!

Monday - Pasta and Salad

Tuesday - Chipotle - Teacher Appreciation Day Specials!

Wednesday - Crockpot Turkey Sloppy Joes

Thursday - Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Brown Rice

Friday - Grilled Turkey Burgers and Corn on the Cob

Saturday - Grilled Apple Sausage & Potato Salad

Yum! Easy, Tasty and Healthy!!


Linking up with OrgJunkie.com

MPM (we will eat)

We will eat this week. I hope!

Sunday - Chicken Fingers & Rice

Monday - Mini Turkey Burgers on Hawaiian Rolls with Pesto Pasta Salad

Tuesday - Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Skewers with Green Salad & Fresh Green Beans

Wednesday - Crockpot Whole Roaster Chicken

Thursday - Creamy Chicken Casserole with Green Salad & Rolls

Friday - OUT - Autism Speaks Event with Friends

Saturday - Grilled BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

ENJOY!


Linked up to OrgJunkie.com
To see other Meal Plans click HERE

Recipe Review: Crockpot Chicken Taco Bowls

Yesterday I whipped up these yummy Chicken Rice Taco Bowls for dinner! 

I had made them once before and thought they were super yummy... 

best thing is that they cook all day in the Crock Pot! Even better!

Ingredients

4 Chicken Breasts (mine were frozen)

1 can Black Beans - drained

1 c. Frozen Corn

1c. Salsa

1/2 packet Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning

 Cooked Rice - We prefer brown rice

Taco Toppings of your choice - We used shredded cheese & avocado

Directions

Add Chicken Breasts (frozen if desired) to Crock Pot. 

Top with Black Beans & Salsa

Sprinkle with Taco Seasoning. 

Add about 1/2c.-1c. water. Just enough to cover.

 Cook on low 5-6 hours. 

Remove lid and shred chicken. Mix all together. Add corn. Mix.

Let cook/warm for at least 30 minutes or so. 

Cook rice, if you have not done so. 

To Serve

Add about 1/2 cup rice to bowl. 

Top with chicken mixture. Add toppings. 

Enjoy!

This recipe would also be a good taco filling! 

Freeze leftovers. 

By the way... Sorry I never have pictures of my recipes. I am really bad at remembering to take pictures of recipes. And let's face it, many crockpot recipes are not that appealing to look at! Ha! They taste great and that is all that matters! So forgive me. I will work on this!

Source: I Heart Naptime

MPM

Here we are... back to Monday again! 

I am ready for Monday to be over! 

I got great (great as in slept for 3+ consecutive hours on 2 occassions!) but I am just dragging today. 

 Forgot my wallet in Jim's car Saturday night and needed gas this morning... like gas light on when driving home from preschool drop-off! FREAKING OUT!

Then I remembered my credit card was in my jeans pocket from when I picked up Chinese food! Wow! Talk about thankful!

Anyways, back to our meals for the week! 

We are having another low key week! I am optimistic that we will be spending lots of time outside! 

Sunday: Chinese Take-Out - Mckenna had a late afternoon birthday party to attend

Monday: Crockpot Chicken Taco Bowls

Tuesday: Mostaccoli with Italian Sausage

Wednesday: Leftovers/Something Quick - Ballet & Swim Night

Thursday: Chicken Bacon Quessadillas

Friday: Patty Melts

Saturday: Turkey Burgers

Have a great week!

Linking Up
Orgjunkie.com

Recipe Review: Crockpot Pulled Pork

Tonight for dinner I made Pulled Pork in the Crockpot. I have made this countless times before, but tonight I tried an actual recipe, as opposed to just throwing a few things in the Crockpot.

The recipe comes from a recipe card Jim got with some supplements he ordered! He just happened to leave it on the counter today not even realizing I was planning to make pulled pork for dinner! Weird!! Ha!

 

Picture Source: Bodybuilding.com/slowcook

Ingredients

2-3lb pork tenderloin or loin roast

1 small onion (sliced)

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1c. Low sodium chicken broth

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Red pepper flakes

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp dry mustard

Directions

1. Lay onion slices in bottom of Crockpot

2. In small bowl combine, brown sugar, paprika, salt n pepper. Mix well.

3. Rub mixture on roast and place roast in Crockpot.

4. Combine remaining ingredients in bowl. Mix well and add to Crockpot.

5. Cook on high 3 hrs and switch to low until ready to eat.

6. Shred meat and mix well with juices.

7. Serve on whole wheat rolls. Top with BBQ sauce if desired.

**I adjusted this recipe slightly from original source based on ingredients we had!

Enjoy!! This was so flavorful!! You didn't really even need BBQ!

Source: bodybuilding.com/slowcook

The nutrition information is available at the source site. 

MPM

It's Monday... again. 

I was fresh out of ideas this week when planning our meals. 

I need to hop on to some recipe blogs and get some new ideas. 

Will you share a link to your favorite recipe in the comments?

Sunday - Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts, Garlic & Onion Roasted Potatoes and Corn on the Cob

Monday: Crockpot Pulled Pork (new recipe)

Tuesday: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday: Out for Dinner (Ballet and Swimming) 

Thursday: Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

Friday: Grilled Turkey Burgers

Saturday: Out for Bill's 30th Birthday Bash

Linking up:

MPM @ Organizing Junkie
I Heart Naptime

Recipe Review: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Rolls

Last night for dinner we tried this new recipe from Six Sisters. 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Rolls.... or Chicken Biscuits as Mckenna was calling them.

They were easy to make and were really good! 

They made an easy meal paired with some chips and guacamole... they would be great with an easy salad or even as an appetizer!

I followed the recipe pretty closely... however I have a few suggested changes that worked better for us. I will show "my version" of the recipe below, but feel free to click the link back to Six Sisters' for their original recipe.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Rolls
Ingredients:
1 roll refrigerated pizza dough
1 packet ranch dressing mix (I really like the Hidden Valley brand)
2 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Sharp cheddar cheese - Shredded
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
About 1 cup shredded, cooked chicken
3/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup milk 

Directions:
Measure out 1 teaspoon of ranch dressing mix and combine it with Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Combine the remaining ranch mix with 3/4 C mayo and 3/4 C milk and place in the fridge to chill.

Preheat oven to heat specified on pizza dough package (usually it’s around 400-425 degrees).

Combine shredded chicken, bacon and shredded cheese in a bowl; mix well.

Unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll the dough out and use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 squares.

Place chicken/bacon/cheese mixture on each square.

When all of your dough squares have cheese and toppings on them, carefully lift up each square and wrap the dough around the toppings (Grab the four corners first and then squeeze the seams shut).

Place each roll seam side down in a lightly sprayed pie pan (or similar sized dish- I used a 9x11" and had plenty of room). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the parmesan-ranch mixture.

Place your rolls in the oven. I’ve noticed baking time really depends on the type of dough I’m using. Whether it’s different brands from the store, or homemade dough, they all take different amounts of time. Set your timer for 10 minutes and check on them after that. They may take up to 15 or 20 minutes to be completely done. Take them out when they’re lightly golden on top.
Serve them warm with a side of freshly made ranch dressing for dipping.

**If you would prefer, you can skip the whole ranch making steps and use bottled ranch. It won't alter the recipe. Jim and Mckenna ate these dipped in Honey Mustard. 

SOURCE:
Six Sisters' Stuff