Most people have heard of the once a month freezer cooking method. It has been around for a long time. Creating a schedule where you can save the most amount of time and money creating your family’s meals is a perfect solution for any busy home. Once a month cooking usually involves taking one whole day to cook a month’s worth of meal. Below you will find tips for planning a Once a month cooking session.
But what if taking an entire day to cook doesn’t work with your schedule? You can still prepare freezer meals. My friend Michelle fills her freezer by cooking 30 minutes a day.
I actually enjoy cooking each evening, so instead of cooking meal in advance, I like to prep ingredients and freeze them in usable portions for future recipes. I also do a modified once a month cooking where I prepare freezer meals for busy days rather than every day.
My friend Amee preps and freezes ingredients for crock pot meals. Check out her list of crock pot to freezer meals for ideas if you want to try this method.
There is not one right way to do freezer cooking. The best freezer cooking method is the one that works for you.
How to Plan Once a Month Cooking
Having a Once a Month cooking and preparing session, you can create a perfect meal plan and eliminate the question of “What’s for dinner?” You can easily conquer the once a month cooking day by following these simple steps.
1. Planning
Doing plenty of research either online or through Pinterest can jump start your planning day. Check out some meals your family loves and what meals are perfect for freezing. Be sure to take advantage of crock pot recipes and easy oven recipes.
2. Schedule Your Cooking Day
Be sure to plan your day where you can spend hours cooking and preparing. Most moms feel like that don’t have that time, but having your children over at a friends house for a play date, or a fun day out with grandma and grandpa, can easily give you that time to prepare all of your month’s foods. Scheduling it ahead of time is the best solution to make sure you’ll have no distractions and actually enjoy your day.
3. Make Your List
When you go grocery shopping, be sure to have a list of all the ingredients needed. Take a look at what items you already have so that you do not waste money doubling up on ingredients. Another tip for grocery shopping is to search online for coupons online to save the most amount of money on your shopping trip. You can also use the Favado app to find the best sales on the items you need.
4. Have All Tools Ready
Make sure you have every blender, tool, or bowl available to start your cooking day. The main thing you’ll need are storage bags that can be used in the freezer.
5. Label Everything
By taking the time to label everything you have prepared, you’ll save time wondering and trying to figure out what is on the menu and what your family is planning to eat that evening. Also include each ingredient that you used in your label and cooking instructions to make it easier for
you.
Ways to Save on Groceries
- How to Save Money on Produce
- How to Save Money on Meat
- How to Save Money on Milk and Dairy
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Organic Food
- How to Get Started Couponing
- Tips for Beating Rising Food Costs
- 10 Ways to Save on Groceries without Using Coupons
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Amanda r. says
Wow. You have some really great tips here. I envy those that can do this. Labeling is key too. Somehow I always forget to label and date and end up tossing it because I have no idea what it is. Thanks for posting this. Cheers!