WHAT TO MAKE FOR DINNER WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO COOK?

Freezing food is one of the best ways I know to make life easier in the kitchen. When I cook, I make more than I need. The extra gets divided into dinner-size portions and frozen. When I don’t want to cook but still want a good healthy meal, all I need to do is go shopping in my freezer.

But recently, when I was teaching the quiche class, I discovered that not everyone has room in their freezer.

I remember the days when opening my freezer was overwhelming and depressing.

When I’d eventually get around to doing something about it, I’d find heaps of unidentifiable blobs that were in various states of deterioration. Almost nothing was labeled, because when I froze them, I was certain I’d remember what they were.

That may not be your situation, but it never hurts to clean your freezer and familiarize yourself with what is hidden in there.

It doesn’t have to be a daunting task or take more than 15 minutes.

Here is what you’ll need:

1. Garbage bag

2. Cleaning solution – mix ½ water and ½ vinegar

3. Cleaning cloth

4. A bowl of hot water to help clean any sticky spots or crumbs.

5. Masking tape and permanent marker to label everything

Step one:

Empty your entire freezer on your counter.

Step two:

Clean your freezer including the door seal.

Step three:

Go through every item and throw out anything in these categories:

Freezer burned

Dehydrated

Discolored

Old

Mystery food, anything you do not recognize

Past expiration date

Bad smell

Bad taste

Anything you don’t like but froze just in case

Take the time to open any frozen containers to make certain they are still good.

Step four:

When you put food back, make sure everything is labeled with the date and what it contains. Then group the food by category; it makes finding what you want easier.

If throwing food away is hard for you to do, I suggest taking 15 minutes every three months to clean your freezer. That way food won’t get lost or go bad.

There are two great ways to discard your table scraps without putting them in the landfill.

· If you have a garden, take the time to compost what you discard; it will reduce waste and create rich soil for your garden.

· Use a countertop composter. I wrote about my Lomi composter LINK a few months ago. I have to say that every time I fill the chamber with our table scraps and make dirt (that’s almost every day) I’m overjoyed!

Since I find freezing food an essential part of eating well without stress, I do have an extra freezer that I wouldn’t want to be without.

I realize that buying an extra freezer isn’t an option for everyone, but if you have thought about it there are chest freezers that are very reasonable.

· 3.5 cu. ft chest freezer goes for about $150.

· 5 cu. ft – are around $230

If it is a possibility, I highly recommend having extra freezer space. It has been my solution to having good food every night even when I have no desire to cook. Cooking every night no longer feels stressful.

“Adeline, you’ve literally made my life so much easier. Thanks. I no longer get anxious thinking about what I’m going to make for dinner. My freezer has all the answers! Ha ha Best of all, my kids know there is always something good to eat when they are hungry.” –Dana Jones

Don't Miss this — Something New . . .

Does having quests over make you cringe?

Have you found yourself in the kitchen finishing up, when you hear your guests having lively conversations punctuated with explosions of laughter? That was the objective, but you wanted to be part of the fun. As you clean up at the end of the evening you feel disappointed, Somehow working all night wasn't what you had in mind.

Sound familiar? I can't tell you how often I've felt that and thought, there has to be a better way.

There is. Making your meal ahead of time allows you to enjoy the party.

I'll show you how.

Spring is coming (March 20th). It's time to think about Easter (April 9) if you celebrate, or a Spring dinner to welcome the new season.

Learn how to make an authentic French Easter dinner; in a series of three classes.

The meal starts with Asparagus soup, to take advantage of this early crop.
The main course is braised lamb with assorted vegetables. Lamb is traditionally served for Easter in France.
The conclusion is the classic French lemon tart. It's the perfect dessert to brighten your taste buds and prepare for what spring has to offer.

Best of all, every dish is made ahead of time! So you'll be enjoying the party along with everyone else.

Imagine how amazed your guests will be to taste this incredible dinner and realize you're enjoying the party instead of stressing out in the kitchen.

Dates:

March 5, 2023, Sunday 4 pm EST Asparagus soup

March 12, 2023, Sunday 4 pm EST braised lamb with assorted vegetables

March 26, 2023, Sunday 4 pm EST Lemon tart

Cost:

$20 per class

$54 for the series of all 3 classes

Find Out More