Time is so precious, and moms all over are trying ways and means to balance their time. With never ending chores, juggling your career, home and family, moms today are faced with a dilemma, and as tired as you may be, food has to be laid on the table. Planning your meal is a nerve wrecking task, and if you do not have your menus planned, you will end up spending more by eating out. Once a month cooking, also known as freezer cooking, has paved the way for busy moms and housewives to spend less time in the kitchen and more time for other activities.
Planning is the key to successful freezer cooking or once a month cooking.
Plan your menus for the month. Take into consideration all important luncheons or dinners you may have planned. Look for offers and deals in the supermarket and grocery store, as this is a wonderful way to save money and cut costs. Make a list of the requirements for a month. The first time you do this, you will find it quite an inconvenience, but once you get into a routine, you will be thankful that you started your freezer cooking. Knowing that you meals are ready for consumption, and with no more daily cooking and worrying as to what should be laid on the table, you will feel more relaxed and happy for sure!
Stick to your list
It is important that you pick up only the items listed on your grocery shopping list. Buying impromptu items should be avoided, as you end up spending more than you bargained for, and thereby not able to stick to your planned budget. Find the bargains for the month beforehand, so that such items could be included in your monthly menus. This is a wonderful way to save money. Bulk and quantity buying will save money if you visit the right store.
Pick a day for your cooking
It is best that you pick a day where you are not involved in other activities or have to drop or pick up your child from school or extra-curricular classes. If it is a holiday, see that you are not unduly disturbed, or you will find that your work is only half done. Some moms prefer to cook in the night as they find it more convenient, with much less interference.
Keep your freezer and containers clean and ready to store the prepared food.
It is important that you clean your fridge and freezer regularly, and remove all unwanted leftovers. Raw meats and chicken should be stored separately and not with cooked food. Preparing food should be done with the utmost care. Hygiene is very important as these meals are prepared a month in advance. Containers can be marked and put in the freezer, as this is an easy way to identify what is needed for that day.
Maintain a calendar or use a white or magnetic board on your fridge or freezer, so that you will know in a glance what your menu is for the day.
This is very useful for any busy mom, as you will be able to keep out the day’s requirements for the meals well in advance. |