021: What Am I Going to Make For Dinner? Freezer Meals to the Rescue!

12/26/24 • 15 min

Join Erika Sagert as she addresses the common thought: "Freezer meals sound like a lot of work." She emphasizes the long-term benefits of a stocked freezer, and shows how freezer meals are a game-changer for everyone, regardless of cooking experience.

Tip 1: Community Cooking
- Teaming up with friends/family for freezer meal prep.
- Example: 10 women bringing 10 meal kits each, dividing costs, and getting a variety of meals.
- Fun and efficient way to stock freezers.
Tip 2: Freezer Packs
- Freezing individual components instead of entire meals.
- Examples:
  - Pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings (assemble and bake later).
  - Dump Chicken: Marinated chicken frozen in bags (cook in slow cooker/Instant Pot).
  - Taco Packs: Frozen ground beef, taco seasoning, and toppings.
  - Marinated Meat Packs: Pre-marinated meat ready for grilling.
Tip 3: Soups and Stews
- Freezing large batches or leftovers.
- Examples:
  - Hearty Chili
  - Vegetable Soup
  - Chicken Noodle Soup
  - Beef Stew
  - Tomato Soup
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat on stovetop or microwave.
Tip 4: Casseroles
- Versatile freezer meal option.
- Examples:
  - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  - Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
  - Taco Casserole
  - Shepherd's Pie
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven according to instructions.
Tip 5: Ground Meat Prep
- Cooking large batches of seasoned ground beef/chicken.
- Use for various dishes (spaghetti, tacos, stir-fries).
Tip 6: Breakfast Bites
- Freezer-friendly breakfast sandwiches (English muffins, eggs, ham, cheese).
  - Here is an idea to get you started, adjust to your own tastes:
    - http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/2013/11/homemade-freezer-breakfast-sandwiches.html
- Wrap individually in parchment paper and foil.
- Include heating instructions.
Tip 7: Burritos
- Assemble favorite ingredients, wrap tightly, and freeze.
  - https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/freezer-friendly-beef-and-bean-burritos

To carry on the conversation, join our Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/HopeLearningCenter2

For daily insights and inspirations, follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hope_learning_center/

Or even more, subscribe to our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@theintentionalhomeschooler

To learn more about the work we do at Hope Learning Center, check out our website:

www.hopelearningctr.com

Tip 1: Community Cooking
- Teaming up with friends/family for freezer meal prep.
- Example: 10 women bringing 10 meal kits each, dividing costs, and getting a variety of meals.
- Fun and efficient way to stock freezers.
Tip 2: Freezer Packs
- Freezing individual components instead of entire meals.
- Examples:
  - Pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings (assemble and bake later).
  - Dump Chicken: Marinated chicken frozen in bags (cook in slow cooker/Instant Pot).
  - Taco Packs: Frozen ground beef, taco seasoning, and toppings.
  - Marinated Meat Packs: Pre-marinated meat ready for grilling.
Tip 3: Soups and Stews
- Freezing large batches or leftovers.
- Examples:
  - Hearty Chili
  - Vegetable Soup
  - Chicken Noodle Soup
  - Beef Stew
  - Tomato Soup
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat on stovetop or microwave.
Tip 4: Casseroles
- Versatile freezer meal option.
- Examples:
  - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  - Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
  - Taco Casserole
  - Shepherd's Pie
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven according to instructions.
Tip 5: Ground Meat Prep
- Cooking large batches of seasoned ground beef/chicken.
- Use for various dishes (spaghetti, tacos, stir-fries).
Tip 6: Breakfast Bites
- Freezer-friendly breakfast sandwiches (English muffins, eggs, ham, cheese).
  - Here is an idea to get you started, adjust to your own tastes:
    - http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/2013/11/homemade-freezer-breakfast-sandwiches.html
- Wrap individually in parchment paper and foil.
- Include heating instructions.
Tip 7: Burritos
- Assemble favorite ingredients, wrap tightly, and freeze.
  - https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/freezer-friendly-beef-and-bean-burritos

To carry on the conversation, join our Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/HopeLearningCenter2

For daily insights and inspirations, follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hope_learning_center/

Or even more, subscribe to our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@theintentionalhomeschooler

To learn more about the work we do at Hope Learning Center, check out our website:

www.hopelearningctr.com

Previous Episode

020 Can't Get Everything Done? Try These Four Daily Rituals to Get the Important Stuff Done!

Topic: Daily Rituals: Your Anchor in a Chaotic Sea

Daily rituals, such as the “Morning Ritual,” “School Day Startup,”” School Day Shutdown,” and “Evening Ritual,” can provide structure and peace in a chaotic world, increasing productivity and well-being.

Identify Non-Negotiables:
- Determine essential tasks that must be done daily.
- Consider incorporating elements from popular routines like Jim Kwik's MEDS or Hal Elrod's SAVERS.
Morning Ritual:
- Early Rising: The importance of waking up early, even if it's just 10-20 minutes before anyone else in the house.
- Personal Time: Dedicate time for quiet activities like meditation, prayer, or reading.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate exercise, like a morning walk or yoga.
- Planning: Review daily tasks and set intentions.
School Day Startup:
- Family Gathering: Bring everyone together to review the day's schedule.
- Individual Planning: Encourage children to plan their day and set goals.
- Task Assignment: Communicate tasks and responsibilities.
School Day Shutdown:
- Reflection: Discuss the day's successes and challenges.
- Cleanup: Tidy up the learning space for the next day.
- Future Planning: Preview upcoming tasks or assignments.
Evening Ritual:
- Wind Down: Gradually transition from work or school to relaxation.
- Mindfulness: Practice gratitude journaling or meditation.
- Quality Time: Spend time with family or engage in hobbies.
- Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

Conclusion:

Choose one ritual to start with and gradually incorporate more.
Closing Thoughts: Emphasize the power of consistency and the positive impact of daily rituals on overall well-being and productivity.

Additional Tips:

Flexibility: Be adaptable and adjust your rituals as needed.
Small Steps: Start with small, manageable changes and gradually build momentum.
Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or family member for support.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small.

By implementing effective daily rituals, homeschool parents can create a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

To carry on the conversation, join our Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/HopeLearningCenter2/

For daily insights and inspirations, follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hope_learning_center/

Or even more, subscribe to our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@theintentionalhomeschooler

To learn more about the work we do at Hope Learning Center, check out our website:

www.hopelearningctr.com

Next Episode

022: Will I Mess up My Kids by Homeschooling? Common Questions Answered.

This episode addresses common questions and concerns surrounding homeschooling, offering encouragement and practical advice for families considering this educational path.

Segment 1: Addressing the Fear of "Messing Up" Your Kids

Question: Will I mess my kids up?
This segment tackles the common fear of negatively impacting children through homeschooling.
Key takeaways:
- Intentionality and community support are key.
- Homeschooling can be a gift.
- Focus on continuous improvement and self-reflection.

Segment 2: Curriculum and Resources

Question: What in the world will I teach?
This segment addresses the overwhelm of curriculum choices.
Key takeaways:
- Many comprehensive curricula are available. Research reviews and talk to other homeschooling families. Some companies offer samples.
- Online resources are invaluable: Facebook groups, YouTube channels, and local libraries (some even offer homeschooling groups and events like science fairs).
- Resources mentioned: Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), Cathy Duffy Curriculum Reviews, Rainbow Resource.
- Embrace “life-based learning”: Use the world as a classroom (e.g., math at the grocery store, agriculture in the garden, life cycles at the pond).

Segment 3: Defining Your Teaching Style

Question: What kind of teacher will I be?
This segment discusses the flexibility of homeschooling and tailoring the learning environment.
Key takeaways:
- Establish a routine and structure, but be flexible and adjust as needed. Homeschool doesn't have to resemble traditional school.
- Focus on children's excitement for learning and celebrating their “lightbulb moments.”
- Understand children’s learning styles.
- Homeschooling can be a “second chance” for parents to learn.

Segment 4: Creating a Learning Environment

Question: Where will we do our work?
This segment explores various learning locations beyond a traditional classroom.
Key takeaways:
- A designated homeschool space is helpful but not essential.
- Learning can happen anywhere: living room, dining room, outdoors, in the car.
- Break free from the traditional “school space” and “school time” mindset. Learning is a lifestyle.

Segment 5: Managing Togetherness (Cabin Fever)

Question: Will we get sick of one another?
This segment addresses the potential for cabin fever, especially during challenging weather.
Key takeaways:
- Utilize social groups and activities (YMCA, library, church).
- Involve the other parent and schedule breaks for the homeschooling parent. Prioritize individual space and quiet time.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of mom having some personal time without guilt.

Segment 6: Socialization and Friendships

Question: Will my kids have friends?
This segment dispels the myth of “weird homeschool kids.”
Key takeaways:
- Homeschooled children have plenty of social opportunities.
- Examples: playdates, co-ops (the speaker started their own), church groups, extracurricular activities (Taekwondo, tumbling).
- Social interaction is readily available, and homeschooled children can have strong friendships.

Segment 7: Long-Term Commitment

Question: How many years will we homeschool?
This segment addresses the question of long-term commitment.
Key takeaways:
- The decision is flexible and can be changed.
- Focus on taking it “one year at a time.”

Segment 8: Financial Considerations

Question: How long can we get by on one income?
This segment addresses financial concerns related to homeschooling on a single income.
Key takeaways:
- Living on one income is possible with preparation, budgeting, and prioritizing.
- Strategies mentioned: using hand-me-downs and gifts, the at-home parent contributing financially (e.g., bookkeeping, teaching classes), parents working different shifts.
- Encourages creativity and flexibility.

To carry on the conversation, join our Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/HopeLearningCenter2

For daily insights and inspirations, follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/h...