Freezer Meal Review

This is a review of one of the 4 freezer meals I used from the internet via Pinterest.  The original post can be found here.  The meal we made a few weeks ago was the Creamy Farmhouse Chicken and Garden Soup.  To be honest, I had high hopes for this meal, but it failed on multiple levels.  So bad in fact two nights of leftovers in, I just threw out the rest because I just couldn't bring myself to eat anymore and I NEVER do that.  So what went wrong?

First, I think the title is misleading.  This was not creamy in any way.  Maybe I have different standards or my crockpot just keeps things really moist, but it was more watery which was my first issue with it.  My second issue was I had completely forgotten that I had to put in 2 bone-in chicken thighs.  So there were surprise bones.  The time lapse between preparing the freezer meal and actually eating it was maybe 2 months tops, so it wasn't like it was ancient history.  So I had to pick through a very messy assortment of vegetables to find all the pieces which basically fall apart when cooked in the crockpot.  The third thing was this meal had an odd flavor to me and by odd flavor I mean in terms of spices.  This seems weird to me because I like all the ones it calls for, it just didn't hit my taste buds right.  The overall presentation of the meal left something to be desired too.  There were a lot of floating bits of chicken like when you boil a chicken breast so that was not too appealing.  It was more or less a glorified chicken noodle soup.  If I am going to put that much effort in, I would rather have something tastier.

So, this concludes my reviews from all the freezer meals from that blog post.  I think the ratings are as follows:
Pork and Veggies - Probably would be better with the modifications I made, but probably won't do that one again.
Chicken Tikka Masala - Delicious, just makes a ton.  Definitely redo.
Creamy Farmhouse Chicken and Garden Soup - Clearly a no.
Beef Burritos - Came out well, may redo.  We don't eat too much beef and have a recipe for chicken taco meat that's a bit easier. (6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 jar of salsa, and a packet of taco seasoning mix, place in crockpot on low for 6-8 hours, shred chicken with fork)

If people wanted meals to try I would definitely suggest the Chicken Tikka Masala and the  Beef Burritos (or chicken tacos).  I am still waiting to see how my creations came out.  One should be in rotation this week, but with me feeling kind of under the weather, our meal plans went out the window last night.  Such a fine balance between having leftovers when you need them and time to make a meal when you have to.     

Happy cooking!     

Spring Wreath

I am beginning to wonder if Pinterest isn't funded through places like Michael's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics.  I feel like anytime I see something cool on there, I am usually ending up at one of these place to do said cool project.  Today was no exception.  Granted, I did want to go to Michael's to get Colin a decent Easter basket, but I didn't NEED to buy the other items until I saw a pin on Spring Wreaths. 

We have a fall wreath, a seashell wreath, and then usually something Christmas-y for the door during December.  I lack other wreaths to fill the front door during the spring and late winter.  I was inspired by this pin (website) for my design.  I still think that one looks a little nicer, but hey, this is wreath number two I have ever made, so I think it came out ok. 

Inspired and ready to go, I headed off to Michael's to buy supplies.  My sad hot glue gun, wires, and pliers were in stock in my closet, but I needed a new wreath ($4), flowers ($5), and some bling ($6).  If I had held out (read - had the patience), this project would have been a bit cheaper, but for a $15 investment, I thought it was worth getting everything at once.  I did save 20% on everything at least (hooray coupon!).

I basically just watched TV and puttered until I got a look I thought was decent.  Then I got the hot glue gun going and starting making it permanent.  After the flowers were in, I placed the butterflies where I thought they would look the best and then added the beads in various spots for sparkle.

Overall I thought it turned out pretty cute.  If I had wanted to spend more on the flowers I am sure it would have changed the nature of the wreath, but not too shabby for $15 and an hour of my time for the end of the weekend.  And now we have something for our door for the spring.  I am sure the neighbors will appreciate a bit of brightness in this dreary wannabe spring weather (currently wintery mix falling from the sky - hooray).

Couch to 5K

I have never been a real big fan of routine exercise unless we are talking yoga.  I could do that 5 times a week if only I could go to a studio and practice with people.  Have you ever tried to do yoga with cats around?  I assure you it adds a whole other dimension to your workout.  That being said, I have surprised myself with taking a recent interest in running.  Anyone that knows me would probably recall me poo-pooing the whole idea of running at some point in fitness conversations.  "Why would you want to do that to yourself?"  "How can running that long be good for you?" "You want to do a marathon?  Are you on drugs?!" 

I think having a kid puts your health in perspective.  I have been more physically active since having him and he isn't even walking yet.  It's only going to get harder from here on out.  I want to be the mom that can keep up (somewhat) with my kid(s) and enjoy spending time with them playing and running around.  And personally, I am tired of being the person who seems to be the only one who is struggling when we go for a hike or similar activity. 

So I have heard a lot about this program called "Couch to 5K" which inspires people like me who are essentially couch potatoes when it comes to running and getting them the ability to run a 5K.  They have a 9 week program which gradually walks you through the beginning and works you up to a 5K distance/time.  Straight from the web page: "Too many people have been turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. Their bodies rebel, and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves."  Oh hells yes I may have done that once or twice. 

My problem always was finding a running partner that was actually at my pace.  Don't they say to get a workout partner to make you accountable?  Silly idiots.  I would tell people, "Umm, I am not very good at this and I don't run fast."  I would eagerly be greeted by "Oh me either!  It'll be fun!"  And so off we go and I was always the one, without fail, who wanted to die 10 minutes in.  I would think, ok, if this is my "this is really hard" and they are still moving and getting on with what appears to be at least 75% more ease than me, I must really suck at this.  Which eventually leads to - why bother?  Talk about demotivation.

So I have finally said, screw this, I'll figure out how to do this on my own and for ME.  So I finally looked into the program which is spelled out pretty clearly on the website and gave it some serious thought.  I was finally kicked in the rear when I found a 3 mile path that went right by our door.  Ok, this is it!  To really talk myself into this, I did the whole 3 miles walking and figured out the absolute maximum time it would take to complete.  For some reason my brain works better if I can plan out the maximum time rather than the actual time.  So I did the 3 miles in just under an hour so I knew that it would probably take less time than that for any workout and thus could form a plan of attack.

I have completed 3 weeks (although it's taken me about 5 due to weather and other nonsense) so far and I am excited and scared to start week 4.  I thought running for 3 minutes was a huge accomplishment, 5 seems a bit of a leap.  I might be repeating week 3 for a while.  But that's the beauty of this program.  You can set your own pace and expectation level. 

I think it's amazing I am still attempting any of this.  I got out in the coldest crappiest weather (for here) in the middle of February including one day in the cold rain, and I still want to do this.  I think spring is going to be down right delightful after what I have been out in.  At the end of the day, I want to be able to go out for 30 minutes, 3 times a week and get the recommended fitness box checked.  Do something to prolong my youthful years and if I loose weight and build muscle tone, all the better.

As a side note, I think it's hilarious how much physical activity can cost you once you think you really want to be "into it".  I am going to get fitted for a pair of running shoes for the first time ever.  I usually just pull a pair off the rack and say, ok, close enough!  But apparently, having the right shoes (and more importantly, the right fit) help a lot.  Since I am still going on this, I figure I can go ahead and make that investment.  And of course, buy new running capris and various other accessories.  Although I will say, March appears to be the time to buy fitness things because it's all on clearance now.  I guess if they didn't get you for New Year's Resolutions, they have already lost their top profit margin period.  Hahaha.

Happy trails!

Fettuccine Carbonara

I apparently am on a Foodie kick lately.  In a sort of panic on what to make for dinner Sunday, I asked my husband to pick something.  He came up with Fettuccine Carbonara which seemed to hit the mark for quickness to put together and the food mood we were in.  I am not from an Italian family, but there's something about a big pasta meal on Sunday that just seems right.

Fettuccine Carbonara
6 slice of bacon diced
1/4 cup of onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
3 eggs
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (this makes it spicy which we like, but you can dial it back if it's too much for you)
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 pound Fettuccine (we actually had half a box of linguine and half a box of thin spaghetti, worked fine)

Put the water on the for the pasta.
Place bacon, onion and garlic in a medium frying pan over low heat for 12 minutes.
Boil pasta for 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a small bowl.  Add the Parmesan cheese, red pepper and black pepper.

When pasta is done, drain and place in a large bowl.  Pour the bacon mixture over the pasta and toss quickly.  Then immediately add in the egg mixture and toss to coat.  Serve and enjoy!

It might not be the fanciest version of this meal, but it sure was delightful!  I was so thankful we actually had bacon in the house which made this meal possible.  Kind of makes it a case to always have bacon in the house.  Haha.

Parmesan Chicken

So as promised, here's the second meal I choose to freeze using the LDMM.  This recipe comes from my sister and I am sure it's going to be excellent.  So without further ado, here we go!  These are her exact notes:

One of the things that can be dispiriting about skinless, boneless chicken breasts is that they lack the luscious contrast between crisp golden skin and moist, tender meat.  Not here.  Use English muffin crumbs and Parmesan cheese to make a coating for the chicken.  This is classic comfort food without too much fat.  The chicken can marinate in the mustard mixture, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 hours.

3 Tablspoons Dijon mustard (or any favorite mustard)
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (or we use just white vinegar for some kick)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly, ground black pepper
6 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts, rinsed and patter dry (scant 2 pounds total - To get this, we just took 3 big chicken breasts and cut them in half, and when I say we, I mean my husband did this part while I was pulsing cumbs)

1 1/2 English Muffins
3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (she recommends the fresh stuff, not the can, but I think either would work, just fresh is best))
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon melted butter
1-2 Tablespoons fresh herbs if desired - parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, etc (I used a bit of fried mixed Italian herbs)

White together the marinade in a large bowl.  Add chicken, tossing well to coat. (This is where I put everything into a Gallon size Freezer bag and label it "Chicken Marinade" and set aside).

Pulse English muffins in a food processor until finely ground.  Add cheese, butter and black pepper.  Pulse until well combined.  Transfer to shallow dish or pie plate.  (This is where I put the crumb mixture into another Gallon size Freezer bag and label it "Breading" and set aside).

Put both of those Freezer bags into another Gallon size Freezer bag.  Also include a packet of potatoes (Betty Crocker) and a frozen vegetable of your choice for 4 servings.  On the outside of the bag write the instructions:
Preheat oven to 450*.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Dredge chicken one piece at a time in crumbs, coating completely and pressing gently so crumbs adhere then transfer to baking sheet.  Bake until golden brown, and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

Ta da!  Another meal ready for the freezer which hopefully will make another easy night of dinners.  I would guess the time to make this meal from start to finish would be about 30 minutes (10 minute oven warm up used to prep chicken and then cook time can be used to prep side dishes).

Stocking The Freezer

So in my mission to not have to be in the kitchen as much during the coming months, I took it upon myself (with my husband as my sous chef - he did excellent!) to identify some meals for freezing now to cook later.  This time I broke away from the crock pot theme and tried to go for something more like the Let's Dish version of freezing meals.  For those who do not know Let's Dish is a place you make your own meals for freezing which you can cook either in the oven, on the stove, or sometimes the crock pot too.  They have all the food and recipes ready for you with cooking instructions, so you basically just assemble your meals.  I love the concept and I have been twice (thank you Groupon!), but I do find it a bit pricey.  It's not completely outrageous, but it does require you dropping about $25 a meal (serves 5-6). You get a lot of food and the convenience factor, but being me, I'll figure out how to recreate it at home.

So, I picked two easier meals which I think will come out just fine with the Let's Dish Meal Method.  Maybe I out to abbreviate that, LDMM.  Ok, I am going to go with that. The first batter up; Pork Tenderloins with Pan Sauce which I wrote about a while ago on the topic of Pinterest.  It was pretty fabulous and some of the recent meals I have used from Let's Dish (I am shortening that too - LD) have been pork in a marinade which you cook in the oven plus some kind of side dish with it.  So I figured this would be perfect to try it out.  I mean honestly, how often do we think, oh I have time to marinade that?  With a baby in the house, I can assure you that train of thought goes right out the window.  So here's the recipe from Chef Mommy  (My notes are in italics):

Ingredients (for marinade):
1⁄2 cups olive oil
1⁄3 cup soy sauce
1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon (this is about 1 tablespoon if you just have juice like myself)
1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (I used dried)
2 tsp dry mustard
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1-lb. pork tenderloin (silver skin removed) (In my opinion this is a lot of marinade for 1 tenderloin, I did 2 tenderloins somewhere between 2-3 pounds and it was still plenty)

Directions:
Combine all marinade ingredients and reserve 2-3 Tbsp (I reserved 4-6 Tbsp since I used two pork tenderloins instead of one). Place the pork tenderloin and marinade in a Gallon size Freezer Ziplock bag and let marinate for at least 3-4 hours. (It will marinate while thawing, so have no fear, it'll still be a happy pork tenderloin in the end).  I put the pork and marinade in the bag and write "Pork Marinade" on it.  
In another Quart size Freezer bag, I put enough frozen peas for 4-5 servings.
In another Quart size Freezer bag, I put the ingredients for the Pan Sauce (and label it as such):

Ingredients for Pan Sauce:
Pan scrapings from pork tenderloin (will come when you actually do the cooking)
1/2 cup (~1 cup, maybe less, I think you don't need as much, maybe go 3/4 - 1 cup) of chicken broth
2-3 tbsp (4-6 Tbsp) of pork marinade (thoroughly mixed)
1-2 tsp (1 Tbsp) butter

I also write the instructions (or an abbreviated version of them) for making the pan sauce on this bag (I realize it says to add chicken broth first to get up brown bits - I rarely have brown bits because I use non-stick pans, but you could freeze the chicken broth separately OR just add it in if you always have it in your pantry.  Just use your best judgement.  I think it's not going to overly affect the outcome so I just tossed it all together.  You may feel differently.):
Meanwhile, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned pieces from the bottom of the pan. Add the marinade and let it boil down for 2-3 minutes. Add the butter and remove from heat stirring until butter has melted. Pour over the pork tenderloin.

I put all 3 of those bags plus a packet of Better Crocker Potato flakes (with the name and ingredients need listed on that bag in marker) into another Gallon size Freezer bag (yes it will fit :) ).  Then I wrote the following instructions on the outside of that bag:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear each side of tenderloin for 2-3 minutes. Place in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes or until the meat has reached 160 degrees. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

***When defrosting, remove peas and keep frozen.  Remove the potatoes and set on counter, otherwise the bag will get damp from moisture from the thawing process. I think it would be protected since the bag is kind of foil lined, but if you can remove it first, that would probably be better.

So in the end you will have a bag that looks like this:

It's full, but it's a pre-packaged meal ready for action whenever you need it.  If you had thawed this bag out, I think it would probably take an hour start to finish to have your meal ready.  And yes, sure, we usually have peas and probably would have the potatoes on hand, but ya know what?  They are now sitting happy with this meal and there's no guessing or relying on the old memory bank (which seems to be spotty lately) for making sure you have the other food to go with your main dish.  And maybe you aren't like us with random pantry staples and it would be a really good idea to have everything together and ready.  Either way, I like this method, it allows you to just grab and go.  Maybe you'll like it too. :)

I'll share the next LDMM recipe in my next post.

DIY Coasters

I decided to take a stab at making some kind of fun coasters last weekend.  I have had the scrapbook paper on hand for a few months (6 sheets for $1 sale - wohoo!).  I finally picked up some 4x4 tiles at Home Depot after a long hiatus from that store.  Do you ever notice how you can just drop $100 in there without much trouble?  Of course, buying random things you have put off for months probably doesn't help.


ANYWHO!  Here we go.  Materials needed are as follows:

4 - 4x4 tiles
1 - piece of scrapbook paper
Mod Podge

Tools:
Pencil
Scissors
Foam brush for Mod Podge






Trace out your 4x4 tiles onto your paper.

 

 Cut out the paper.

 

I recommend doing a dry run fit test before applying the Mod Podge.  I had to trim down my pieces to get them to fit.  Once you have the size you want, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge with your sponge brush.

 Apply your paper and smooth out all the bubbles.

 Once the paper has had a chance to set, apply another thin coat over the top.

 And there you have it, one of a kind coasters.

Total investment for this project $1.68 ($0.16/tile, $0.17 paper, $0.87 for foam brush).  You could go a step further and put felt circles on the bottom to protect you surfaces, but if you don't care then you are done.   I honestly don't think there's a cheaper DIY project that doesn't look like a 4 year old colored on construction paper.  :)  Enjoy!