As I attempt to streamline my household tasks, I’ve committed to making a meal plan each week and freezer cooking plays a vital role in my success.  I don’t do this weekly and sometimes I don’t even get to it at all in a month, but it’s another concept which helps reduce 5 o’clock fridge panic (that’s a real illness–it strikes hard and fast).

For those of you unfamiliar with freezer cooking, it’s pretty self-explanatory and simple–you put together meals that freeze well, stick them in the freezer and pull them out when needed.  Coupled with a meal plan, this can make your week of meals a breeze.  There are many helpful online resources for freezer cooking (it has many names–sometimes called once-a-month-cooking or bulk cooking).  Here are a few websites that I find useful:

Once a Month Mom: This site is dedicated to freezer/once-a-month cooking.  A great resource–Dig around and enjoy!

Tammy’s Recipes: This page on Tammy’s Recipes is a nice peek into freezer cooking.  You can search Tammy’s site for freezer meal tips and non-freezer cooking recipes.  I like that her recipes aren’t out of glossy magazines.  Real food for real families.

Life as Mom: This article on freezer cooking basics is helpful especially if you’re just getting started.

Moms by Heart: I recommend this site for those of you who, like me, want to adjust freezer cooking to fit you a bit better.  Freezer cooking takes time, planning and a good deal of effort.  Moms by Heart has addressed this and you might find her freezer cooking style better suits your schedule and needs.

Everything Mom: This page offers useful tips and organizing strategies for your cooking session such as what types of food freeze well and how to package your prepared food for the freezer.

Like I said, since there are dozens and dozens (actually, probably hundreds!) of online resources for freezer cooking ideas, you could spend hours looking at them.  In addition, many of these websites offer strategies, tips, and organizational tools for your freezer cooking adventure–if you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone!  You don’t need to do it all to be successful.  In fact, I’d recommend choosing just one or two recipes your first time around.  You’ll get a better feel for what works for you and you can carry out new strategies and recipes in your next cooking session.  Take your time getting started and remember–This is supposed to make life easier, not more stressful!

I’d love to share some of my favorite tips and recipes with you soon.  I’ll include my freezer cooking plan on Monday’s Meal Plan Menu.  In the meantime, please feel free to share your ideas with me!  What’s your favorite freezer cooking meal?