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October No-Spend Month Day 6: 1-Hour Freezer Cooking Meals!

Hello again, savvy savers! For today’s October No-Spend Daily Challenge, as part of the #31DayLWSZ Challenge, I want to discuss my experience with today’s prompt, freezer cooking meals. 

1-Hour

So, to begin. I’ve been making freezer cooking meals for several years. 

Here’s how it started – After a few year of being married I  began to become both a work-from-home legal position, as well as a full-time caretaker for my grandmother. This new season of life turned my ordinary world, my ordinary life into a busy chaotic whirlwind of facsimiles, schedule medicine sessions, cleaning, care-taking, all while trying to cook dinner for my family. Often times, when I had an especially busy exhausting day I would turn to fast food, or home cooked fast food for dinner like boxed Mac n Cheese, hot dogs, or dare I say cold cereal.

In my heart, I knew this wasn’t the food I wanted myself or my family to eat, but because of being mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted I took the proverbial  easy way out. It was during this time I heard about easy freezer meals, meal plans where in under a few hours I could cook, prep, and freezer crock-pot ready meals in under an hour, which would yield a months meals. I decided to try it out.

My first experience: I cooked for a whole morning in my kitchen, finished 30 meals, and was no worse the wear for having done so. I felt so wonderful and the rest of that month I didn’t dread the dinner hour. The biggest change? My husband was so happy to have real cooking again, he began requesting freezer-ready meals be placed onto our month menu planning sessions; this in turn spurned my love of freezer cooking. So, you may be thinking, are freezer-ready meals great for my family?

Make ahead freezer meals for a month are great for people:

  • Who have busy lives and don’t always have time to cook a nice meal.
  • People who eat at fast food a lot but want better healthy meals quick.
  • Brand new mothers who just had a baby and need to rest or enjoy every precious minute of a new one.
  • Folks who are sick, elderly or injured and cannot cook.
  • People on a limited budget.

What can be frozen and what cannot:

  • There are a few items that don’t freeze well: Lettuce, cucumbers, bean sprouts, and raw potatoes .
  • Egg-based products: Hard boiled eggs & Egg based sauces like mayonnaise will separate and curdle.

What containers are good to use for easy freezer meals:

  • Gallon or quart sized plastic or re-usable freezer safe bags.
  • Aluminum pans, with crimp lids.
  • Lidded plastic containers. 

Here is a list of my favorite freezer meals:

So, everyone I cannot tell you all how highly I recommend freezer cooking meals! So, if anyone has other great tips for freezer cooking, I’d love to hear about it.

Here’s to saving,

niki-name-design

 

 

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DIY Mild Curry Powder & Rub Recipe!

DIY Curry Powder
Hello again, savvy savers! For this weeks Making More Out of Meals, I to share with you my recipe for mild, curry powder and rub. This blend is simply, cost effective, and stores easily... here's how to make it!
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  2. 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  3. 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  4. 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  5. 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. In a blender or spice grinder, combine cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes, mustard seed, and ginger.
  2. Process to a fine powder.
  3. Store in an airtight container.
  4. Enjoy!
The LadyPrefers2Save https://theladyprefers2save.com/
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Summer Salads Party!

Summer Salads Party 2015 Host Graphic

Hello again, savvy savers! With Summer soon upon us, what better time to turn off those crockpots, pack up those ramekins, and put up those gravy boats for Fall Family get-togethers, and spend a little more time thinking about cool, crisp salads!

With this in mind, be sure to check out this awesome Summer Salad Linky Party!

Check it out…

We are excited to finally be getting into the Summer Salads Season! School is ending soon, Memorial Day is almost here, we are getting into the spirit of the summer fun season! Bloggers know how to party and we think this is the perfect reason and time to have a Summer Salads Party!

Our Summer Salads Linky Party is the perfect place for you to find some new salad ideas, and share yours too!

Meet the Hosts

We love a good party! Don’t you! We’d love for you to follow our Hosts on your favorite social media so you’ll know when we are partying again!

Summer Salads Linky Party Hosts

Intelligent Domestications Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

My Pinterventures l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

The Evolution of Mom l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

The Lady Prefers 2 Save l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

Hosts 2 Summer Salads Party

The Kolb Corner l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

Where The Smiles Have Been l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

Inside The Fox Den l Twitter l Pinterest

Across The Boulevard l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest

$0.50 Per Serving

$0.50 Per Serving Caesar Salad
Serves 5
Good morning, savvy savers! If you’re anything like me, you are in the mood for the emergence of warm weather, and tasty summer garden salads! When I think of Salads, none comes to mind quicker than the king of all salads, Caesar Salad! Though some of the ingredients are pricey, I shop BOGO deals, Dollar Tree finds, and stockpile my goods, and once a month I treat myself to a midweek Caesar Salad treat! I can make this Salad for $2.50, and it feeds five; this keeps in mind both my weekly shopping budget, and my allotted PCOS diet goals. So, for me, in terms of Summer Salads, this beauty reigns supreme! Here's how to make it:
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Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 Small Garlic Cloves, Minced
  2. 1 Teaspoon Anchovies, Pureed
  3. 2 Tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  4. 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  5. 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  6. 1 Cup Low Fat Yogurt (I make DIY yogurt)
  7. 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
  8. 1 Teaspoon Cream Cheese
  9. 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  10. 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  11. 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  12. 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  13. 2 Large Heads Romaine Lettuce
  14. 2 Cups Day Old Bread
Instructions
  1. Puree two anchovies, set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy puree, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Add the cream cheese, yogurt, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and whisk until well combined.
  4. Taste test your dressing.
  5. Let dressing sit on counter, and meld, for 10 minutes.
  6. Now let’s make croutons.
Ingredients
  1. Day old French bread
  2. Olive oil
  3. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  4. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  4. Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.
  5. Now, take one head of Romaine lettuce, and tear into bite size pieces; place in large salad bowl for tossing.
  6. Toss salad with dressing, and top with croutons and additional cheese.
  7. Enjoy!
The LadyPrefers2Save https://theladyprefers2save.com/
  • Let’s party, pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite party beverage and stay as long as you like!
  • Link up as many as you like.
  • Be sure to visit around and find a new recipe for your family to enjoy.
  • Don’t forget to Pin, Tweet, Stumble or otherwise share the party and your favorite links!
  • Link all things salad; recipes for salads and dressings, sandwich salads, fruit or vegetable salads, cold or hot salads. At the risk of sounding a little like Bubba Gump we really mean all things salad, you get the idea. Link as many as you like but be sure to visit others and share those that you like.
  • I’d also like to thank Shirley, from Intelligent Domestications, for putting this awesome link-up together! High-five, diva!

Tweet: Summer Salads Link Party is going on now! Stop by, It's a Drop in party! @ LDYPrefers2Save #summersaladideas


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DIY Montreal Seasoning!

montreal steak seasoning diy

 

DIY Montreal Steak Seasoning
Serves 4
With Summer vast approaching, and Memorial Day just around the corner, I wanted to share my go-to Montreal Steak and Burger seasoning! This blend is excellent for steaks, burgers, salmon steaks, grilled skewers, and more! Enjoy!
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Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 tablespoons coarse, Kosher salt
  2. 1 tablespoon black pepper
  3. 1 tablespoon onion, dehydrated
  4. 1⁄2 tablespoon garlic, dehydrated
  5. 1⁄2 tablespoon red pepper, crushed
  6. 1⁄2 tablespoon thyme, dried
  7. 1⁄2 tablespoon rosemary, dried
  8. 1⁄2 tablespoon coriander, dried
Instructions
  1. Mix together and store in a shaker; stores on shelf for up to three years.
The LadyPrefers2Save https://theladyprefers2save.com/
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Easter Candy Cones!

Chandler Brisson

Hello again, savvy savers! With Easter quickly upon us, today I wanted to share with you all my Easter Candy Cone! This project is super simple, made up of stockpile and gift closet staples, purchased at the end of the last Easter Season, stashed in my stockpile. Check it out!

For this project I used the following materials:

  • An Easter basket; on hand.
  • Edible Easter Basket Filler; $0.10 for 20 ounces; purchased at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Easter Candy Bags, $0.10 for 40; purchased at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Easter Candy Carrots, $0.10 for 40; purchased at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Easter Candy Pops, $0.10 for 12; purchased  two packs at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Easter Salt Water Taffy, $0.10 for 40; purchased at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Easter Ribbon Spool, $0.10 for 20 feet; purchased at Dollar General after Easter 2014.
  • Ice Cream Cones; $0.60, using Coupons.com Coupon at the Dollar Tree. 
  • Twist Ties; came with treat bags.
  • Clear packaging tape, on hand.

Total Cost: $1.30 for 24 cones! 

I just love how simple, clean, and inexpensive this project was. I simply take ice cream comes, filled with edible basket filler grass, and added Easter treats, are individually wrapped, and placed vertically, by the dozen, for the upcoming Easter Season! Each cone is secured by twist ties that came with each back of treat bags, and any gaps in the cones can be secured with clear packaging tape, if needed. The treats can last for some time, so I am making several baskets for neighbors, church, and school for the family! This project is one of my favorites this time of year! 

So, seriously guys, how fun did this turn out?  Again, super simple! 

Here’s to creating on a budget,

 

 misty1

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DIY Crockpot Greek & Regular Yogurt!

DIY Greek & Regular Style Yogurt!
Serves 12
Hello again, savvy savers! With Spring upon us, so is the time for all things berries! And what goes better with fresh, organic berries, than fresh, organic Greek Yogurt! Today, I'm sharing my recipe that makes 1 quart, 1 cup of Greek Yogurt, or two quarts of regular yogurt, for only $2.20; that's an 90% off savings over commercial brands! This yogurt also freezes easily, makes for awesome push-pops, and can also be used in other dishes such as Tagine Chicken! Here's how...
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
9 hr
Total Time
9 hr 5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
9 hr
Total Time
9 hr 5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1/2 gallon of milk; you can use any brand, with a fat content.
  2. 1/8 cup of plain yogurt
  3. Honey
  4. Fresh Fruit
  5. Food thermometer
Instructions
  1. Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into the the crock pot.
  2. Turn the crock pot on the high setting, for 2 1/2 hours, or until the milk reaches 185 degrees; the milk will be hot, steamy, and just below boiling.
  3. When the milk reaches 185 degrees, shift the lid so there is a 1 inch vent for the heat to escape and turn off the crock pot.
  4. Let it cool to 110 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Next, add 1/2 cup plain yogurt to the milk, and do not stir the blend.
  6. Replace the crock pot lid, and wrap the whole crock pot in a blanket or heat sink bag.
  7. Let sit, undisturbed for 5 hours.
  8. Next, refrigerate the blend for 2 hours.
  9. At this point, be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the blend, which should be frozen, and can later be thawed as your culture for your next batch.
  10. Now, be sure to strain your yogurt. To do this simply line a colander lined with cheese cloth, place your yogurt in the cloth for two hours, while refrigerated, and you now have 5 cups of Greek yogurt!
  11. Making sure to reserve and freeze your whey for smoothies, too!
  12. If you desire you could add honey and or fresh fruit.to your yogurt, for a refreshing Spring treat!
  13. Enjoy!
The LadyPrefers2Save https://theladyprefers2save.com/
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Crockpot Spiral-Cut Ham Recipe!

Easter Crockpot

Crockpot Spiral-Cut Ham Recipe!
Serves 12
Good afternoon, savvy savers! With Easter approaching next month, I wanted to share with you my recipe for Crockpot Ham! I shop and purchase my ham at the same time that I purchase my New Year’s Ham, in mid November, and freeze it until needed; this cuts down on my out-of-pocket holiday rush-pricing. As well, the other ingredients you may have on hand, or can be purchased at your local Dollar Tree. I can make this dish for under $15.00, and it serves 12. The above photo was of last year’s ham, after being taken out of the crockpot, and it was awesome! Here’s how I make it:
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Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
6 hr
Total Time
6 hr 30 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
6 hr
Total Time
6 hr 30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 (6 pound) bone-in country-style spiral cut ham
  2. 30 whole cloves
  3. 3 cups apple juice
  4. 2 cups brown sugar
  5. 1 cup maple syrup
  6. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  7. 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
  8. 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  9. 2 tablespoons ground cloves
  10. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  11. 1/2 maraschino cherries
  12. 1 can pineapple rings, with juice.
  13. 1/2 cup dijon mustard
  14. 1 orange’s peel
  15. Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. The night before serving, take 1 cup brown sugar, a dash of salt, pepper, and a half a cup dijon mustard, and make a rub. Using the rub, slather this mixture on the ham, then wrap in saran wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  2. On a baking sheet, place your prepped ham, spiral cut sides up. Under the broiler setting on your stove, bake 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly on top; the ham should have a slight crust, but not be burnt.
  3. Next, remove the ham from the oven and place it in your crockpot.
  4. Now, taking your spices, vanilla extract, pineapple and apple juice, to make a sauce, and then set to the side.
  5. Next place the pineapple rings on top of the ham, along with the cherries and cloves.
  6. Now carefully put your mixture around the base of the ham, then cook on low for 8 hours.
  7. When the ham is finished, reserve the pineapple, cherries, and closes to the side for garnish on a platter. As well, be sure to strain the mixture from your crockpot, and serve it alongside the ham as an optional glaze and sauce.
  8. Enjoy!
The LadyPrefers2Save https://theladyprefers2save.com/
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