My Adventures with Freezer Cooking, Extreme!

I know...It's an ad. But I LOVE it!
And I WANT it!!!!!!

Hey all! I've been on a little hiatus from the blogging world. Life just happens you know. Well, I've challenged myself to get going again on writing. I am taking a piece of what you will find at MoneySavingMom.com with the  "4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer" series, cutting it, shifting it and shaking it up a little bit. I have created my own list of recipes (which is a myriad of hers, mine and others)  I would like to make and freeze. And I am going to attempt to do it in two weeks, possibly three weeks. Summer is going to be here before I know it and I don't want to be tied to the apartment worrying about dinners, etc. I want to be outside enjoying the long days and warm evenings. There is so much that is offered in Old Louisville during the summer months, I want to be able to enjoy all of them that I can. So freezer cooking is one way I am going to be sure to give myself plenty of opportunity to do just that and so I'll stay away from eating out! I am also using this as a challenge to clear out my pantry!

Here are all the wonderful things I am going to tackle over the next two (to three) weeks. I will link up to the recipes soon.

BBQ Meatballs (x4 so I have plenty for my daughter's graduation party too)

Lasagna Casserole (using my normal recipe, but substituting whatever type of pasta I have on hand)

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Veggie Burgers

Marinated Chicken (easy peasy)

Southwest Rollups

Ham & Cheese Pockets

Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

Pumpkins Chocolate Chip Muffins

Glazed Cinnamon Scones

Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Cinnamon Vanilla Pancakes

Breakfast Hot Pockets

Breakfast Burritos

Portioned Baked Oatmeal (batch each of Chocolate Chip & Craisins)

Chewy Granola Bars (Smores and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip)

Cream of Mushroom & Cream of Chicken soups for use in some of the casseroles

Applesauce Granola for use in the granola bars

Baking Mix (homemade Bisquick, for use in various items) 

After I decided on the items I am going to make, I made a list in Excel of all the ingredients and sorted them so I could get a good estimate of what I would need from the grocery store. I compared what I had already and made my list from there. I may get everything in one trip, I may not. But this way I can comparison shop and also watch for deals if they come up. Most of the dinners I will be making to eat one night and will double the recipe so I can freeze a batch. My goal is to also do one breakfast or sweet item each night along with the dinner item.  

I will begin by grocery shopping Saturday morning. My plan from there is to get the chicken I need cooked and cubed, make the granola, homemade baking mix and then the creamed soups. These are all needed for other days cooking. I also hope to get veggies washed, chopped, and stored for use later to make my prep time during the week (after work, between soccer) as short as possible.  

My next post will be my full weeks plan. Can I do it? Can I get one to two months worth of meals done in two weeks? At most three?  I sure hope so... follow me to find out!I'll also be trying to post about some of the other things I have been upto during my break. Have a great week all! Enjoy!

Some of my favorite things...Spring has sprung!

Even though we have had a little late cold burst, which if you have lived in Louisville long, you know is pretty normal... Spring has sprung for sure.  Around the city you can see preparations beginning for the infamous Kentucky Derby. The Triple Crown of Running has been completed. The barricades are still sitting around town, because the Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon and Marathon will be run on April 28th. Everyone in the city has a spring in their step and it seems like Christmas as everyone is in a great mood, enjoying the festivities that will be going on leading up to the Derby race itself. To me, this is one of my favorite times of the whole year! I'll probably be posting more on Derby as events start taking place. Again... My FAVORITE time of the year!

The Derby is just one sure sign of spring!  Starting this weekend you will also find some of the farmer's markets popping up all over town. One of my favorites is Douglas Loop Market. They actually just closed their indoor winter market a couple weeks ago. The farmers there are awesome. On a beautiful day they will be bursting with people seeking everything from herbs, fresh baked EVERYTHING, to the weeks bountiful crops. My goal this year is to try one new item at least every two weeks (a goal I set only because I realistically know life can get in the way).

If you can't make it to the farmer's markets the I highly suggest you go meet Ron at The Root Cellar, a small market providing Old Louisville with locally grown produce, meats, eggs, dairy and more! He has provided me many great treats during the winter months. I recently got some Ramps (click for more info) from him. Ramps are wild leeks, like green onions but with a hint of garlic. I had no idea what to do with them. So I stored them best I could hoping they would stay good until I could do something with them... Well last night I had salmon patties and instead of onion I used a few of the Ramps. Wow! What an awesome flavor... little garlic, little spicy onion. I loved it. He has a link on his Facebook page for Ramps and wild leeks. Can't wait to try more! Be sure to stop by and check his store out! You will not be sorry you did!

Beach on Market Street in the NULU District!

Another fun thing to do this Saturday will be The Flea off Market! This is a monthly market held in the NULU district at Shelby and Market Streets. The food trucks will be out in full force (and if you have never eaten from a food truck, you don't know what you are missing). You will find everything from the typical flea market used items to new items made from old items. My kinda place. There will be many local shops represented! It is supposed to be beautiful this weekend so take a few and stop by. The NULU district is fast becoming one of my favorite spots to hang. I mean heck, they even brought the beach to Louisville! How can you not love this place?

DIY Louisville Monday Magazine Challenge

White Bean & Tortellini Soup

I didn't do much shopping this weekend so no real deals to be found and haven't really been through my coupons and ads yet since I spent the day yesterday with my Dad and kiddo's for Easter, so no Frugal Monday post. But I thought you might enjoy checking out the gals over at D.I.Y. Louisville who are doing a Monday Magazine Challenge. And of course I thought it would be fun to join them. I have TONS of magazine recipes cut out and full magazines with DIY cleaners, crafty projects, etc that I would love to accomplish, but yeah, like most they are sitting on a shelf or basket or in a binder. With the cooler weather coming in this week, I thought I would have one last round of great soup. Yesterday morning I pulled out the March 2012 issue of All You Magazine and threw together this yummy soup for me to eat on this week while I attempt to work on my blog and sewing projects. 

Here's the recipe White Bean and Tortellini Soup. I made my own chicken stock from a neck and back I had put in the freezer and added onion, celery, dried thyme and a couple bay leaves. I also wanted to use ingredients that I had on hand, so I made some minor modifications. I used some left over Rotel tomatoes and along with a can of diced tomatoes (and all the juices) with oregano, basil and garlic already in it. And instead of oregano, which I didn't have, I used up some fresh basil I had. The only thing I had to get from the store was the Tortellini and an extra can of beans (Great Northern beans) because I could extend the number of servings with this inexpensive add on. This is enough soup for me to eat on a couple times this week while plugging away at this Blog and finishing up the many sewing projects I have going and I am still able to freeze some for another cool down. You know we will get another before Summer gets here! 

ENJOY!

Ruffle Purse, Easter Baskets & a Magazine Challenge

This past week I finished up the cutest little girls purse for a friends niece's birthday. I had never really worked with ruffles but found this to be fairly simple. I think it is just darling for any pre-teen. After I finished it, I was wondering around JoAnn's (imagine that right?) and got thinking of all kinds of cute combinations of fabric for this purse. This one is going on my list of purses for craft fairs for sure.  Now I am working on a University of Kentucky purse with a new fabric they have come out with. So girly! I love it! Hopefully pictures of that next week.

Look what my friends, Kim and Julee, over at D.I.Y. Louisville are working on. These ladies are some of the craftiest people I know. They have wonderful ideas and create beautiful stuff. They also host a  craft meet up on the first and third Tuesday's of the month. Be sure to check out their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/diylouisville.  This week Kim made the cutest Easter baskets with very little work. Now, if I can get her to grow grass in them next year instead of using that other stuff!

The girls over there are also doing a Monday Magazine challenge. This is where you pull out all those old magazines that you have dogeared and saved for projects, recipes, etc. for the near future, that you have yet to accomplish. Here's one Julee did this week: Paper Mache Easter Egg. They would love for you to take on the challenge with them and post pictures of one you get done this week! My challenge: I'm going to go through my magazines this weekend and see what kind of Spring decorations I can make using items I already have on hand.

Enjoy! Use it up, Reuse it, or Recycle it!

Grocery Sales Cycles - When things go on sale!

Here is a great list of when items go on sale throughout the year. Hope it helps you in your couponing and planning, especially if you like to stock up on items like I try to do. 

January

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April

Easter:  Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November

Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

Amazing Coupon Deals for 4/1-4/7

Be sure to read the coupon policies associated with each store found HERE. Remember, due to regional deals, some of the in-store prices may vary. These make great charity donated items if you can't use them!

Allegra Allergy 5ct 4/1 Smartsource $7 off, most places you can get this for free including CVS, Rite-Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart

Reach Floss 55yd 3/4 RedPlum $1 off, free at Walmart

Carefree Pantyliner 20ct. 3/18 Smartsource $1 off, Free at Walmart and Target

CVS

Depend Silhouette or Real Fit 3ct Click HERE for coupon $2, $3.99-$2 coupon = $1.99, Get $2 Extra Bucks Reward which makes them FREE

Complete Multi Purpose Solution 12 oz, $8.99, Get $8.99 Extra Bucks Reward which makes this FREE

Advil PM 4ct (in travel size section) 3/11 RedPlum $1 off, $.99 - $1 coupon = FREE

Mars Easter Singles 3/18 RedPlum $1/2, Buy 2 at $0.50 - $1/2 = FREE

RITE-AID

Scrunci Elastics 18ct $1.99. Get 1.99 Up Rewards make them FREE

TARGET (click HERE to print Target Coupons)

Tums Freshers 25ct. 4/1 Red Plum $1.50 off. $2.49-1.50- $0.75 Target coupon = $0.24

GE Ultra Soft Light Bulb 4 pack $2.39 - $2 Target coupon = $0.39

WALGREENS

Colgate Toothpaste 8.2 oz 2/$5 - (2) 3/25 Smartsource $0.75 coupons = $3.50. Get $3 back in Register Rewards = 2 for $0.25 each

    *MaxClean, Fresh, White, Cavity Protection, or Whitening Toothpaste.

WALMART

Kotex U liners 18ct 3/25 Smartsource, $1. $1.24 - $1 = $0.24

Freebies from week of March 26, 2012

These are the freebies I received in the mail last week! The Tide Pods, Purex and Green Mountain Naturals have been available multiple times through their Facebook pages. Tide and Green Mountain Naturals sometimes let you sign up for these every time they are available. While the Purex only lets you have samples one time. The free coupon is from my Kraft First Taste account. Marley coffee, a sustainable coffee, can be found at their website or Facebook page. It seems lately I have gotten something in the mail just about every other day! If I can't use it, I'll use in a gift basket or donate it! Oh yeah... I also reuse as much of the packing everything comes in as well! Wait until you see the cute business card holders I'm making later in the week! Great use of some of this packaging. Enjoy!