I am so excited to start this post because I am now enjoying nightly dinners without having to cook thanks to my new cooking plan where I seriously cook only once a month…AND I’M LOVING IT!!
Check out my freezer!! How cool is this??!!
1. Select recipes and portions
There is no sure fire monthly meal plan that will work universally for all families. So when I was planning what meals to make for this month, I chose meals that 1.) I know my family will like 2.) Are budget friendly 3.) Will freeze well 4.) Have crock pot potential 5.) Require fewer ingredients. As far as portions, with six of us (including three teenage boys), we are obviously going to need more than a smaller family. Take this into consideration when selecting recipes.
2. Figure out what storage containers you need and how you plan to mark what is in each one.
This was my biggest mistake throughout this process. I just went into the store and bought a bunch of freezer bags and foil containers. I overestimated freezer bags and seriously underestimated foil containers. I had to send My Better Half to the store halfway through the cooking to get more. So my suggestion is when you are planning your meals, mark down what you will be storing it in…freezer bag or foil container.
3. Clean out refrigerator and freezer for storage
I didn’t think ahead to do this so on my cooking day, I was cleaning out the freezer and trying to find room in the refrigerator to store my supplies until I found time to cook this.
4. Plan the shopping list
I can’t help but think, “He’s making a list and checking it twice…”. This is what you need to do. Go through each of the recipes and write down the ingredients. Then mark off what you have in your stockpile or pantry so you don’t buy twice. Once you create the shopping list, go over it again. I was certain I hadn’t missed a thing but I still had to send My Better Half back to the store…twice!!
5. Recruit help
This is not a mandatory step but I would still highly recommend it. It is nice to have someone opening cans, stirring, chopping, and browning. My kids helped me this time and we have some good memories from the day. They did get bored after about two hours but we had a nice dent in the cooking by then.
So those are my “preparing to cook for a month” pointers. I’ve got meal plans, recipes, and a grocery list to share with you. Make sure you follow along so you don’t miss any of the upcoming posts.
**Update: I have now shared recipes, grocery lists, and frequently asked questions. You can see those posts here:
Cooking for a Month Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking for a Month Recipes and Grocery List
I keep thinking about doing this. I’m impressed! I love that you included your kids in the process, too.
I’d love for you to share these tips with my readers at my Fabulously Frugal party: https://saving4six.com/2013/12/preparing-to-cook-for-a-month.html
This looks like it’s gonna be a good series! 🙂
Great idea!! I like to cook ahead so looking forward to your recipes.
I will be following along. Are you tracking your expenses? I think you will end up saving money.
Great post! I raised three boys so I know how much they can eat. Planning is the key. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I am so looking forward to this series! I’m just now learning how to do this, and I appreciate every bit of advice you can give. I never thought of enlisting help, then just realized wait a second–my husband was a cook in the Army, and HE can help with all the chopping and cutting up of meat! Woohoo! After all, he always cuts up the pork for puerco pibil while I grind up spices…he can help with this! And the container issue–never thought of that either. Now I’ll be adding foil pans to my list. Great post–looking forward to more!
I do this too! About 10 years ago when I was working full-time, I started cooking an entire month’s worth of food in one weekend, then freezing it. It worked out so well that now, even though I am retired, I still do this. The only difference is that I am cooking for two freezers now – mine and my hubby’s and our son’s who is living in an apartment and going to college! He is so appreciative of the food I prepare for him and it keeps him away from the fast food restaurants – most of the time. 😉 As for the freezer containers – I bought those glass (pyrex usually) casserole dishes with the plastic lid, one or two a month. I probably have about 20 of those containers, and haven’t had to buy any for a couple of years now. It sure saves money in the long run. I also utilize my crock pot – a lot! I have three of them! I will be interested to follow along and see which recipes you use!
I love doing this. It makes meals so much easier and makes it so much easier to resist eating out! Can you give some tips on freezing pasta type meals?? I’ve made ziti and lasagna and tried to freeze it but the noodles were so mushy after being baked for 45min that it was unappetizing. How long do you boil your noodles for when first cooking??
This is fantastic! I’m not quite able to pull off a whole month yet with a 4 year old and a 2 year old, but I try to freeze as much as I can. If you’re interested, I’d love if you shared these at the Gingerly Made Show & Tell party. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/12/show-tell-56.html
Carrie,
I am always so impressed with someone that can get this organized. This is the way I used to cook when the kids were home and I worked for a while outside the home. It really does save time and money. Great Planning! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and enjoy your weekend!
Miz Helen
Wow, this is so cool, I have so many questions. So when do you start cooking? 6am to 10 pm or something? Baking everything or just getting it all together and mixed and thrown together in a casserole dish? I’m in college and my boyfriend and I live together and meal plan and we do great over the week, I would love to know of some cool freezer meals to make. Thanks in advance! This is super cool and inspiring 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment and for your interest in Cooking for a Month. Since the post you commented on, I have written “Cooking for a Month – Recipes and Grocery List” and “Cooking for a Month – FAQs” You can find the posts below. Hopefully they will be able to answer all your questions!
https://saving4six.com/2014/01/cooking-for-a-month-recipes-and-grocery-list.html
https://saving4six.com/2014/01/cooking-for-a-month-frequently-asked-questions.html