Preppy, Preppy, Preppy!

Back about 6-8 months ago, I was using quite a few of my weekends to prep for the weekly meals to come, but in the last few months I've not been quite as diligent about it. Well, today I went back to my old ways of weekend prepping! It really helps the rest of the week go quite a bit easier. So far, this is what's done:

* rotisserie chicken (in the slow cooker)
* whipped cream cheese
* baked pasta dish
* browned ground beef (frozen in individual portions)
* made serving sized bags of granola
* made serving sized bags of chips
* shredded cheese

Of the 3 chicken breasts, I shredded 1 of them to make chicken enchiladas this week; the other 2 may end up as a chicken sandwich or chicken salad.

The baked pasta dish is my version of lasagna based upon what I had in my kitchen. Instead of lasagna noodles, I used linguini. I found 1 bag of frozen (cooked) ground beef from my last batch & heated it up with some jarred tomato sauce, salt, pepper & tons of Italian herbs. Instead of ricotta, I used some of my homemade whipped cream cheese mixed with cottage cheese. Instead of mozzarella, I used cheddar. Everything was layered together, baked at 350 for about 20min or so; then eaten quite voraciously!



About 6 months ago, I read a great time-saving tip about freezing cooked ground beef; and let me tell you...it's fabulous! I buy 2 lb. packages, brown it, drain it, spread it out on a cookie sheet in an even layer & then stick it in the freezer. Once it's thoroughly frozen, I take it out of the freezer, crumble it with my fingers & divide it equally in 3 qt. sized freezer bags. It's a perfect portion for a recipe of shepherd's pie or baked pasta...and super quick!

I think tomorrow's freezing agenda will include breakfast sandwiches & maybe pancakes!