It's hard to cook on weekdays. There's always a busy schedule , with work and after school activities. A simpler solution is cooking ahead on a Saturday or Sunday and using those cooked meals for the week ahead.
Cooking ahead is not a new idea but it's a god one . You don't want to rely on frozen , processed foods all the time and you want your family to eat healthy too. One of the simplest recipes to make is sauce. If you don;t have time on the weekend then consider using your crock pot. Just pop the ingredients in and let it cook for six to eight hours while you get Saturday chores done or even want to spend time hiking or going to the beach The sauce can be used in a variety of different ways, from a traditional spaghetti to even a base for a chili. For the last just add some ground beef or vegan crumbles. You could also make chili in advance too. All you have to do is pair it already baked cornbread which can be bought at any grocery store. Another great go to sauce is pesto. This is a bit more labot intensive than tomato but worth it. The sauce begins with pulverizing fresh basil leaves with olive oil and slightly toasted pine nuts. (these can be omitted or walnuts can be subbed in), Since the cheese could cause mold when frozen omit it and add it later when you;'re ready to cook wth the sauce. Pesto can be blended with tomato sauce or use just on it's own with any kind of pasta.
Meat loaf is a week night staple. It's easy to make on the weekend and then freeze. Both uncoooked an d cooked can be kept for up to six months. Just remember to wrap it properly so that there are no freezer burns. The good thing about the meat loaf is that you can vary the recipe. Add a cup of barbecue sauce for a zesty tangy slice. You can even serve it with barbecue sauce too Another is adding chopped Jalapenos for a fiery change up. A family crowd pleaser will be a meat loaf made with Caribbean jerk seasoning Just toss in about a pinch so it's not too spicy. If the family loves turkey then thiunk about making a couple of loaves of turkey meat loaf. You can even make it healthier by swapping out the bread crumbs and switching in almond meal.It;s also good cold and sliced into sandwiches for next day's lunch . Ground meat can also make for awesome meatballs too, especially if you use the air fryer to cook them. Everyone will love a meatball sub with homemade sauce They'll also be good with the homemade pesto and spaghetti for a heartier supper.
These are busy days. Cook ahead and make the day less busier. It's still good food but without all the fuss.
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