I think it is easy to get overwhelmed at the ideas of meal prep and meal planning because of what we think it means. It doesn't have to be complicated. Having things like the rice and pasta prepared makes it easy to prepare a meal even when you're busy, it's late or you don't feel well. I really like the idea of the prepared components. Meal planning simply means deciding what to eat. It doesn't have to be big menus with 3 course meals, it's just a plan. A post-it note that reads: spaghetti, tacos, pizza, roast beef, leftovers is a meal plan. Thanks for all the ideas and encouragement.
I'm 63 and have been living alone for about 15 years. I've always been one who loves to cook and I do a lot of cooking for the family. It's so hard to cook for one person and I have always loved to can and preserve food. I thought I did pretty good but Robin you put me to shame lol. I have learned so much watching your videos I guess you can teach an old dog some new tricks lol. Thanks for sharing ❤
Robin, I do same things. One day I cooked a big pot of veggie soup & a pot of chicken & sausage gumbo...another day a pot of red beans & white beans, froze in small deli containers (or butter, sour cream containers) & cooked rice & did same thing, put 1 cup into the small snack bags & then froze those bags in a larger freezer bag...next week I cooked a large pack of chicken thighs & hamburger Patties, did same thing, put in individual baggies & then in bigger freezer bags....two days of cooking & several meals to heat & eat. Great for winter or days just don't feel like cooking! Seniors gotta do what they can to make our $$$'s go farther!
Good morning, Robin! Your videos should be required viewing on Mondays - always good for a chuckle and a little sass! 😉 I've never considered freezing rice or macaroni - and now the brain is working overtime thinking about what else can frozen! Thanks for sharing more great ideas! Have a blessed week! 💗
I just got back from Costco to pick up 2 things for Christmas that were on a great sale. I happened to see a banner for Birdseye frozen garlic/chicken/pasta/broccoli/carrot/corn w/sauce medley on sale for $7.96 which is a $4 savings. It was a huge bag (3 1/2 lbs) that probably wouldn't fit in my freezer so I divided it up into 4 quart-sized freezer bags and laid them flat while zipping closed. I have 4 meals and each freezer bag only needs 1 tablespoon of water to heat it up in a pan. It is a complete meal for $1.99 and is a generous serving. I am so glad I watched this earlier today because I immediately thought of it when I saw the Birdseye meal on sale. I don't usually think of buying in bulk so much anymore but I was glad that you reminded us of how we can save lots of money!
I enjoy your videos so much. Today I made slow cooked pasta sauce with onions & peppers and butternut squash soup. Your "okay whatever" - is my favorite! Keep on keeping on, Robin!!
Freeze veg liquids in a continuous fill freezer container so you never have to purchase veg broth again. Same with freezer meat stock. The beans could be used in a soup or Mexican casserole when you don't have beans or don't want to make them. The bean liquid can be heated until thickened to make a dip or spread on tortillas. Fruit liquids can be added to juice, tea and baked goods or can be heated to thicken to use as topping. Anything you're taking to the trash should be thought about on how it can be used. I just used some liquid off canned yams as part of the water in powdered milk in homemade yogurt along with fresh frozen pepper stems as the starter. I'd originally froze the yam liquid to use in baking. Draining it down the sink is money down the drain.
Great ideas for using food combinations and prep! I freeze my leftover rice and meals in single serving size bags for a quick meal for one. Then I put those single size baggies together in a marked freezer bag. Love your idea for cookie dough balls. I will be trying that!
Sassy gal today : ) Love the idea of freezing rice and pasta. I freeze everything.... cook once....meals for days. I found out you can even cook eggs and freeze them (scrambled anyway) Have a wonderful evening!
I love to watch your program…. we are about the same age with winter coming here in Ohio. I’ve done that ever since I was little girl you get things ready in the pantry love the pre-cooking. I’m going to do that. Also thank you so much.
I freeze mashed potatoes, then prepare shepherd's pie meat combo. One of each, add some veggies and I have a delicious dinner. I do about five of each. Also freeze orange juice concentrate in the smallest freezer containers. That way it is always fresh and cold. The real orange juice.😀
I would do this sort of thing all the time if I were alone. However, hubby is not on board. I will keep trying to bring him along! Have you found a new home owner's insurance company yet? That has been on my mind since you announced it. I am for very small government, but someone must get ahold of these homeowner insurance and car insurance companies and get them back into reality. Take care, Robin!
I do this sort of thing and my husband doesn’t even know. He just knows I make delicious meals. We raised four children. It was a great time saver and still is.
I think it is easy to get overwhelmed at the ideas of meal prep and meal planning because of what we think it means. It doesn't have to be complicated. Having things like the rice and pasta prepared makes it easy to prepare a meal even when you're busy, it's late or you don't feel well. I really like the idea of the prepared components. Meal planning simply means deciding what to eat. It doesn't have to be big menus with 3 course meals, it's just a plan. A post-it note that reads: spaghetti, tacos, pizza, roast beef, leftovers is a meal plan. Thanks for all the ideas and encouragement.
I agree with you. It’s made way too complicated.
I'm 63 and have been living alone for about 15 years. I've always been one who loves to cook and I do a lot of cooking for the family. It's so hard to cook for one person and I have always loved to can and preserve food. I thought I did pretty good but Robin you put me to shame lol. I have learned so much watching your videos I guess you can teach an old dog some new tricks lol. Thanks for sharing ❤
You’re very welcome! We can always learn from each other. At 63 you are far from an ‘old dog’. Thanks so much!
Robin, I do same things. One day I cooked a big pot of veggie soup & a pot of chicken & sausage gumbo...another day a pot of red beans & white beans, froze in small deli containers (or butter, sour cream containers) & cooked rice & did same thing, put 1 cup into the small snack bags & then froze those bags in a larger freezer bag...next week I cooked a large pack of chicken thighs & hamburger Patties, did same thing, put in individual baggies & then in bigger freezer bags....two days of cooking & several meals to heat & eat. Great for winter or days just don't feel like cooking! Seniors gotta do what they can to make our $$$'s go farther!
Thank you Toni! I appreciate you sharing your great ideas. So helpful!
The sarcasm is strong with this one today! Lol
😂
Yep, and it made me smile. Girl, you throw that macaroni into non-boiling water as much as you want to!! Your kitchen, your rules 😉
@@christinabryant5725 I will thanks Christina! I try to suppress my sarcasm but sometimes it just jumps out. LOL
I hate when that happens. @@simplefoodsimplelife9632
Good morning, Robin! Your videos should be required viewing on Mondays - always good for a chuckle and a little sass! 😉 I've never considered freezing rice or macaroni - and now the brain is working overtime thinking about what else can frozen! Thanks for sharing more great ideas! Have a blessed week! 💗
Good morning Karen! Thanks so much. You are very kind.
Such great tips again. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. I too cook for one so appreciate any helpful suggestions.
You are so welcome!
I just got back from Costco to pick up 2 things for Christmas that were on a great sale. I happened to see a banner for Birdseye frozen garlic/chicken/pasta/broccoli/carrot/corn w/sauce medley on sale for $7.96 which is a $4 savings. It was a huge bag (3 1/2 lbs) that probably wouldn't fit in my freezer so I divided it up into 4 quart-sized freezer bags and laid them flat while zipping closed. I have 4 meals and each freezer bag only needs 1 tablespoon of water to heat it up in a pan. It is a complete meal for $1.99 and is a generous serving. I am so glad I watched this earlier today because I immediately thought of it when I saw the Birdseye meal on sale. I don't usually think of buying in bulk so much anymore but I was glad that you reminded us of how we can save lots of money!
Robyn, I’m so happy you were able to take advantage of a good bargain. $1.99 a meal is impressive. Thanks so much for sharing with me.
I enjoy your videos so much. Today I made slow cooked pasta sauce with onions & peppers and butternut squash soup. Your "okay whatever" - is my favorite! Keep on keeping on, Robin!!
Love it!! Your soup sounds amazing. Thank you!
Love the ideas. They remind me of other uses for things in my cupboard. ie. Walnuts! Love oatmeal cookies with walnuts!
Thanks a bunch!
I love it! ❤️ thanks for sharing
Thank you!
Freeze veg liquids in a continuous fill freezer container so you never have to purchase veg broth again. Same with freezer meat stock. The beans could be used in a soup or Mexican casserole when you don't have beans or don't want to make them. The bean liquid can be heated until thickened to make a dip or spread on tortillas. Fruit liquids can be added to juice, tea and baked goods or can be heated to thicken to use as topping.
Anything you're taking to the trash should be thought about on how it can be used. I just used some liquid off canned yams as part of the water in powdered milk in homemade yogurt along with fresh frozen pepper stems as the starter. I'd originally froze the yam liquid to use in baking. Draining it down the sink is money down the drain.
I keep my empty fruit cups to use for scoops for everything in my house too! I love seeing this😊
Thank you Christina! I find them very useful especially for small portions.
No measuring, no boiling, no spoon rest! You are such a rebel!😂🥰
😁 LOL…I can’t help it. ❤️
Great ideas for using food combinations and prep! I freeze my leftover rice and meals in single serving size bags for a quick meal for one. Then I put those single size baggies together in a marked freezer bag. Love your idea for cookie dough balls. I will be trying that!
Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated.
Robin, you are so down to earth! Which I love! What a great video!
Oh thank you Kathy! You are too kind.
Sassy gal today : ) Love the idea of freezing rice and pasta. I freeze everything.... cook once....meals for days. I found out you can even cook eggs and freeze them (scrambled anyway) Have a wonderful evening!
LOL…sometimes the sassiness pops up. Thank you Tracey! Be blessed!
I love to watch your program…. we are about the same age with winter coming here in Ohio. I’ve done that ever since I was little girl you get things ready in the pantry love the pre-cooking. I’m going to do that. Also thank you so much.
Thank you Diana! I agree. A little preparation goes a long way. Thanks for being here.
I freeze mashed potatoes, then prepare shepherd's pie meat combo. One of each, add some veggies and I have a delicious dinner. I do about five of each. Also freeze orange juice concentrate in the smallest freezer containers. That way it is always fresh and cold. The real orange juice.😀
Such good ideas. Thanks so much!
Great video
Thanks a bunch!
Another inspiring video! Blessings.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it Sabrina!
Hello robin! Meal components! I love it! AWESOME! You are special & loved! See ya soon! ❤😊😊❤
Thank you Judi! 🤗 so happy you’re here. Bless you!
Great ideas!
Thank you! 😊 Susan!
I would do this sort of thing all the time if I were alone. However, hubby is not on board. I will keep trying to bring him along!
Have you found a new home owner's insurance company yet? That has been on my mind since you announced it. I am for very small government, but someone must get ahold of these homeowner insurance and car insurance companies and get them back into reality.
Take care, Robin!
I do this sort of thing and my husband doesn’t even know. He just knows I make delicious meals. We raised four children. It was a great time saver and still is.
Thank you so much! Still working on the insurance thing. It will all come right eventually.
Love 💕 your new set of pans...i can see he upgrade 🎉
I do too Susan! My daughter bought them for me.
❤❤😊
I had no idea cooked pasta could be frozen!😊
Yes you can!
Great ideas!
Thank you Mary!