Freezer Cooking: Does This Really Save Money?

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

12 Apr 2007 03:57 PM

Since I have been freezer cooking for so long, I sometimes forget what questions others will have about it. So if you have a question, please, please ask. The information to contact me is below.

I received the following email from a faithful reader, who is getting ready to try freezer cooking out this weekend. We have been conversing back and forth and some of her questions have been what my articles have focused on.

"I don't understand I guess, how I am saving money when my grocery bill is going to be like $200? I have to really watch what I spend and I cannot afford to spend extra to try this out and have it be too expensive."

I honestly think that is a great question. The answer: Meal Planning. But the initial investment always seems like more, and it is, in a way.

First of all, if you are freezer cooking for an entire month (or even just a week or two), think about the steps you are going to take. You are going to start by choosing your recipes. Start with those. Look for recipes that do not require a lot of ingredients, or call for ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes (like a cup of frozen vegetables, is going to leave you at least half a bag more to do something with - look for another recipe requiring more vegetables, or double that recipe). After you have chosen your recipes, you are going to be making a shopping list. I first recommend checking out sales ads, then gathering up as many coupons as possible, and then going shopping. If you are purchasing items that are on sale or special that week, you are going to get an excellent bargain and I recommend you try to find recipes that call for those items. Sometimes browsing the sale ads before you choose your recipes can be helpful because you can get an idea of the type of recipes you should be looking for.

After you have bargain shopped, used coupons and received tons of deals, you will have all the food you need to cook. Then you create your meal plan.

Remember, you are more than likely cooking for a whole month. That is a whole month of dinner's you do not have to plan for because you already made up a meal plan! You will not be purchasing any foods for those meals throughout the month. And in addition, if you plan really well, you can take advantage of extra deals throughout the month so you are ready for the following month.

Once you are in the habit of meal planning and creating these meals, you will benefit financially. I promise. And don't forget, you CAN meal plan for lunches as well as dinners. You can find lunch recipes you might wish to try. There are plenty of sandwich toppings that could be frozen (think meatball subs, sloppy joes, even mac and cheese and spaghetti for a nice heated lunch).

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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