After a month of depleting my freezer and pantry and then shopping some awesome sales and coupon match-ups at the commissary this week, it is time for some bulk cooking. In order to best serve my family I have spread the cooking out over two days as to not interfere with school or other planned activities.
I am doing something a little different this time and vlog my bulk cooking. I also have a great giveaway for those who spend anytime in the kitchen. I am giving away an absolutely adorable apron! Just click over to my giveaway and enter.
My Bulk Cooking Plan:
- Whole Chicken
- Chicken Broth
- Pizza Crust
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Salisbury Steak
- Taco Meat
- Refried Beans
- Enchiladas
- Rolls
- Bagels
- Two loaves of bread
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Waffles
- Pretzels
- Granola
- Banana Muffins
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Ambitious, yes. Doable, yes. I have big kids are able to help and I actually have a pretty good system in place for making this all happen.
If you are bulk cooking this weekend visit my recipe page for lots of frugal and family friendly meals.
I’ll post my video update including some new recipes on Monday.
klutzymama says
Hi! I’m new here, so maybe you’ve covered this topic before, but I was wondering how you can get by on $150 a week with such a large family? I enjoy cooking a lot of things from scratch, and I know that helps, but I struggle A LOT with maintaining my grocery budget. We are only a family of 4, but I spend anywhere from $110 – $130 a week on groceries. Any ideas or tips for me?
Thanks and I love your site!
TheHappyHousewife says
Thanks for asking the question. I wrote about our grocery budget almost two years ago, so I was planning on covering the topic again in depth during the month of March.
Toni
Christin says
This is something I really want to do more. I have just begun doubling dinners and freezing half and that has proved to be a tremendous help. Especially during my morning sickness phase of pregnancy!
Once I hit the second trimester, I will dive into this more. I look forward to your vlog! 🙂
Stephanie says
Looking forward to the video. I can’t wait to learn more about this. Thanks for doing this !
Melissa says
I make granola in bulk as well. My family eats it so fast, we are a family of 5. I don’t think people realize how easy it is to make some things from scratch. It does take time and I wonder if that scares people off but I have to tell you how rewarding it is to see how much your family enjoys it! Lately I have been cooking a little extra and freezing it to go along with other meals, like extra roast beef and roast chicken. I will have those meats available to make other dishes during the busy work week.
Andrea says
Do you freeze the salisbury steak before frying or after and then bake once thawed just curious I want to make these to freeze, thanks for the list Im gonna shoot for half of what your doing as this is my first time!
TheHappyHousewife says
Freeze after they are fried, but before baking.
Toni
Kathy says
Hi! Love your blog! I make everything from scratch and LIVE in my kitchen. I recently lost 142 lbs. and am focused on healthy cooking and eating to maintain my weight loss and NOT to gain it back this time! All my kids are grown, so it’s just hub and me. I always have cooking shows on my kitchen 37 inch TV while I’m in the kitchen. I love your advice, tips, recipes and how detailed, simple, and easy to follow and read your blog is. Thank you so much for the time you give to us adored fans and readers of your blog. Please don’t stop! Thank you!!!!!
tealady3 says
After many years of 7+children(and 27 foster sons over the years)I felt like I was the master of bulk cooking,I use to spent 1 Saturday a month making about 40 meals for lunch and dinner.At first it may seem difficult but with good planning and time management you will be surprised at how easy it really is Good luck every one.
Rachel @ Busy Mommy Media says
Sounds delicious but it makes me tired just looking at your list. What a great idea to make breakfast foods ahead of time too! I always think of freezing dinners but breakfast slips my mind.
Rebecca says
Wow Toni. I mean, sure the list looks do-able…but then I see all those things that use the oven and I think ‘she totally needs 2 ovens.’ Then again you have enough older kids you can just set at least one of them on managing the oven timer, and get those baked goods in and out of the oven quickly.
Oh, and I don’t know if you have made your own bagels before, but YUM. I had never had a bagel that tasted so yummy as one fresh from the oven. Of course, it was nowhere near round, but it was satisfying both physically and in a “wow I made that” way.
Kimberly @ Raising Olives says
I’m so thankful to bulk cook with a group of other ladies. I’ve done it a few times by myself, but not enough to get all of the kinks worked out.
Our next bulk cook day is Feb. 20. We cook once every 2 months.
Kim says
Great list! I hope it coming a long well :-). I had to put my day on hold with sick littles.
Courtney says
Fantastic! I always need to cook in bulk and need new recipes!!
April Driggers says
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m looking forward to my endeavor in the upcoming couple of weeks. I can’t wait to fill my freezer again!