This isn’t something I’d normally share on the blog (or even do for that matter) but since I’m scared of running out of posts for NaBloPoMo, I decided I would do it. Plus, we have that whole baby’s coming in a few weeks thing so it’s about time I get ready.
The goal of today was to stock the freezer with meals that are quick and easy to reheat. For me, that’s all pasta dishes. I originally had a long list with soups and enchiladas and all kinds of things but I’m working with a small freezer and figured a slow cooking soup would be easier to assemble than lasagna.
I think there were 200 of so bloggers participating in #BakingDay on Twitter (hosted by Money Saving Mom and Life as Mom) so if you would like to see other (much more ambitious) bakers and cooks, go check that out.
My day started bright and early at 4:30 when my dear sweet child decided he wanted to watch Spongebob. I tried for about an hour to get him to go back to sleep and then decided to get going.
First on my list was our favorite cinnamon rolls. One pan turned out fine, one burnt. In the same oven. At the same time. Someone tell me how that works. Not even cream cheese icing could help the burnt pan so we just have one pan of the rolls in the freezer.
We worked on ziti next. (Yes, that is a noodle on the floor. The beauty of having a dog is that I don’t have to pick up after myself.) I got three 8×8 pans of ziti out of one big recipe. Now whether one pan will feed all of us? I’m not really sure about that. I’ll share the recipe sometime in the coming weeks. It’s a fall favorite around here.
I spent forever working on banana waffles. I tripled our favorite recipe and ended up with 3 large plastic bags full. These will probably be gone within 2 weeks. What do you do though?
Got 2 pans of mac & cheese with ham and mushrooms for the freezer and 1 in the fridge for dinner tomorrow night.
And finally, a huge pan of lasagna. I ran out of mozzarella for the top but it will work fine.
I’ve got a few more things I want to do tomorrow. A couple pans of chicken spaghetti, a couple batches of pancakes, and maybe some muffins. I am worn out from today though so I’m not sure how much will actually get done.
You did great!!!
What a busy day. Everything looks delicious!
You did an amazing job!! Don’t know you did with your little guy! You totally have me inspired to try the same here!
You are so well planned out. Those meal will definitely come in handy when the baby comes.
Awesome! My kitchen looks like that now but I don’t have the excuse that I mad a ton of food : ) Thanks for inspiring me!
Wow! You did super! I love making cinnamon rolls, but it is kind of tedious work…it has NEVER occurred to me to freeze some. I’m definitely doing that next time I have a baking day! Best wishes on your newest arrival!
LOL – i have a friend who’s son asks — do you have a dog? or a vacuum cleaner?? (we have a dog too!) Looks like you are ready for baby! Congrats!
Hi, I am in the process of doing a freezer day and want your recipe for the mac and cheese with ham. If you can email it me or just post it on your blog. Thanks! You did awesome on your freezer day. You give me inspiration to do it.
Thank you.
Here’s the recipe:
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar
6 ounce package of canadian bacon, chopped
1 can (4 ounces) mushrooms stems and pieces, drained
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened. Reduce heat and add cheese. Stir until melted. Stir in canadian bacon and mushrooms. Add drained macaroni to mixture.
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 – 30 minutes, or until bubbly.