Marisa will be cooking her first full freezer meal menu along with you for our next Virtual Cooking Weekend, April 22-24.
How long have you been freezer cooking? How did you discover OAMM?
I have been freezer cooking in small batches for 3-4 years. I have known about OAMM since it’s creation, because Tricia and I have been friends since my oldest was a toddler. I didn’t have a membership with OAMM until I started working as a contractor, but I would pick several of our favorite recipes to freeze and work from one recipe to the next. It wasn’t until I became familiar with the system that I saw what an invaluable tool OAMM provides. I’m excited (and a bit anxious) to tackle my first full menu.
WHY do you freezer cook?
I have mainly used freezer cooking to give to friends in need, whether it is due to a new baby, sickness, or a busy or stressful season in their lives. I have meals on hand for my family for evenings when I know I’ll be in a pinch getting dinner on the table, or just don’t feel up to cooking. With this full menu, I’m looking forward to creating margin in my afternoons and evenings to spend time with my family doing the things we want to do without the responsibility of dinner and dishes hanging over my head.
How is freezer cooking hard? How does it make your life easy?
For me, I feel the biggest challenge to freezer cooking is carving out the time to commit to assembling the meals, which is ironic, since it ultimately saves much more time in the end. Of course, cooking day can be exhausting, but the benefits out-weigh the sacrifice of time and energy.
Freezer cooking makes life easier by giving back time. It eliminates the need to create and shop for a weekly menu, as well as daily prep and clean up. I’m really excited about having to do less dishes every day!
Tell us about your kitchen.
When we bought our house, we renovated the main living area. We knocked down several walls creating an open concept of one large room from what was once four smaller rooms.
By doing so, it allowed us to add a large island to our kitchen, which is fantastic for freezer cooking. I typically use the island for my prep and cooking area, and also any appliances I need. I place all of my food supplies on our kitchen table, so they are easily accessible, but out of the way.
My favorite appliances are my food processor, slow cooker, and immersion blender. And my coffee maker for a good cup of coffee to keep me going.
What is your best tip for first time freezer cook?
Well, since this is my first full menu I’m not sure I would have a lot of wisdom to impart, but what comes to mind is to try to pick at least half of easy assembly recipes.
Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before so you can get an early start. Have easy breakfast and lunch items ready and available for your family members, and order pizza for dinner. Wear comfy clothes and supportive shoes. DO NOT go barefoot. You will regret it! Eat lunch and step outside to get a breath of fresh air. Play your favorite music, drink your favorite drink, and have your favorite treat waiting for you at the finish line.
When all else fails, keep your “why” in the forefront of your mind. It will help motivate you when you’re hitting a slump.