$ Frugal Tip $ - Freezer Meals

This is what I usually do when I buy large quantities of boneless chicken breast for the freezer. It's a lot of work at one time, but I hate chicken messes. I worry abut contaminating everything. I'd rather make one big mess less often than splattering chicken several times a week.

Chicken Quesadilla or Chicken Tacos
I boil off the chicken and either cube it or pull it apart(shred) it with my fingers after it cools. It goes back in the pot with some packets of taco seasoning and water to simmer just a bit. I package it in meal sized containers and freeze. A Foodsaver works well too. Just allow the meat to partially freeze before sealing because of the moisture.

For the Quesadillas, we use a flour tortilla on the bottom, layer the chicken, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies, etc. then top with another tortilla. Put it in the oven and you're done. My kids just like chicken and cheese on theirs so it is super easy. I usually heat the chicken up in a saucepan before I put them together. Having the chicken cooked , cut, and seasoned saves a ton of time.

Marinated Chicken for Grilling
Clean the chicken and cut it in strips or tenders - however you prefer. Put it in a Ziploc with some Italian dressing, BBQ sauce or any marinade you like. Pull it out of the freezer for an easy meal on the grill.

Chicken Fajitas
Cut chicken into strips, add Fajita seasoning. Either cook and freeze, or leave it raw and cook it when you take it out of the freezer. Even if it's only cleaned and cut into strips it saves so much time.

Chicken and Rice Bake
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup water
¾ cup uncooked regular white rice
¼ tsp. Paprika
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
To freeze: Dump all ingredients into 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Lay flat in freezer.
To cook: Thaw in refrigerator. Place all ingredients in a 2 quart shallow baking dish. Cover. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup uncooked regular white rice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
To freeze: Dump all ingredients into 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Lay flat in freezer.
To cook: Thaw in refrigerator. Place all ingredients in a 2 quart shallow baking dish. Cover. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done.
Try it with a can of cheddar broccoli soup and add broccoli florets for added color and nutrition.

$ Frugal Tip $ - Freezer Meals

Preparing meals ahead of time and freezing them can save you time and money. When I find a good sale on chicken or ground beef, I buy enough for a few months. I prepare a variety of dishes, or at least do some of the prep work, and freeze it. For example, I make 5 pounds of sloppy joes at a time and store it in 5 - 1 lb. packages. When you are hurried or not feeling well, just pull it out, put it in the crock pot and call it supper. It can be a life saver. I've been doing this on and off for a few years thinking I'm just about brilliant for finding a way to make my life so much easier. Then....I find out lots of people do this. They are more methodical than I've been. They call it Once A Month Cooking or OAMC. Who knew?

I'll share some recipes and ideas over the next few weeks.

$ Frugal Tip $

I like to use Downy dryer sheets because they smell nice and we have sensitive skin. When I try cheaper brands we end up with rashes. The only problem is they are a bit pricey. In order to keep using my favorite brand, I started cutting them in half. I like to look at it as getting twice as many for the price, and they work just as well.

$ Frugal Tip $

If you use hand soap anywhere near the way we do, you might want to try the foaming pumps. When it is empty, fill it about 3/4 full of water and then add some liquid soap - shake it up. You can add more or less soap to your liking. You'll be surprised how well it works. You wouldn't think it is diluted soap. We were wasting so much by using it full strength. A big refill bottle is lasting forever.

I reused some foaming pumps from Bath & Body Works and also have a cute Spongebob one from Wal Mart. The Pampered Chef has a foamer, but I couldn't force myself to pay $9.50 for an empty bottle.

I thought about adding some essential oil to the soap, but haven't tried it yet.