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If you regularly cook for your family, you’ll probably find, as I do, that some of the biggest challenges you face in a typical week revolve around coming up with a constant stream of nutritious meals, whilst fitting things in around your family’s schedule and dietary requirements. This is when a bit of meal planning comes into its own, as do shortcuts by way of handy items that can easily be pulled out of the freezer.
How can the freezer help?
- I keep key items on hand, ready for when I’ve not had time to plan ahead, allowing me to quickly and easily rustle up a healthy family meal, such as frozen rice for stuffed vegetables or one-pot dishes, frozen chopped onions, frozen fruit (for quick smoothies), frozen seafood such as king prawns and salmon fillets for fishy pasta, and frozen pastry for quick my quick chicken pie.
- Frozen food, especially frozen veggies, can often be just as good frozen as fresh
- The freezer can act as a great back up, saving space in the fridge
So, this week our meal plan will feature some of Simon’s recipes, such as Sausages Baked with Squash and Rosemary (see the recipe below) and a retro Chocolate Trifle for pudding which will last a couple of days at least as it’s so big!
My ultimate food hacks
- Scale up and batch cook so that one meal lasts a couple of nights
- Keep things such as frozen chopped onions and packets of frozen vegetables to hand in the freezer
- Go for ‘tray-bakes’ or one-pan dishes as much as possible – this is where you throw lots of items together and bake them on one tray in the oven. We love chicken thighs with chorizo and new potatoes, or salmon with roasted vegetables too.
Commissioned post by Iceland #PowerofFrozen #ad
Medicinal value of food says
Gorgeous looks insisting to try it now. Can I add deep fried potato ?
Kavey Favelle says
I love a sausage bake, and since I love squash, I think this one would be go down well in our house. Looks so delicious!
Sisley White says
Sausages and squash are so brilliant together and I will have to try your take on it!
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet says
Love your new Polish-inspired logo! The sausage dish looks like a great weeknight dinner.
Lucy Parissi says
I have the same issues feeding my family as you do. Kids usually eat dinner early and so we only sit as a family on weekends. But this is exactly the type of recipe that would please everyone and so easy to throw together too! I have lots of Iceland items in my freezer too – recently discovered just how great their frozen mince is for making big batches of Bolognese!
Katie Bryson says
The perfect family feast – you really can’t beat a simple sausage supper. And as for that chocolate trifle… my boys would go WILD for that!!!!! Some great tips and hacks here Ren – thanks!
Tabitha says
This sounds perfect for cooking for a crowd! As you say, you can easily keep the vegetarian meals separate from the meat and ensure both taste equally delicious! Would be perfect with some crispy homemade chips or even a hearty mash for a warmer evening!