Freezer Meals
School has started and with that comes many activities that go along with it. Families are busy, and it becomes increasingly difficult to put a hot meal on the table each evening. Instead of going through the drive-up window and busting your food budget, consider taking a bit of time to make freezer meals. They are economical, nutritious and easy to prepare.
When preparing the meals, you may want to have a supply of gallon-sized plastic freezer bags and disposable foil pans. Another handy tip is to get some crockpot liners, which make for easy cleanup.
Put the name of the recipe, date you prepared it, and any pertinent directions on the outside of the container. All you need to do is pour it into your crockpot, or put into a hot oven, and dinner will be ready. How easy is that?
Easy Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 large Ziploc plastic bags
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 - 28 oz. can stewed tomatoes
- 1 - 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 lg. Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 T. cumin
- 2 limes, juiced (or 3 T. bottled lime juice)
- 1 - 14 oz. can Black beans drained
- 1 - 14 oz. can corn drained
- 4 or 5 - 14 oz. cans chicken broth
Instructions
- Put half of stewed tomatoes in a blender and puree.
- Add garlic and onion and blend.
- Pour into labelled bag and add all ingredients EXCEPT chicken broth.
- Remove air from bag and seal.
- Put into the second bag and seal.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- When ready to use, thaw.
- Pour all into a crockpot and add chicken broth, stir.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred, then return to crockpot.
- Serve with grated cheese, cilantro and tortilla chips.
