60+ Meals in the Freezer- Week 4/5

Be sure and check out -Week 1-Bacon Ranch Chicken
                                   -Week 2-Baked Sandwiches
                                   -Week 3-Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Last weeks freezer cooking attempt failed...bad. I was planning to cook up beer bread for the freezer. It makes a great side for any meal (ok we just make a whole meal of it) and the best toast! Unfortunately I only have 3 loaf pans and we kept eating 2.5 of the 3 loaves before they made it to the freezer...oops.
So here's the recipe. Maybe you'll have more self control!

This really is the easiest recipe ever!

Beer Bread

Ingredients
3 cups self rising four
3 tbs sugar
12 oz dark beer (room temperature)

Directions
Grease loaf pan
Mix sugar and flour
Slowly add beer while stirring
Pour into pan and bake at 350 for about 45-50 minutes
Around 35-40 minutes I like to brush the top with honey or honey butter
Serve with honey butter

Remove from pan and cool completely. Then wrap in wax paper (to keep from sticking) and then plastic wrap. If its gonna be in the freezer more than a couple of weeks go ahead and put it in a ziplock bag with as little air as possible.

Tomato Sausage Lasagna

This is easily the best lasagna ever. If you like traditional lasagna with ricotta or cream cheese, this might not be for you. If you love pizza...this is your dish! It is packed full of sausage, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It is a little time consuming but completely worth it, especially if you make up several for the freezer. The recipe came from Martha Stewart. You can find the original here. Below are the ingredients and directions for 10 half pans with some minor modifications. A half pan is plenty for our family of 6. We usually serve with salad and even have a little left over.

If you are using foil pans, spend the extra money (it's a very small difference) and buy HEAVY DUTY...or learn the hard way like I did when a pan split down the bottom spilling hot lasagna on the floor

Ingredients

About 60 lasagna noodles

10 tbs olive oil

5 large onions, chopped 

20 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tbs Italian seasoning

1 1/2 tbs red pepper flakes

5-6 lbs mild Italian sausage (casings removed)

10 (28 oz) cans tomatoes in puree (I like to run them through the blender a bit so there are no large chunks)

30 cups shredded mozzarella

5 cups shredded parmesan

Directions

Fill a couple (2-3) 9-by-13-inch baking dishes two-thirds of the way with hot tap water. Add noodles, and arrange them in alternating directions to prevent sticking. Let soak while preparing sauce.


Make sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add onion,garlic, Italian seasoning, and red-pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add sausage, and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain grease and return to pan.  Add tomatoes and their puree, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon (unless you put in blender first); bring to a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes. (You should have about 40 cups of sauce....yes, I make it in 2 huge pots) 


Drain noodles, transfer to a baking sheet. I usually just lay them flat on a clean beach towel. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce in bottom of each pan. Fit 2(3 if using 8x8 pan) noodles in pan, overlapping slightly. Cover with 1 cup sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/6 cup Parmesan. Repeat with another layer, then top with another layer of noodles, 1 1/2 cups sauce, and the rest of mozzarella and Parmesan. (If using the 8x8 pans you will just have 2 layers and need to divide the ingredients accordingly) 

Cover pans tightly with aluminum foil, and place in an air tight ziplock freezer bag. This is another good one to double bag. I can usually fit 2 in a bag if I get the big 2 gallon freezer bags.


When you remove from freezer bake for 1 1/2 hrs with foil on. Then remove foil and bake until cheese is golden and center is hot (about 20-30 more minutes).

Go check out this awesome puzzle fundraiser our friends 

have put together to help us bring our kids home.

60+Meals in the Freezer- Week 3

The truth about bulk cooking/freezer cooking is IT'S NOT FUN.  To be honest I kind of dread it every time, but I am always so glad I did it! Last night, around 9pm I started having really strong Braxton Hicks contractions. I have a history of thinking I am in labor when I am not. This time I was getting nervous. A normal pregnant person would call the midwife since it's too early to go into labor. Me? I start cooking! By the time the contractions stopped I had cleaned out and organized the deep freezer, prepped a dozen casseroles and detailed the kitchen. By midnight I was exhausted and my back was aching but I was thrilled! 10 more meals I won't have to prepare after Abby's arrival and 2 extra for Melo's teachers...totally worth it.

This meal was relatively easy and super affordable! I did not keep track of costs but I know for 12 pans it was under $80. That's all of the ingredients plus the foil, foil pans and ziplocks. Keep in mind the bags can be used again since none of the food touches them so they don't really count in the total cost.

A friend shared this link with me. It has a few great recipes. However I find it to be simpler and less expensive to make more of one recipe at a time and because we have the freezer space I am able to.

I went with the Tex Mex Chicken Casserole and tripled her recipe. Hers makes 4 8x8 pans. Below is the ingredients for 12. I'd say 1 pan feeds 6 adults or 8 children but needs a little filler (chips and salsa maybe?)

Tex Mex Chicken Casserole 12 pans

12 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

24 cups of cooked rice

6 cans of Rotel tomatoes

6 packs of taco seasoning Budget Bytes has this healthier and inexpensive recipe

6 cans of whole kernel corn, drained

6 cans of black beans (undrained)...I drained the beans and added sour cream in place of the liquid for more flavor

3 small cans of black olives, drained...I skipped the olives. We aren't big olive fans

18 cups of cheddar cheese, grated...ok that's what she says...went with more like 24 cups. We love cheese

Directions:

• Mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl, except the cheese.
•  Divide into four pans and top with the cheddar cheese and cover with cardboard topper or foil
• 
• I like to bag and double bag being careful to get as much air out as possible. This allows it to stay fresh in the freezer a lot longer. 2 8x8 pans will fit in a 2 gallon bag.
• : Remove cardboard piece or foil and bake at 350 until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted

Check out these recipes from the previous weeks

Week 1-Bacon Ranch Chicken

Week 2-Baked Sandwiches

It hit me like a ton of bricks...a man (who I greatly respect) made a comment about the church building orphanages. My first reaction was joy as orphaned children are my passion and calling. But then my spirit heard another Voice and I realized that the church was never meant to build orphanages. We may be called now, but it's only because we forced God's hand. It sounds strange. How can people force God to do anything? Because He gives us free will and we often use it to tear down what He meant for our good. It started in the garden and we messed that up. The same is true of orphans, they were never meant to live in orphanages. God may be calling His people to build them but it's only because we are still refusing to obey His other calling. Children are supposed to be in families, their own families. Restoring families should be our first goal. It's a fallen world and that's not always a possibility. I think that's why He demonstrated adoption for us. It's His "plan B."  Would you believe that there are approximately 15 times more Christians than orphans. FIFTEEN TIMES! That's inexcusable.
Normally I would keep a word like this to myself. I worry too much about offending someone. However on the way home I started to share with Jacob and he stopped me and said that he received the same word. So I'm going to risk offending you and just ask you, what are you going to do about it?

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin"  James 4:17

60+ Meals in the Freezer Week 2

I stole this recipe from a friend...well the idea anyway. I never actually got the recipe but it's a pretty easy one to come up with on your own and lots of ways to mix it up. She served it at a birthday party and it was such a great idea! So thanks Tiffany...
The prices on this one are not exact because it varies by store and what types of meat and cheese you choose. This is based on Oscar Mayer honey smoked turkey and Great Value mild cheddar and swiss cheese.

Baked Sandwiches

Ingredients

10 King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls  ($39.80)

(the big ones in the pie pan)
6-7 lb thinly sliced deli meats      ($34.86)

150 slices of cheese                   ($23.80)

Directions

Cut the top half of each roll off and set aside.

Spread 2 layers of meat evenly on each roll.

Evenly lay about 4-5 slices of cheese on top of the meat.

Repeat 2 times so that you have 3 layers of meat and cheese.

Replace the top half of the roll.

Cover tightly with foil and put in air tight plastic bag or wrap before freezing.

Thaw overnight in fridge and bake at 400 for about 45 minute (until cheese is melted).

I have not cooked from frozen but I'm sure you could just adjust the time.

One sandwich serves 6-8. Great with potato chips and fresh fruit!

Total cost for 10-$98.46

Cost for 1-$9.84

This idea is so great. It's a fun one to get creative with. Try one of these:

Bacon, egg and cheese.

Chicken, pepper jack and bacon (dipped in guacamole).

Pulled pork and provolone   .

An easy NO PREP freezer breakfast or treat

We are selling these amazing braided pastries through 

1/24/14. They are perfect for the busy mom because they 

come frozen. You set them out the night before to let the 

dough rise (they just about triple in size) and then bake. All 

proceeds got to our adoption fund.  Available flavors: Apple, 

Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Cinnamon, Cream Cheese, 

Strawberry & Cream Cheese and Double Chocolate. All flavors are $13 except Double 

Chocolate which is $14. Local orders only as they are perishable. Let me know what you'd 

like! 

60+ Meals in the Freezer Week 1

I am roughly 8 weeks away from having our 5th baby. Children numbers 6 and 7 not far behind...
Basketball season is in full swing and we are about a month out from baseball and soccer starting up.
Oh and there is homeschooling, fundraising and adoption paperwork too. Every year I start out with good intentions but fall in the trap of fast food. Taco Casa and Little Caesars are our go-to's when we are crunched for time and money. Where else can you feed a family of 6 for $10? I am determined not to let that happen this spring so I'm filling my freezer. I've been freezer cooking for a couple of years and still getting the hang of it. My goal is to put 10 meals in the freezer each week until Abby's arrival. I thought I'd share them in case anyone else wants to join me.
These are not necessarily "healthy meals' but many of them can be adjusted. Right now our priority is getting our kids home. These prices are all based on the cheapest NOT the best for you brand. If your grocery budget is more flexible, please make the better choices!

Bacon Ranch Chicken

I got this recipe from Crockin'Girls but made some adjustments (More sauce & noodles to stretch the meal and fill more little tummies). It's one of my favorites because it requires so little prep time and you just drop it in the crock pot the day you want to serve it.

20 lb chicken breast or tenders. $45.92  (4 Great Value frozen 5lb bags)
I have only been using 3 bags (15 lb) lately. The kids prefer it and it cuts costs to $34.44
16 cups sour cream                   $11.84  (8 Great Value 16oz)
15 cans cream of chicken soup  $10.95  (15 Great Value 10.5oz cans)
15 packets ranch dressing mix   $18.45  (7.5 Hidden Valley Ranch 2 packs)
15 tsp minced garlic                   $3.95    (1 Gourmet Garlic 4oz tube-leftovers keep for another recipe)
30 tbs bacon bits                       $4.98    (3 Great Value 2.5oz bag)
10 boxes of egg noodles            $10.00  (Great Value 16oz boxes)
Total for 10 recipes=$106.09 ($94.61 if you use 15 lb chicken)
Total for 1 meal (serves about 8)=$10.06 ($9.46 if you use 15 lb chicken)

Directions:
Divide chicken evenly between 10 containers. I like to use gallon ziplock bags because they take up less freezer space. Reusable containers are a less wasteful option.

Mix together sour cream, cream of chicken, ranch, garlic and bacon and pour (divided evenly) over the chicken.

Seal (I double bag just in case and reuse the outer bags next time.) and lay flat in freezer

When you are ready to use just pull from freezer and place in crock pot on high for 4-5 hours (less if you thaw first).

While it is cooking, cook 1 box of noodles for 1-2 minutes less then the suggested time.

When the chicken is cooked through, shred and return to sauce in the crock pot. Add cooked noodles and let sit for a few minutes and serve.

I usually serve with steamed broccoli.

An easy NO PREP freezer breakfast or treat

We are selling these amazing braided pastries through 

1/24/14. They are perfect for the busy mom because they 

come frozen. You set them out the night before to let the 

dough rise (they just about triple in size) and then bake. All 

proceeds got to our adoption fund.Available flavors: Apple, 

Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Cinnamon, Cream Cheese, 

Strawberry & Cream Cheese and Double Chocolate. All flavors are $13 except Double 

Chocolate which is $14 Local orders only as they are perishable. Let me know what you'd 

like! 

My "plan" is to make 10 of 1 recipe each week until Abby's arrival. I will try to add to this post each time as I purchase the ingredients and break down costs.

Even in the Waiting....

In the midst of all of the waiting and planning, life goes on...and these kids know how to live it to the fullest.

Working on the ranch with Papa Phil is pretty much everyone's favorite thing to do. So thankful we live next door.  They are working on convincing him that they need some goats and chickens now. Getting there;)

We are loving our co op classes and fun field trips.

Melody and Joshua got to play on the same team this year with Daddy as Coach!

 Boss is FINALLY starting to settle down

and Caleb still insists on doing everything Mommy does.

Of course Daddy still has high hopes his other hobby

  We learned about McAllisters $1 kids meals!
(Seriously, they are only $1!)

 officially ran out of stocking space

 and took many trips to our awesome zoo!

 I think the girls room is all ready to go. All we need is a sister to share it with.

 Lots of time with our cousins has made me realize we are going to need a bigger table...and kitchen

 Grandpa Don came to Texas and introduced the kids to Rain Forest Cafe

 and LegoLand!!!

 Of course we are still waiting and planning and treasuring the little things....

like new pictures!

Would you look at those faces!!!!

Fundraising!

We wanted to give everyone a chance to get through the holidays before we started but now...the Holts are in full fundraising mode!!!! Our goal is to raise about $15,000 by the end of March-yikes! We hope to cover as much of the adoption from our own income but need to be fundraising as much as possible so that we have all we need as fees are due. Any funds left in our adoption account will be donated to either another adoption fund or an orphanage. Maybe we'll take a vote when the time comes?
I am happy to answer any questions about when and where the money will be used. We have already had so many friends and family helping in this area and we want to keep everything out in the open for you.
We have a few fundraisers coming up and I will be updating this blog and posting to facebook as they are ready.

Sister's birthday is just a couple of weeks away. It's her last birthday without her family!!!!!!!!! Last year while we "celebrated" her birthday, it was a hard day as we grieved her absence. This year we celebrate with hope and full faith that she is coming home. We are having a Birthday Giveaway in her honor. My hope is to raise $500 by January 11. On the 12th if our goal is reached, I will draw for 3 names.

The first will receive this beautiful premium Scentsy warmer and your choice of 3 bars from my stock. 

The second will receive this Introduction to Essential Oils Kit which includes the introductory audio CD and booklet and a 5 ml bottle of dōTERRA's Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oils.

The third will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

There are 2 ways you can enter.

First
Share this blog post on Facebook or your blog for ONE entry. Be sure and tag me or send me the link!

Second
Make a donation. $5 for 2 entries. $10 for 3 entries. $25 for 10 entries!!!!

Where to make your donation

Donations can be given in person or mailed to 

Holt Family Adoption
2110 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, TX 76086

Or you can donate online at our Reece's Rainbow Family Sponsorship Page. Donations made here are tax deductible. If you donate online you must email a copy of your receipt to (sarah.m.holt@gmail.com) to be entered in the giveaway.

Thanks for helping us bring our babies home!