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Saturday, October 3, 2009

what's in my post-partum freezer?

yes, i realize this is a strange name for a post, but i've been sooooo in over my head with freezer meals this week i had to post something about it. for those of you who maybe didn't know, i'm having a baby boy soon! i'm due in less than 2 weeks, but we're saying that he'll be here "some time in october" so when he doesn't make it until the 25th we aren't disappointed. here's my belly about two weeks ago:


i'd say i look about the same today - though maybe my belly is a bit bigger. i can say this with some assurance because apparently i haven't gained any weight in the last 2 weeks - despite the fact that i'm eating dessert every night. oops. definitely different than with my daughter - i steadily gained over a pound a week right up to delivery with her. then again, this pregnancy has been completely different in every way, so why not with weight gain too??

on to the freezer meals! so nice to have on those days after having a baby when you look at the clock and think - "it's 6:30? oh crud." i'm making my favorites (links to recipes provided), regardless of healthiness and even slightly disregarded budget on one. but it's my favorite. and YES, i'll give you the recipe. just don't make it once a week, okay??

what's in my post-partum freezer:
beef stroganoff
my family's recipe - the best!
4 servings

1-2 lbs round steak, cut into cubes or strips (bite size) (1 lb is plenty for 1 batch - 2 lbs or a little more for 2 batches works great!)
flour, salt and pepper (about 1 cup flour is enough)
1 medium onion, chopped
olive oil
1 can tomato soup
2 cups sour cream (the real stuff - no fat free)
1 overflowing tablespoon worchestershire sauce
6 drops tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
garlic salt to taste (1-2 teaspoons)

put flour, salt and pepper in a baggie; add the meat a little at a time to cover with flour mixture. brown the meat in hot oil in batches small enough to fit in a skillet and be able to turn to brown on both sides. as the meat gets done, you can put it on paper towels while you do the next batch. when all the meat is browned, saute the onion in the same skillet. in a separate bowl, mix soup, sour cream, worchestershire, tabasco, salt, pepper and garlic salt. put meat, sauce and onions in a skillet or dutch oven large enough to hold it all. bring to a boil. turn down heat and simmer slowly for 3-4 hours, stirring frequently so it will not stick or burn.

note: if you like mushrooms, you can add canned or sauteed! (i prefer it without)

serve over egg noodles or rice.

7 comments:

Meghan said...

You are so cute!!! I knew you were expecting, but I didn't know you were having a boy - congrats!!! Now you have one of each :) The "post-partum freezer" is a great idea! An expectant mother prepares for a baby in so many other ways, why not have the family meals ready to go too.

Kristi said...

I love all the food you cook and I love you, too, you know. I am going to have to try the corn cowder, I had some at Mimi's last week and have been craving it ever since. Good luck with bloop, can't wait to hear about his arrival.

Merrick said...

wow, I didn't realize how far along you were! Good luck with the arrival of your new baby boy, and good job being so prepared with meals!

Sharon said...

How cute are you! I love all these meals and this one in particular is right up my alley!

The Jo's said...

Hi! I'm a big fan of your blog. As a newly wed with zero cooking experience, this blog was a fantastic resource for me! Thank you!

I had a question about freezer meals. I don't now much about them (see "zero cooking experience" above) so this may be a dumb question. Do you complete everything in the meals as if it going into the freezer, or should you leave out certain stuff. Can any meal be a freezer meal? How do you know when one works as a freezer meal and one doesn't? Thanks!
Sonja

Natalie said...

Brit! I am not sure if you will remember me, but I went on the Church History trip with you! I am a HUGE fan of your recipe blog and congrats on the soon to be baby boy. We are expecting our 3rd child next Spring, and having some freezer meals will make my life a lot easier! My sisters and I have a cooking blog too (thecookingchicks.blogspot.com). Although you will probably die after seeing most recipes aren't "skinny" worthy, you should check it out! lol!

Unplanned Cooking said...

You are so cute pregnant!! Congrats.

healthy cooking on a budget

disclaimer: i don't claim to be an expert on cooking, weight loss or even healthy eating, but i do love to cook, find healthy, taste bud-friendly tricks and most of all, i love to eat!

qualifications: what qualifies me to blog on cooking healthy on a small budget? well, as my husband is still a student, my budget is not what you'd call large. and as for the healthy part, when i was 10 i was diagnosed with pancreatitus - a disease that doesn't effect me much anymore unless i eat food that is too greasy or has too much fat (in which case, well, let's just say i get really sick). this had steered my experience and limited cooking expertise in a health-conscious direction.

please feel free to comment, criticise, rate recipes, try ideas and make requests for future posts!