Recipe Share

mariek312

I searched and don't think this one has been started yet. Fingers crossed! Would anyone be interested in sharing recipes? I have energy to truly cook again, but also have started trying new freezer friendly/crockpot meals to test if we like them in an attempt compile a list for a big freezer meal prep day when October approaches.

We do mostly Whole 30/paleo meals, but not entirely! I'd love to share my favorites and compile yours if you're interested! 

pajamstagrams

I plan on making a bunch of curries, etc (meat + sauce, basically). and freezing those, because rice is super easy to cook in the instant pot in a pinch. The recipes in "Paleo Takeout" cookbook are pretty good, but don't believe the 30 min timing...unless everything is mis en place lol. But, they are fairly quick and easy recipes (<1 hr) IF you have the exotic ingredients on hand. (amazon that sh*t or hit up an Asian market)

Also, if you ladies don't have an instant pot, I highly recommend one! I feel like I've said this before somewhere, but it's just so great and such a time saver. I made curry in it last weekend (chicken korma, from Paleo Takeout), and was able to pressure cook the chicken (it's the only texture I can handle right now, plus digestion sucks still) so it shreds, and then sauted everything else in the pot right after. SO easy, and minimal clean up!

Also, I will be making gumbo, because gumbo=life, and gumbo freezes beautifully, and gumbo is just perfect for cooler fall weather, and dang it, now I want gumbo. And when you have to eat GF, that roux is not getting made post-partum. Idk how I'm gonna manage super pregnant either, but that is what DH is for I guess 

I mostly eat Paleo as well, so interested in what you have to share! I'll try to think of more recipes as we go along.

sammierose464

I love my pressure cooker!!

DunkinDecaf

We’re def not paleo, but one of our favorite casseroles is a hold over from H’s college paleo days. Hot Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, Newman’s own sockarooni, and topped with an unreasonable amount of mozzarella cheese. Sent leftovers for DD1’s lunch at preschool and her teacher called it her “weird meat lunch” *eyeroll* but everyone loves it.

missmaehurt

@jemmerjams Gah, now I totally want some gumbo! We went to this tiny little restaurant/smoke house when we were in Louisiana and they had THE best gumbo. They ship too so I may order some and keep it frozen until after baby, but that might take a lot of willpower.

ummibtihaj

@jemmerjams, I love chicken korma.  I make it pretty regularly around here though not in a pressure cooker.  I really need to get one of those!!  

I noticed that I get bursts of energy and it's then that I make fairly labor intensive dishes.  For example today I made a traditional Moroccan couscous with chicken, and caramelized raisins and onions.  It takes about 2 1/2 hours.  My family is happy that I have moved away from tuna burgers/fries and frozen pizza for dinner lol.  

mariek312

Here's one of my favorite dishes!
https://www.wholesomelicious.com/thai-coconut-curry-turkey-meatballs/

Laumb11

I am making this tomorrow as a side, love it
https://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2014/03/easy-tomato-cucumber-and-red-onion-salad.html

This is one of my go to's
https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/orzo-garlicky-spinach

drb2424

I have three crockpot freezer meals I usually prep in bulk because the ingredients are similar. Nothing fancy but definitely gets the job done when I  am rushing home from work and all I have to fix are some sides!

Chicken cacciatore - boneless chicken (breast, thighs or combo), 2 cans of tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning. Freeze all ingredients and thaw in fridge the night before adding to the crockpot.

Chicken fajitas - boneless chicken (breast, thighs or combo), 2 cans of tomatoes, onions, peppers, taco/fajita seasoning. Freeze all ingredients and thaw in fridge the night before adding to the crockpot.

Italian chicken - boneless chicken (breast, thighs or combo), onions, peppers, ken's Italian dressing. Freeze all ingredients and thaw in fridge the night before adding to the crockpot.

Another super easy favorite I like to keep on hand is BBQ crockpot chicken.  Its just boneless chicken and BBQ sauce! We eat this plain, with salads, on sandwiches, quesadillas and nachos. 

I also plan to make a large batch of spaghetti sauce and freeze it already cooked in meal sized bags ready to heat up and the same with chili too. 

britvahok

I bought myself an Instant pot for Mother's Day! Let me know you're favorite recipes!

lilbug88

This is not healthy at all, but it is so easy and we love it. We use fresh polish sausage and just stick it right on top and cook it, pull it out and brown it, then slice and stir in. Yummm

https://www.dailydiylife.com/crockpot-pierogi-casserole-kielbasa-easy-meals/

hellopartyof5

These are my staples (especially for winter), no idea if these are paleo, I'm guessing not. 

Not paleo, absolutely delish, practically no prep time (crockpot):

https://glutenfreemakeover.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/white-chicken-chili-southwest-chicken-chili/amp/

Crockpot also practically no prep time:

https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli/

One pot meal, easy with subtle but yummy flavors:

https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/one-pot-lemon-herb-chicken-rice

My kids are obsessed with this abd I get all the ingredients at Trader Joe's. It says to use gluten free pasta, but I don't  

https://iowagirleats.com/2013/10/14/sweet-apple-chicken-sausage-pasta/

Great salmon + asparagus recipe! Easy to make and then just cook rice! 

https://www.caloriewarrior.com/garlic-parmesan-salmon-asparagus-foil-pack/

pajamstagrams

Bump!

jellybelly114

I've been all about this smoothie lately for a quick breakfast before work: https://www.goodlifeeats.com/chocolate-almond-banana-smoothie/ 

And these quinoa stuffed bell peppers are sooo yummy (taken from the Jillian Michaels app):

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 clove garlic, minced
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3 bell pepper, red, yellow, or orange
3/4 tsp coarse sea salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 carrot, diced
15 ounce canned diced tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
15 ounce canned black beans, drained and rinsed

Preparation

1.Preheat oven to 350. Heat olive oil in a medium pan.
2. Dice one bell pepper (any color) and leave the other two for stuffing.
3. Cook onion, garlic, carrot, diced bell pepper, salt, pepper, and spices until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and lime. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add quinoa, cilantro, and apple cider vinegar. Mix and simmer for 5 more minutes.
6. Cut remaining 2 bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove core and seeds with a pairing knife. Fill with quinoa mixture. Cover with tinfoil and place into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 1 half bell pepper is a serving.

ETA pic of stuffed peppers I made in the spoiler- they are really easy to do! 

jynjer4

Ohhhhhhhh @jellybelly114 I’m so making those for dinner tonight! Thanks!

knottieamusements

Bump. 

rabtaido1214

Thanks for bumping this. I’m starting to wonder how I will have time to cook (throw something together), eat, repeat after the LO comes. I’m not creative at planning a meal, not really good at cooking, and generally an unmotivated cook and imagine I’ll be even less into it with a newborn. However, I also know if I’m BFing I’ll be hungry as hell and need to try and have somewhat nutritious food on minimal time. It seems like posting here is giving me more credit than what I’m deserving of because even what people previously discussed here sounds daunting to me. What are some super easy, minimal planning/shopping required, somewhat satisfying, and somewhat nutritious foods moms have turned to in the past during the first month? I’ve heard people say PBJs are convenient quick foods to eat while nursing, and I’m thinking ideas along those complexity lines lol. I know myself and if I don’t have some basic ingredients to throw together I’ll probably end up eating terrible microwave meals. 

knottieamusements

I have two major go-to’s for “cooking” in the winter.  Both take about 10 min to prep, and are cooked in the oven:

1) Toasted open faced sandwiches: bread, mustard or mayo, sliced meat (or canned meat if you do that), sliced avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes, whatever, and a slice of cheese to keep everything from sliding off.  I bake it at 325 for about 10min and then broil for 2-3 min.  

2) Chop up whatever sounds good and bake it at 350 for 30min.  Basic options include a) potatos, squash, onions, tomatoes, spice. b) apples, pecans, fresh mozzarella cheese, butter, spice 

For the second, I have these single serving size oven dishes that I use; so I don’t even deal with plates.  

Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Petite Oval Au Gratin Dish, Cerise (Cherry Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XXS920/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lk.rBbA0B7Q8K

cjx95

To add to the sandwich train, My mom makes peanut butter and fluff sandwiches at night and throws them in the freezer because fluff thins out and gets all over the bag otherwise, when she eats them for lunch the next day they aren't messy. Make a few at night and freeze them, throw them in the fridge in the am and when you're getting ready to bf grab one and go sit. Quick and yummy. 

rabtaido1214

@mamabearcj now you’re speaking more my language. I am just not good enough to keep up with everyone using their crock pots. My issues begin with even having a recipe to make a grocery list, then going to the grocery store to get it all, and finally making it haha. I’m the worst. Keep those types of ideas coming. I’m like a 3-4 ingredient max level of expertise. My poor husband. Some days I don’t even want to make Kraft mac n cheese and this is before children.

tlmill

We’re big on crockpot meals. Some of our favorites:

Cream cheese chicken taquitos
-Throw 1.5 lbs of frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add 1 block of cream cheese (cubed). Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika (you can use a taco seasoning packet if it’s easier). Add a small amount of water (like under 1/4 cup). Cook on low for about 8 hours (or high for about 4 hours) then shred. Roll up some chicken with shredded cheese in tortillas, then bake at 400 until edges are golden brown. My whole family (including my super picky children) loves these. 

Crockpot chicken (super original name)
-Put 1.5 lbs of frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Mix 3 cans of cream soup (we usually use cream of chicken and cream of celery but you can use whatever) and 1 packet of onion soup mix together. Pour mixture on top of chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours, serve with rice and veggies. This is a recipe that my mom made growing up and all 6 of us kids loved it.

Chicken tortilla soup
-Pour 2 cans of chicken broth, 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of Rotel (drained), 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 packet of taco seasoning, and some shredded chicken (you can just boil some and shred it or use rotisserie chicken) in the crockpot. Cook on low for about 4 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and avocado (if you like avocado). Also a hit with my picky family. 

We also like to do salsa chicken (chicken and salsa in the crockpot), BBQ chicken (chicken and BBQ sauce in the crockpot), and buffalo chicken (chicken and buffalo sauce in the crockpot - DH uses it to make lettuce wraps). 

jynjer4

Probably all of you already know this but I learned the easiest way ever to shred chicken from my sis. Toss it in a kitchen aid mixer! I don’t know why a hand mixer couldn’t work in a pinch if you were careful. Perfectly shredded chicken in less than 30 sec! 

rabtaido1214

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but how long are these slow cooker meals good for in the freezer?

purplegoldfish2

rabtaido1214 said:

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but how long are these slow cooker meals good for in the freezer?

I have read up to 3 months, but as long as you get the air out of the bags, you could probably go longer than that, especially since you’ll be cooking them for the first time when you take them out of the freezer instead of cooking and then freeing.

rabtaido1214

You mentioned bags. I think I’m even more behind on how to do this than I thought. I had assumed Tupperware. What kind of bags do you use, and how do you thaw/warm it when you want to eat it?

tlmill

rabtaido1214 said:

You mentioned bags. I think I’m even more behind on how to do this than I thought. I had assumed Tupperware. What kind of bags do you use, and how do you thaw/warm it when you want to eat it?

Ziploc freezer bags. You don’t have to thaw before you throw them in the crockpot...but if you want to, move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. 

rabtaido1214

@tlmill Ahhhh I understand now. I thought people were saying to cook the meal then freeze it until you want to eat it. I finally got there... thanks for you help!

ummibtihaj

This is one of my favorite burritos for breakfast. You can easily make a batch or two of them on a Sunday or whatever day you have prep time. I pull them out and pop them in the microwave as needed. My youngest is allergic to eggs so I skip them in hers and they're still good. You can tweak it easily. We use whatever cheese I have on hand.

https://cookieandkate.com/2014/healthy-freezer-breakfast-burritos-with-sweet-potato-hash/

chyvie

@rabtaido1214 I have done a lot of freezer prep in the past. Typically the best meals taste wise tend to be ones you don't actually cook before freezing. You prep the ingredients and put them in freezer bags (for easy storage and less space consuming) You cook them in the slow cooker the day of. 
Pasta sauces, stews and soups all taste just as good precooked. So you can do either way with those. 

tropical1982

When are you starting to freeze meals for post delivery?

KFrob

I just started this week

pajamstagrams

@kfrob way to make us look bad lol

tropical1982

LOL I'm in the tail end of Oct - assuming I go mid-month, maybe I should start mid-Sept. 

KFrob

@jemmerjams let provide more detail, I used a muffin tin to divvy out overnight oat portions to pop in the freezer.... it wasn't like I actually cooked anything 

ETA BUT I plan on making some chili this weekend to freeze....which still isn't real cooking  crockpot

cagncoo12

I'm planning on starting prep in early Sept. The organizational freak in me is really excited to get them done and have my freezer all organized   

chyvie

I'm planning mid September. Most freezer meals only last 3-6 months depending so want to endure fresh food for after baby is here 

sunnyknightsarah

@sliztee asked for my Stromboli recipe so here it is!

You can use refrigerated dough from the grocery store (which I normally do so it only takes about 10 minutes of prep time) or you can make the dough (which takes longer but is delicious - you can also freeze the dough).

For a Stromboli with store bought dough, just start at step 4 in the directions.

Homemade Dough Ingredients (or you can use store bought)

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan-reggiano cheese
• 3 1/2 cups of flour

Fillings:

• Ham and Cheddar Stromboli:1 - 1.5 lb of ham and 1.25 cups shredded cheddar
• Italian Stromboli: 1.5-2 packages of Hormel pepperoni, 3/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup shredded parmesan.

Directions:

1. Make dough: Mix water and active yeast and let it sit and get all puffy.
   
2. Add remaining ingredients except flour and mix together. Gradually add the flour. Keep mixing until the dough pulls easily from the sides of the bowl. Add more flour if necessary (a couple tablespoons at a time).

3. Cover with a towel and let the dough rise for an hour or until doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, punch the dough down until deflated. Lightly flour a work surface and the dough ball and reshape it into a ball.

4. Make Stromboli: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

5. On a floured work surface, use your fingers or a floured rolling pin to press the dough out into desired size.

6. Add desired fillings on top half of the dough (leave enough dough empty so you can fold over).

7. Fold one side of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Place on greased cookie sheet or pan.

8. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the microwave and brush onto the top of the dough (can also use an egg wash - I just love butter haha). Sprinkle with garlic powder.

9. Cut 3 large slits in the top to allow steam to escape when cooking.

10. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Try not to burn mouth when devouring

pic in spoiler

SweetSweetTooth

How many different meals is everyone planning on making? Don't want to get bored but don't want to have to buy another freezer!

ummibtihaj

@SweetSweetTooth I'm not planning on making anything. Crazy I know, but we're about to move Saturday so I have no idea if I'd even have time. I'm not big on meal prep in general so nothing new for me. Maybe will do some breakfast burritos because my family loves them and it's quick/easy to prep. I'm super tired and sore these days. It's hard to think of standing for extended amounts of time to do that right now.

purplegoldfish2

I made several meals in the last couple weeks to split between dinner and freezer meals. So far exactly zero have made it into the freezer.  We may starve once the baby get here.

meltonjl

For you FTM, I hope some of your friends and family bring you meals.  We had a meal train the first time and it was a God send.  I am planning on freezing some stuff, but haven't gotten around to it.  Every time I bring it up to DH, he is less than enthused.  My plan is to rely heavily on slow cooker and the instant pot since it will be Fall.  This is one of my favorite chili recipes.  I know it sounds like an odd recipe, but it is so good!

https://www.paleonewbie.com/paleo-crockpot-chili-recipe/