I will be starting a work contract next week so it is time to fill the freezer.
Step 1 was to defrost the freezer. I have not done this for 5 months so in order to fit my proposed 30 suppers into the freezer I needed to get rid of the frost build up.
Step 2 is choosing the menu. I am going to go out on a limb this time around and try a few new recipes. The new recipes have come from my free time habit of Pinterest and then my family's favourites.
Chicken Noodle Soup - family favourite
Crockpot Beef Roast -family favourite
Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
Lasagna -family favourite
Salmon in Marinade
Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs
Step 3 was preparing my grocery list. In chicken scratch, I recorded all the ingredients I needed and compiled the shopping list you see below. I could get all fancy and develop a spreadsheet of recipes and servings but I'm not the engineer in the family and am looking to make the job as fast as possible. Saving time is the goal of batch cooking.
I love using this grocery list. It is a pad that I found at chapters a few years ago. One will last almost a year if you get groceries once a week. A strong magnet on the back lets it stick to the front of my pantry freezer and then I add as I discover what I need. When it is time to head to the store I have a list already to go without too much thought.
That could really be another whole post! I have headed to the store without a list before. I stood in my pantry prior to leaving and took pictures with my phone. It worked for wondering if I had the item or not once I was at the store.
Here I am at the grocery store ready to shop! My preference is to use the Real Canadian Superstore and Costco. On this particular Big Cook I was able to purchase everything I needed at the Superstore.
Why do I choose them? I bring my own bags, they package meat in large serving sizes, their prices are significantly cheaper than Safeway and Sobey's, and with a $250 purchase I receive a $25. Gift card for the next time I shop. That is another 10% off the already best price in town. I also enjoy the fact that I can pack my own bins or bags. This way I organize it at the store for what needs to be put away immediately when I get home. If I could, I would really prefer to scan my own groceries at the self scan but again that is probably a bit of my controlling issues showing through.
Step 4 is going to be getting those groceries into the kitchen. Join me again when I have a minute to post "Inside the Grocery Store" and then "The Cooking Part of a Big Cook".
Have a Sunny Day,
Danine
