Something I've tried over the last few years that has been very benefical to our family is doubling a recipe when I make dinner. It is so simple - you're already making the mess, so why not make two and freeze one? All you have to do is make sure you wrap it good, put it in a freezer bag and throw it in the freezer. I love these meals for days when we're going to be gone all day. I take it out in the morning and it's thawed when I get home; I put it in the oven, pull out some bread and salad and I'm done! This is also great for when you're expecting- I do some at the end of every pregnancy. Also comes in handy when someone else has a baby or any other reason you would bring a meal to someone, and you don't have the time or ingredients to make something. I do this with casseroles, sides, soups, cookies, pies and breads. A friend gave me a book that  helped me a little more with wrapping ideas and some new recipes: Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell & Bonnie Garcia.

 

Here are a few basics for successful  freezing:

-Always wrap with plastic wrap, then foil, then place in a freezer bag. You can buy freezer bags affordably at Aldi, including the two gal. size that work great for casseroles in disposable foil pans.

-Mark the bag clearly with a permanent marker to include the name of the casserole, and thawing and cooking directions.  Also the date -most everything keeps for three months.

-Also buy meats that are on sale, cook them at one time and freeze in meal size portions for quicker dinner preparation at other times.