Make-Ahead Meals

Trying new things is a little scary.  You don't know what to expect or whether things will turn out well.  Well, I'm not very confident when it comes to cooking (I'm all about the baking!), so I figured the best way to conquer my uncertainties was to face them head on.

When I saw the September issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray, the cover headline "1 Month of Make-Ahead Meals" sounded like something I could handle--or at least attempt.  I don't have time to cook a full meal every night--or even most nights--so I'm hoping this can be my baby step into the cooking world.  This method requires one big day of preparing five "building blocks" and freezing everything.  Then I simply pull out individual portions during the month as needed.

Tomorrow will be my big day of prep.  The five building blocks include: pulled pork, tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, pulled chicken, and rice pilaf.  Today, Scott and I loaded up the grocery cart with all the ingredients for the building blocks, as well as what we needed for the first four meals.

With our busy schedules, I figure we can make four dinners this week (each serves 4) and use the leftovers for lunches too.  I'm slightly overwhelmed by the volume and the fact that I have never cooked with some of these ingredients, but I have everything I need (or in some instances, something that should work just as well).

Wish me luck!  I'll keep you posted on how everything turns out...