Storage Containers

Morning darlings!!

I just thought I would share a link to the storage containers I use. This set is very inexpensive and extremely convenient as the lids lock together (and to the bottom of the stack of dishes) to keep the cupboard neat.   They are square and therefore fit better in the freezer.  All rubbermaid food storage products are BPA free :)


http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091258&CatName=FoodStorage

As I mentioned before, I also use 8x8 disposable aluminum pans to freeze casseroles because they fit perfectly in gallon baggies.  I just pop the casserole out of the pan while it is frozen and put it in my one pyrex 8x8 pan for the microwave, which I have sprayed with cooking spray  (for easier clean up).  If I am baking the casserole, then I leave it in the aluminum and set the aluminum pan in the pyrex in the oven.

What are you going to try this week? :)  Have you looked in your cupboards and fridge/freezer and seen any meat, veg, etc that could be made into something for the freezer?  The year is going to get REALLY busy with the holidays, so now is a GREAT time to stock that freezer!

Have a great day!!

Wrap up :)

Let's tally, shall we? :)

4 pans of Spanish Rice

58 lumpia

59 bean burritos

3 extra bowls of chip dip

I did not get to my oven baked chicken or my fried chicken wingies.  But still, not too shabby for a day's work!  Remember, you would be able to do this much faster than I...I took a lot of time taking pics and posting, etc :) 

Because we cleaned up as we went, this is what the kitchen looks like.  About 10 dishes in the sink.  That's it!!!  And Peekiebee is the one who has to do dishes, so that is not even my cat :)

Now, my dear queen bees, let me tell you what might happen.  You will get to the end of the day weary, full from sampling and adjusting spices and someone will meander into the kitchen and say "So, what's for supper?" (OR "Can we order pizza?").

PLEASE my darlings, try to restrain yourself from heaving the pan of 28  burritos at them!  Just smile lovingly, take them by the arm and lead them gently to the freezer. Open the door grandly and say "Darling, the world is your burrito.  Take your pick.  I am going to take a bath." and leave them there figuring out how to nuke lumpia.

Or order pizza.  Either way :D

Baked vs Fried...the Verdict

My darling, wonderful Queen Bees!

Ok, because I am thoroughly scientific and REALLY hungry, I took time this morning to see what baked and fried lumpia survived the freezing and the reheating. :)

--I froze both the baked and the fried lumpia last night. I took three lumpia from each bag this morning.

--I then heated up a little oil on the stove and fried both a Baked Lumpia (BL) and a Fried Lumpia (FL).

--I microwaved both a BL and an FL.

--And I baked (in the toaster oven at 375) both a BL and an FL.

--Then I made the kids try them all with me and give me their verdict.

Reheat by frying: We all decided that the FL that was refried was just entirely too greasy for words. Edible? Only if you have spent the better part of your life preparing for that moment with routine trips to various fried chicken and fish places. I have, so I was ready for the grease. It was too much for both Superbee and Peekiebee. They both rated fried lumpia that was refried today as a definite "ew".

The BL that we fried was not bad. It was not as greasy as the fried lumpia was yesterday, but still was pretty oil saturated. More distressingly though was that it was not PRETTY. Edible, but not pretty.

Reheat by microwaving: These were the softest of them all. However, they were both edible. Superbee did not like the lumpia that was baked yesterday then microwaved today, but Peekiebee thought it was "ok". I would definitely just nuke the lumpia if it was just me grabbing a quick lunch--the ends of the lumpia still had a little crunch even microwaved--but I would not serve these to others.

Reheat by oven: This was definitely the best way to reheat the lumpia, baked or fried. The kids both preferred the fried lumpia that was baked to reheat. I preferred the baked lumpia that was baked to reheat. Peekiebee also agreed that that was good. Most of all, though, both lumpia were PRETTY when they were in the toaster oven. They held their shape, they did not glisten with grease or liquid like fried or microwaved can do. The baked lumpia was slightly less chewy on the inner layers than it was yesterday and more crisp. The fried lumpia was still crisp. The flavor of the insides was still wonderful in the baked lumpia, and actually seemed to be slightly improved in the fried lumpia that was baked to reheat. However, that might have just been my different tastes from last night til today.

Final results: Bake the lumpia (it is easy and healthier). Heat by baking. OR fry the lumpia but reheat by baking. Avoid frying the lumpia then refrying to reheat. Microwave is ok only if you are one of those people who are laid back about texture, etc.

Have a great day! :)

My Darling Bees!

It is cold/flu/football/band practice/parent teacher conference season :)

Why not make it easy on yourself in case you happen to succumb to any of those situations (hee hee!) and take time THIS WEEK to make a few freezer meals?

How about a SUPER easy batch of bean burritos? (seriously, if you eat bean burritos AT ALL, make these. They are BEYOND easy and, apparently, as nummy as Taco Bell according to Peekiebee).

Perhaps some mac and cheese with ham thrown in?

What about a nice homemade batch of chicken noodle soup in case the flu bug bites? (In the past 4 days, I have found out that THREE of my friends have it!)

It's almost payday. Make a list of pantry ingredients, a few fridge items, and get a little food insurance going in case you get busy :) That way you will not feel guilty, rushed, forced to cook when you are sick, or spend more money than you mean to by ordering pizza for the record breaking third night in a row (NOT that I mind that myself :D).

Love, QB