Do you have a major problem getting weeknight meals on the table? Since Darah has joined our family, this has been a real struggle for us. I work hard to carefully plan out our meals for the week (this helps us keep our grocery bill in check), but it is really hard to find meals that come together almost effortlessly, which is exactly what we need every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. I’ve learned that cooking dishes that freeze well is a really good option to help out on those nights. I try to cook a little bit extra on the weekends, and then on those whirlwind weeknights, I just have to heat up one of those make ahead meals from the freezer. Slow Cooker meals are also a good option, but I haven’t found very many good recipes for the slow cooker, unfortunately.
I was really excited to get to check out the e-book version of Jane Doiron’s Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms cookbook. This book contains 140 different dishes that are easy to prepare the day you want to serve them, the day before, or even up to 3 months before you plan on eating them! Jane tells you which ones are the best for the freezer, which ones reheat beautifully if you want to enjoy them now but make enough for leftovers, and which ones you can prepare up to 24 hours in advance.
Last week, while I had the time off from work, I picked out several recipes from her cookbook and stocked up our freezer with some delicious breads, muffins and main dishes. Here’s what I made:
- Banana Nut Bread
- Cinnamon Bread
- Apple Zucchini Bread
- Banana Chocolate-Chip Muffins
- Baked Chicken Chimichangas
- Sloppy Joes
I tasted every single thing that I made before tucking it away in the freezer. Honestly, it all tasted delicious! I made an extra apple zucchini bread for a friend who just had a baby this week because it contains so many great ingredients for a nursing mom. The chimichangas came together really easily, and they tasted fantastic. I know that these will become a weeknight staple around our house. The sloppy joes were also outstanding; one of the best versions I have ever had, truth be told. I’ll actually be bringing you the recipe this Sunday, so stay tuned!
A few of the make ahead meals listed in the book that I haven’t tried yet seem to be a little more elaborate, but that makes them ideal for when you are having company over. I hate being preoccupied in the kitchen when I have guests, but I also like to offer food that is at least a little bit special. These recipes will allow me to do just that, by giving me instructions on how to put together everything in advance.
Buy It!
Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon for$16.15!! This is a great price for a cookbook that will save you time and money, folks.
Win it!
Jane wants to offer Stuff Parents Need readers the opportunity to win their very own copy of her book. Yes!!! This contest will run until Sunday, January 17th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected via random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning notification email before a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the United States.
How to Enter:
Mandatory Entry: Check out the table of contents of Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms and tell me the recipe you would make first if you won!
Additional Entries:
1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
2. Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email
3. Add my button to your blog (2 entries, so leave 2 comments and leave a url to your site)
4. Sign up for Jane’s newsletter(2 entries, so leave 2 comments and the email address you used when signing up)
5. Follow Jane’s blog
6. Put Jane’s blog button on your site (2 entries, so leave 2 comments and a url to your site)
I was provided with this cookbook for review purposes. The opinions listed here are strictly my own.
fancyfeet48 says
taco lasagna mmmmmmmmm
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway
fancyfeet45@earthlink.net
kcatlin says
The taco lasagna sounds delicious
chazvgo says
The first thing I would try would be the Stuffed Mushrooms 🙂
ms-texas says
follower
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
ms-texas says
i'd try Meatballs and Gravy in the Crock Pot
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
Smiles Across Miles says
I would make the Italian Sub Salad
Renee says
OMGoodness! I think I'd have to make the Baked Chicken Chimichangas first, then the stuffed mushrooms, then….. 🙂
lilyk says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter with the email address lilyk@mail2world.com. #2
lilyk says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter with the email address lilyk@mail2world.com. #1
lilyk says
I subscribed by email.
lilyk says
The Warm Crab Dip recipe sounds very tasty!
Atreau says
I would make the Baked Chicken Chimichangas.
MomUnion says
Jane's button on sidebar: http://iblameitonthecat.blogspot.com/
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#2
MomUnion says
Jane's button on sidebar: http://iblameitonthecat.blogspot.com/
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#1
MomUnion says
Following Jane via google friends: heathergf
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MomUnion says
Jane's Email newsletter subscriber: dontaskme22(at)yahoo(dot)com
#2
MomUnion says
Jane's Email newsletter subscriber: dontaskme22(at)yahoo(dot)com
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MomUnion says
your Button's on sidebar: http://iblameitonthecat.blogspot.com/
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#2
MomUnion says
your Button's on sidebar: http://iblameitonthecat.blogspot.com/
dontaskme22(at)yahoo(dot)com
#1
MomUnion says
Email newsletter subscriber: dontaskme22(at)yahoo(dot)com
MomUnion says
Following via google friends: heathergf
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MomUnion says
I'd like to try the Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Thanks!
dontaskme22(at)yahoo(dot)com
07violet says
subscribed
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
07violet says
following
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
07violet says
chocolate chip cookies
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
sachidewey says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter.
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sachidewey says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter.
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sachidewey says
I would love to try the Panko Breaded Pork Medallions!
Gianna says
I'm a subscriber of her newsletter with the same email in my google profile 🙂
Gianna says
The blueberry bread looks awesome.
dreamcleavers says
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i entered the flyebaby giveaway
dreamcleavers says
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email subscriber
dreamcleavers says
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i get the newsletter
2
dreamcleavers says
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i follow you
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i get the newsletter
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i follow jane's blog
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i would make the chicken enchiladas
jnmacdonald says
I'd like to make the teriyaki chicken.
liliesrnice says
i'd make the thai chicken thighs first!
Tammy says
Chicken Cannelloni
Anonymous says
This is awesome! Mom of 3 kids, so this would help alot! 🙂
kristygordanier (at) yahoo . com
Anonymous says
deff the cheddre cheese soup:)
a.monck@yahoo.com
purango says
I would make Chicken Noodle Soup. garrettsambo@aol.com
Deborah says
I follow Jane's blog.
Deborah says
I'm signed up for Jean's newsletter using asthenight at gmail dot com (2).
Deborah says
I'm signed up for Jean's newsletter using asthenight at gmail dot com (1).
Deborah says
I'm an email subscriber.
Deborah says
I'm following with Google Friend Connect.
Deborah says
I'd try the Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe first.
kathy pease says
Entered Flyebaby giveaway
kathy pease says
following janes blog as klp1965
kathy pease says
following your blog as klp1965
kathy pease says
i would make the London Broil Strips yummy 🙂
Sahm Lee says
I follow your blog
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Sahm Lee says
The blueberry bread and cranberry scones would be my first picks! Thanks for the contest!
airalynn@gmail.com
Susan says
I follow Jane's blog
Susan says
I subscribe to Jane's Newletter #2
susan56bft at gmail dot com
Susan says
I subscribe to Jane's Newletter #1
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Susan says
Stuff Parents Need email subscriber
Susan says
Stuff Parents Need follower via google
Tiffany says
Definitely Hawaiian bread. I haven't had it in forever and my family would love it!
cybria@gmail.com
Susan says
My family would like the Panko Breaded Pork Meallions.
Hotsnotty2 says
I'd love to try to make the chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells, thanks!
Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com
ddtavener says
I would like to try the BBQ Country Ribs.
athompson says
i follow via google friend connect
thompson_tanda@yahoo.com
athompson says
the first thing i would make is Teriyaki Chicken. yum!
thompson_tanda@yahoo.com
trixx says
I entered your Flyebaby giveaway!
trixx says
I follow Jane's blog
trixx says
2 I signed up for Jane's newsletter!
trixx says
1 I signed up for Jane's newsletter!
trixx says
I'm a follower
trixx says
I'm an email subscriber
trixx says
So many yummy foods I'd love to make! I'd like to try making the Hawaiian Cole Slaw first!
Pamela S says
I'm subscribed to Jane's newsletter #2. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Pamela S says
I'm subscribed to Jane's newsletter #1. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Pamela S says
I follow Jane's blog. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Pamela S says
I receive your feed with google reader. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Pamela S says
I follow your blog with GFC. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Pamela S says
I would make the chicken cannelloni first. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
Storm, The Psychotic Housewife says
I think I'd try the BBQ Pepper Jack Chicken first – that pretty much combines 3 of my husband's favorite things – all he needs would be a beer with it. LOL
stormraven at gmail dot com
Brooke says
First… the Hawaiian bread.. yummmy
Just say Julie says
I'm gonna have to say honey mustard chicken fingers. we're a chicken finger family 🙂
Anonymous says
I would really love to try the Spicy Corn Chowder..yummy!!
shawnac68@hotmail.com
Ames says
Spicy Corn Chowder sounds great!
theprophecygirl says
My hubby would be so happy if I made him Teriyaki Chicken. Thanks! theprophecygirl at hotmail dot com
Anonymous says
Breakfast Burritos for me!
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
Julie says
follow Jane's blog as jelaws5
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Julie says
# 2 email subscriber to Jane's newsletter
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Julie says
# 1 email subscriber to Jane's newsletter
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Julie says
email subscriber
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Julie says
follow blog
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Julie says
The Blueberry bread
aunteegem@yahoo.com
erma says
I'd make the Breakfast Burritos.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
Amanda S. says
Marinated Steak!
Vanessa says
I entered the Flyebaby giveaway!
Vanessa says
Mmm..honey mustard chicken fingers!
chromiumman says
Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers
Tylerpants says
Entered your Flyebaby giveaway! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
Follow Jane's blog! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
Signed up for Jane's newsletter! #2 tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
Signed up for Jane's newsletter! #1 tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'd love to make Stuffed Cornish Hens! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
dreeg says
I want to make the Lemon Bread.
Nickolay says
I want to make the Italian Wedding Soup
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Smooshy says
cheesy pasta!
Karen says
Baked Chicken Chimichangas
bison61 says
Shepherd's Pie sounds good
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Madeline says
I'm following you.
Madeline says
The Broccoli salad and stir fried asparagus sound yummy!
socmama says
The Thai Chicken Thighs sound great!
scottsgal says
taco lasagna sounds interesting
msboatgal at aol.com
Becca says
I have Jane's button up on the right at http://beccascontestlist.blogspot.com (entry 2)
Becca says
I have Jane's button up on the right at http://beccascontestlist.blogspot.com
Becca says
I follow Jane's blog. sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Becca says
I am signed up for Jane's newsletter sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com (entry 2)
Becca says
I am signed up for Jane's newsletter sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Becca says
I have your button up on the right at http://beccascontestlist.blogspot.com (entry 2)
Becca says
I have your button up on the right at http://beccascontestlist.blogspot.com
Becca says
I am now an email subscriber. sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Becca says
I am now an email subscriber. sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Becca says
I follow your blog. sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Becca says
I would love to make the honey mustard chicken fingers, thanks! sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com
Andria says
email subscriber
Andria says
I'd love to try the Chicken Cannelloni
Anonymous says
Meatballs and gravy in the crockpot…love crockpot meals!
Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com
sunnymum says
I also entered the Flyebaby giveaway (comment#62)
sunnymum says
Following Jane's blog as sunnymum too.
sunnymum says
Following on google friend as sunnymum.
sunnymum says
I'd make the Pork Florentine. Sounds like a great cookbook!
cbeargie (at) yahoo.com
Anonymous says
Cheesy Pasta sounds good.
emmy5905@embarqmail.com
Joy says
Italian Restaurant Chicken looks delicious.
magic5905@embarqmail.com
chlorinebrain says
I would try the blueberry bread recipe first!
Miss Nessa says
Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers sounds good
jenrose says
I would probably start with the Chicken Parmasean. I love this dish but have never made it at home.
Bunnymom says
I would make the banana bread so that I have "breakfast food" in the freezer.
Pat says
First recipe I would make would be the Broccoli Salad.
pkildow at gmail dot com
1993wel says
The first recipe I would make would be Shepherd's Pie.
Trina says
I entered the flyebaby contest
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
Trina says
I follow on google friend connect
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
Trina says
I would make Italian Restaurant Chicken
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
Molomatic says
I entered your Flyebaby giveaway!
Molomatic says
I follow you via RSS feed!
Molomatic says
I am following you on Google Friend Connect!
Molomatic says
I'd love to make their Cranberry Lemon Bread!
Jessica says
I subscribe to e-mail
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I follow through google
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I would love the spicy corn chowder
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
tatertot374 says
I follow
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
tatertot374 says
I follow her blog
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
tatertot374 says
I signed up #2
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
tatertot374 says
I signed up #1
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
tatertot374 says
I subscribe
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
tatertot374 says
I would make the Teriyaki Chicken.
yummy!
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Deborah Wellenstein says
The first thing I will make is the Crab Melts. Thanks!
Lissa says
I would try the Chicken Parmesan (my hubby loves it!)
melissamcnicol(at)yahoo(dot)com
Audreysmama says
i subscribe via email
Audreysmama says
i'd try Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers first, sounds delicious! this looks like a great book!
techyone says
stuffed beef tenderloin
divinitygirl says
hey! i wanna try the chicken enchiladas and the sausage lentil soup!
Sandra K321 says
I follow Jane's blog via google.
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Sandra K321 says
I am signed up for Jane's newsletter (entry #2)
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
Sandra K321 says
I am signed up for Jane's newsletter (entry #1)
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
Sandra K321 says
I would make the Cheesy Pasta first for my sons.
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Jennifer T. says
I follow Jane's blog.
Jennifer T. says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter with e-mail #2
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Jennifer T. says
I signed up for Jane's newsletter with e-mail jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer T. says
I'm an e-mail subscriber.
Jennifer T. says
I follow via Google Friend Connect.
Jennifer T. says
The recipe I'd make is Taco Lasagna.
mframe says
email subscriber
mframe00@yahoo.com
mframe says
google blog follower
mframe00@yahoo.com
mframe says
I would love to try the Crab Cakes.
mframe00@yahoo.com
sweepmom says
I would make the chicken cannelloni.
calvad says
I would make the Baked Chicken Chimichangas first.
Angela W says
I signed up for Jane's Newsletter #2 using rx2mama@ggmail.com
rx2mama@gmail.com
Angela W says
I signed up for Jane's Newsletter #1 I used rx2mama@gmail.com
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Angela W says
I subscribe to your blog via email!
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Angela W says
I would definitely make the Chicken Cannelloni first! 🙂
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jderm312 says
I didn't have to look far…the blueberry bread looks so good! My kids (and myself) would love it! Thanks!
Genny says
Cranberry Scones
Misty says
i subscribed to her blog! 🙂
Misty says
newsletter #2
Misty says
i subscribed for her newsletter… #1
Misty says
ok… i subscribe! 🙂
Misty says
stuffed beef tenderloin definatly. I am thrilled you are giving this book away!!!!
(and I already subscribe to you, so I won't cheat and pretend like I just started…)
wow… i deeply need this book. Seriously. I keep up the meal planning and cooking for two entirely seperate households. talk about simplifying my life!
mverno says
i liked a lot of stuffed foods. this would be good mverno@roadrunenr.com
Heather says
My hubby would want me to make the stuffed mushrooms 😉 myredapron(at)gmail(dot)com