So I promised you recipes that freeze well, and now you’re about to get more freezer-ready recipes than you are probably interested in.  I mentioned on Monday that we don’t eat a lot of casserole type dishes, so you won’t find many of those here.  What you will find are easy grab and go breakfasts and snacks, main dishes where a major component can be prepped and frozen beforehand, and sides, soups and desserts that can be frozen in large batches.  There are also a few things you may not have realized could be frozen, or the advantages of doing so.  The experts could probably point out many other recipes on this site that can be frozen easily but these are the ones I do routinely. 

For all of the recipes below you should cool the items completely before freezing them. If the directions state to re-warm in the microwave, I typically wrap the frozen item in a paper towel and heat it for 30 second intervals until warm throughout, longer for soups and entrees.

Snacks, Homemade Convenience Foods

These are the items you can make in bulk and then store in the freezer for grab and go convenience-perfect for quick meals, snacks, and lunch box additions.  I have found that the homemade version of typical processed convenience foods are much heartier and more filling.  A two pound bag of homemade chicken nuggets, for example, lasts us about twice as long as the freezer aisle version.

• Chicken Fingers/Nuggets:  Cook as directed in the recipe. Place on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  To re-heat, bake as many as desired at 400°F for 16-20 min.
• Bean Burritos: Wrap in plastic and freeze. Re-warm in the microwave.
• Corn Dogs: Cook according to recipe. Place on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  To re-heat, bake for 20 min in a 400°F oven.
• Pizza Egg Rolls: Cook according to recipe.  Place on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  Re-heat in the microwave or in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes or until hot through.
• Calzones: You can freeze these baked or unbaked depending on your preference.  Either way, place on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  To cook or re-warm from frozen simply bake for 15-20 minutes at 475°F.  You can re-warm cooked calzones in the microwave.
• Pizza Bagels: Place on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  For crispy bagel bites bake the desired number at 450°F for about 15 min or for chewy bagel bites re-warm in the microwave.
• Pizza Bites: Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. To re-heat, bake at 400°F for 16-20 min.
• Potstickers: Place uncooked on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  To cook, heat a frying pan with a lid to medium heat, add a couple tbsp of oil.  Place potstickers flat side down in the hot oil and fry for several minutes or until golden brown.  Add 1/2 cup of water and cover.  Cook until water has cooked off.  Flip potstickers and brown all sides.
• Sliders: Wrap each sandwich in plastic and freeze. Re-warm in the microwave.
• Banana Bread: Slice and freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts: Freeze in portions.  Thaw in the refrigerator, stir in some fresh dressing if needed.  You can also freeze as sandwiches, make sandwich, slice then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.  Thaw in fridge overnight, then add to lunch box in morning.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies The Chewy: Freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Sugar Cookies and Glossy Icing: Freeze frosted or unfrosted, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).

Breakfast

Most of these are great, quick, on-the-go breakfast items.  It is easy to eat a wholesome breakfast when all you have to do is snatch it out of the freezer.

• Breakfast Sandwiches: Wrap in plastic and freeze. Re-warm in the microwave.
• Breakfast Tacos: Wrap in wax or parchment paper and freeze. Re-warm in the microwave.
• French Toast Sticks:  I actually did this recipe wrong and need to re-do it.  You should cut the toast into sticks before battering and frying it.  Place the sticks on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  Then simply re-warm the number of sticks you want in the microwave.
• Sausage Broccoli Frittata (Crustless Quiche):  Freeze unbaked.  Bake from frozen, allowing for extra time, or thaw in the refrigerator and bake following instructions.
• Cranberry Orange Scones: Freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Blueberry Muffins: Freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Pancakes: Freeze on a baking sheet until hard then store in a freezer bag.  Toast from frozen until golden brown and hot.

Main Dishes

You can bake many casseroles from frozen but baking time will be shorter if you allow the dish to thaw over-night in the refrigerator.  All of these dishes would freeze and re-heat just fine fully cooked, but to avoid feeling like we are eating nothing but left-overs I like to freeze dishes uncooked and then cook them before serving as often as possible.  You can choose how you want to freeze most of these dishes, whole for serving a larger group or in individual portions for lunches or single dinners.

• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Jalapenos and Cheese:  Place uncooked on a cookie sheet and freeze, once frozen place in a large freezer bag.  You can grill these from frozen just watch for flare-ups since it may take slightly longer to cook through.
• Beef Fajitas: Add the meat to the marinade, then freeze.  Thaw in the refrigerator a day in advance and cook as stated in the recipe.
• Bun Thit Nuong:  Add the meat to the marinade, then freeze.  Thaw in the refrigerator a day in advance and cook as stated in the recipe.
• Chicken Pot Pie: You can either freeze the filling, thaw and add to a fresh pie shell then bake.  Or you can freeze the whole uncooked pie then reheat by baking it in the oven from frozen.  Or you can freeze the whole pie after baking and just re-warm in the oven.
• Chili Texas Red: Portion into freezer containers and freeze.  Re-heat on the stove-top or in the microwave.
• Chipotle Honey Lime Pork Tenderloin:  Add the meat to the marinade, then freeze.  Thaw in the refrigerator a day in advance and cook as stated in the recipe.
• Fried Rice: Portion cooked rice into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Chicken Fajitas:  Add the meat to the marinade, then freeze.  Thaw in the refrigerator a day in advance and cook as stated in the recipe.
• Dirty Risotto: Portion cooked rice into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Either portion this into freezer containers and re-warm in the microwave or freeze in a greased casserole dish (or several smaller dishes).  Bake frozen casserole at 350 until browned and bubbly (20-40 minutes, depending on size and if thawed or frozen). You can also add additional shredded cheese or seasoned bread crumbs to the top before baking.
• Lasagna: This is a good one to make into two smaller casseroles.  Freeze unbaked casseroles.  Bake from frozen.
• Pastitsio Greek Casserole: Like a lasagna, this is a good one to make into two smaller casseroles.  Bake casserole about half-way, then cool and freeze.  Bake from frozen until hot and browned.
• Root Beer Pulled Pork: Freeze meat in a freezer bag.  To serve, warm in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs: Freeze sauce and meatballs together in freezer containers or bags.  Re-heat on the stove-top and serve with fresh pasta.  If sauce gets too thick, add some pasta water.  Alternately, you can freeze the meatballs without sauce on baking sheets then store in a freezer bag when hard, thaw in the microwave for making meatball subs, etc.
• Spaghetti with Bolognese Meat Sauce: Freeze sauce in freezer containers or bags.  Re-heat on the stove-top and serve with fresh pasta.  If sauce gets too thick, add some pasta water.
• Meat Sauce: Freeze sauce in freezer containers or bags.  Re-heat on the stove-top and serve with fresh pasta.  If sauce gets too thick, add some pasta water.  Can also be combined with spaghetti noodles and frozen in a casserole, to serve bake in the oven topped with fresh cheese.
• Tacos: Portion meat into freezer containers or bags and freeze.  Re-heat in the microwave or stove-top. Serve with fresh tortillas and pico, etc.. Or use in recipes like Taco Bread or Enchiladas.
• Spicy Sausage: Portion meat into freezer containers or bags and freeze.  Re-heat in the microwave or stove-top.
• Sloppy Joes: Portion meat into freezer containers or bags and freeze.  Re-heat in the microwave or stove-top.

Sides

These sides can be frozen as a large side item or portioned into smaller individual sides and paired with individual frozen entrees.

• Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole: Portion cooked casserole into freezer containers and re-heat in the microwave, or freeze unbaked casserole and bake from frozen.
• Rice-a-Roni: Portion cooked rice into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Corn Casserole: Portion cooked casserole into freezer containers and re-heat in the microwave, or freeze unbaked casserole and bake from frozen.
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Portion cooked casserole into freezer containers and re-heat in the microwave, or freeze unbaked casserole and bake from frozen.
• Basic Mushroom Risotto: Portion cooked rice into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Risotto: Portion cooked rice into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Refried Beans: Portion cooked beans into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave.
• Garlic Bread: Wrap in plastic wrap or foil, freeze.  Bake from frozen at 400°F until soft, then broil until toasted.
• Garlic or Regular Naan: Freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).

Soups

This group might be a little obvious, but here are some instructions specific to each soup.

• Beef and Mushroom Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers-do not add potatoes.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• French Onion Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers-do not add cheese or bread.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Posole: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.
• Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Do not add the tortellini to to soup.  Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat on the stove-top, adding tortellini to the simmering soup and cook until done.
• Stuffed Pepper Soup: Do not add rice to the soup.  Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top.  Serve with fresh rice.
• Tortilla Soup: Portion cooked soup into freezer containers.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stove-top. Serve with fresh tortilla chips.
• Chicken Stock (Crock Pot): Portion cooked stock into freezer containers.  Thaw in the microwave or on the stove-top.

Desserts

Cakes, cupcakes, and cookies (see snacks, above) all freeze great.  In fact, some would argue that their textures improve after a short stay in the freezer.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temp, then chill until desired consistency. Also, Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Carrot Cupcakes: Freeze frosted or unfrosted, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).  Also works for any type of cake or cupcakes: Red Velvet, Yellow, Chocolate.
• Elvis Presley’s Favorite Pound Cake: Slice and freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake: Slice and freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Secret Family Cheesecake Recipe: Slice and freeze, thaw at room temperature (it only takes a few minutes).
• Fresh Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream or Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream or Vietnamese Iced Coffee Ice Cream

I know a post like this probably generates more questions than it answers so if you have comments, questions, or suggestions, leave them below in the comments section and I will endeavor to answer them all.

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1. Pizza Bites

2. Wings

3. Kettle Corn

4. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

5. Salsa Baked Goat Cheese

And since I have hundreds of recipes tagged under “Appetizer” that I haven’t had the chance to make I offer you a few of my snack picks from around the web:

• Tex-Mex Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Nuggets submitted to the kitchn by S.T.
• Lisa’s Antipasto Squares at The Cutting Edge of Ordinary
• Jalapeno Popper Dip at Buns In My Oven
• White Bean Spread with Roasted Garlic at She wears many hats
• Toasted Ravioli at Coconut and Lime
• Sugar Spice Craisin Nuts at One Particular Kitchen
• White Castle Sliders at Big Red Kitchen

Leave links to your favorite super bowl food (or recipes that you’re inspired to try this year!) in the comments so we can all get excited!

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So by now you know that your leftover turkey carcass makes a wonderful base for stock.  You can then use this and the left over meat as a base for soups or casseroles for another week or so.  Here are a few of my favorite combinations of dishes to make the most of your leftovers.

Leftover turkey: Chicken Casserole, Chicken Salad, Quesadillas (use whatever filling combination you like)

Turkey stock: Risotto

Turkey stock, leftover turkey: Tortilla Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, or Pancit

Turkey stock, leftover turkey, leftover plain vegetables (corn, green beans, etc..): Chicken Pot Pie

Leftover mashed potatoes: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Turkey stock, leftover turkey, leftover mashed potatoes: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing holiday-full of friends, family and great food!  See you next week!

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Thanksgiving Recipes

It’s that time y’all!  Here is a list of Thanksgiving recipes on citk that can help round out your meal, and a few tips to make your day go a bit smoother. 

Appetizers

• Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad -This is an easy and impressive salad to put together.  Mix up the dressing ahead of time and combine greens, onions, pecans, and blue cheese in a serving bowl the day before and refrigerate.  Thursday morning, set the dressing on the counter to warm up.  When ready to serve, caramelize your pears quickly in a hot skillet, toss greens mixture with dressing and serve.
• Onion Dip -A great choice for anyone asked to bring a snack for guests to nibble on during dinner preparations.  Mix it up at home and it will be ready to serve by the time you reach your destination. 
• Prosciutto and Cheese Wrapped Figs -We can still get fresh figs in Texas and if you can get them this makes a nice fancy appetizer for party guests. 
• Spinach Dip -Another quick, cold dip.  This is a great one to prepare alongside a vegetable crudité platter.

Sides

• Creamed Corn -I love creamed corn.  We usually heat up frozen corn as an additional vegetable side, but this creamed corn is rich and delicious.  Prepare on the stove top while the turkey is resting. 
• Creamed Spinach -Another great vegetable side that’s quick to prepare while the turkey rests.  Thaw a box of frozen spinach and squeeze dry to make this one super fast.  
• Cranberry Sauce -Cranberry sauce is so easy to make there really is no excuse.  It can also be made several days ahead, just don’t forget to pull it out of the fridge Thursday morning!
• Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole -Mix this one up the day before and refrigerate.  On Thursday, set it on the counter to warm up while the turkey is in the oven.  Once the turkey is out and resting, this one can take a spot on the bottom rack next to the dressing.
• Caramelized Butternut Squash -A good alternative to sweet potatoes, these roast on the top rack while the casseroles are heating up.  Chop your squash the day before and refrigerate in a large mixing bowl.  Just dump your sugar and butter in the bowl, toss, and spread out on a baking sheet when ready to roast.
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole -Because you can’t have too many cheesy starches at Thanksgiving.  A good one for those who don’t have traditional mashed potatoes (or make a large pot of mashed potatoes and split in half to have both). 

The Turkey

• Fried Turkey -Free up your oven and cook your turkey in an hour rather than waiting around all day. 
• Smoked Turkey -Try something different this year (and free up your oven)!

Desserts

• Blueberry Pie -Use economical frozen blueberries and mix up the pie ahead of time.  Can be baked the day before and set out at room temperature or made up and refrigerated and baked after dinner. 
• Chocolate Pie -Make the day before and refrigerate. Try it with an Oreo cookie crust! Make fresh whipped cream for topping before serving.
• Lemon Meringue Pie -Make the day before and refrigerate.
• Secret Family Recipe Cheesecake -Make the day before and refrigerate.

 Extras

• Cream Soup Substitute -Make ahead of time to use in your casseroles.
• Chicken or Turkey Stock -Make ahead to have turkey stock on hand for stuffing and gravy, especially if you are smoking or frying your turkey.  Definitely make it after dinner with your carcass for the next week’s turkey noodle soup, etc…

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I started chaos in the kitchen a year ago-at the beginning of last summer-but I didn’t put much thought into summer foods then.  Texas is a year-round summer state, pretty much, so over this last year I have posted many of our favorites.  I thought I would point them out to you, so they do not get forgotten in the shuffle that is this summer, just in case you are thinking about making something special in the next few weeks.

Grilled Skirt Steak Fajitas We eat these fajitas year-round at our house!  They are easy and fun and turn any weeknight meal into a lazy weekend fiesta-but they really are perfect for large family barbecues, paired with pico and guacamole.

Restaurant-Tender Baby Back Ribs These ribs are so easy you won’t believe it.  You don’t even need a grill, finish them off under your broiler then kick back on your patio for a taste of the back yard barbecue even in the city.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Summer to me means crowding around a picnic table with crunchy fried chicken-wiping greasy fingers on paper napkins-and some buttermilk coleslaw.

Strawberry Salad This salad is such a fun dish to bring to a party or to pair with heavy grilled meats.  It takes advantage of summer’s ripe, perfect berries.  The next time I make this salad, I will add a bit of mint to the greens.

Ramen Noodle Salad This is another great party salad.  It is a no-mayo cabbage slaw, perfect for hot outdoor get-togethers.

Coleslaw Nothing beats the original for summer barbecues.  Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, there’s a reason this old-fashioned buttermilk salad has been paired with spicy grilled meats for years.

Black Bean and Corn Salad A wonderful Tex-Mex side dish.  Fresh and bursting with great summer veggies it offers a nice respite from greasy and fatty meats.

Grilled Corn on the Cob I posted this one pretty recently but it is such a quintessential summer recipe that I had to include it here.  I am not sure there is any side dish that is easier or more exciting than a nicely smoked, juicy ear of grilled corn.

Strawberry Shortcake Is there a more perfect summer dessert?  Strawberry shortcakes will always mean summer to me.  We use pound cake and top with freshly whipped cream.

I love making ice cream and of course it can be made year-round.  Yet there is just something so satisfying about this creamy, cold treat during the summer-that’s when I really get into ice cream mode.

Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Creams

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

So what are your favorite summer recipes? Please link to them in the comments and check back later for a menu to last you all summer!  If you don’t see your post right away, it just means the links got caught up in the filter but I will approve them through out the day.

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