One week off from the kitchen cooking!!

One week off from the kitchen cooking, doesn't that sound good? Most of you would say...... IMPOSSIBLE!!! Well it can be done with a little forward planning and a few extra storage containers (some people even do their baking cookies and cakes).
With Christmas literally around the corner, I was thinking after a week of preparations and cooking up a storm for the Christmas feast wouldn't it be great to have the following week off from cooking?

Well lets think about this and break it down. Go and have a look in you pantry and take inventory then do the same for your fridge and freezer. Now you know what is in them grab yourself a coffee and a pen and paper and grab a few of your favourite cooking books and start to think of meals that you can make for dinner during the week that can be frozen and then reheated. Now think instead of making just enough for the family for one night now double it for two nights, and if it is a family favourite maybe 3. In these hot and humid days even different salads stay well in the fridge you just might have to have those sides used earlier than others or even tinned salad side. While you are making the meal for that night you are also making it for the next week.

I've done this a couple of time now and I tell you what I don't have to worry about what to decide for dinner or even on a busy day trying to get home to cook it in time for the family to enjoy and whingeing at me "when's dinner ready?" at 7/7:30 at night when in reality they should be getting ready to settle down for bed.

So I'm thinking..... I might have a 'No cooking week' from Boxing Day till New Years off from cooking..... mmmmm, I think I might. Now I put the challenge out.... Who is going to join me and enjoy the celebrations by giving yourself a prezzy for a whole week of no cooking?????

I'm always interested in new recipes for these 'No cooking weeks' so if you have found one that works and the whole family loves I would be interested to know, and I'm sure as all those busy mums and dads would like to know too. For those who have been able to spread their 'No cooking week' even longer..... Do tell!!

Well I'll leave you with it and can't wait to see who is going to join me in this coming week of 'double batching'. Have a great festive weekend and I'll talk to you all on Monday for my next article.

from my heart to yours,

Peta