So, when Jane Doiron asked if I would like to giveaway her cookbook on the blog, I said "of course!" because....
a. one can never have too many cookbooks, and
b. bloggers with cookbooks are a good thing. *ahem*
I fully intend to try the main courses out, but you know me, I zeroed in on the sugar pretty quick.
Let's start with breakfast....Mini Pecan Pie Muffins! I had to try them. FIVE ingredients and they DO taste like pecan pie!
My mom used to make little pecan tarts, we called them Pecan Chewies, for my Uncle Mike every time he came to visit. These reminded me A LOT of those, but without the crust. Uncle Mike, are you reading? You need these! ;)
Next up...Snickerdoodles.
I have a confession. It's a biggie. I've never made snickerdoodles. I don't even think I've ever eaten a homemade snickerdoodle.
These.Are.Incredible. Why didn't you guys tell me!?!?! Soft, buttery, cinnamon-y...perfect with a cup of tea or a glass of milk....or a beer. {I'm just sayin'.}
Here's another confession. I did share some with my sister, but these in the ribbon? I immediately untied and ate them.
Mini Pecan Pie Muffins
(recipe courtesy of Jane Doiron, Make-Ahead Meals)
1 c light brown sugar
1 c pecans, chopped
1/2 c flour
2/3 c butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
Spray 20 mini muffin cups with nonstick spray (I used butter); set aside. Preheat the oven to 350.
In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups evenly.
{I ended up with a little extra batter and instead of eating it like I normally do, I overfilled the cups. I shouldn't have...don't follow my bad example!}
Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges will be crispy. Do not overbake. Remove the muffins and cool on a wire rack.
~Freeze~
When the muffins are completely cool, place them in a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months.
Snickerdoodles
(recipe courtesy of Jane Doiron, Make-Ahead Meals)
2 & 3/4 c flour
1 & 1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c butter
1/2 c shortening
1 & 1/2 c sugar
2 large eggs
2 TBSP sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; set aside. In another bowl, cream the butter, shortening and 1 & 1/2 c sugar. Blend in the eggs at low speed.
Add the flour mixture (I did this in 3 additions), and mix until combined.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon.
Roll 1 TBSP of dough into a ball and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place dough on cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes. Do not overbake. the centers will be soft, but will set upon cooling. (A very thin cookie spatula helps in transferring because they are so soft.) Cool on a wire rack. Makes 4 & 1/2 dozen (I made mine a little big...I got about 30.)
~Freezing directions~
Place the sugar coated cookie dough on a large sheet pan in a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze 2-3 hours. Place the dough in a labeled freezer bag. Write the baking directions on the bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
{Tweet it for an extra entry...and leave a separate comment.}
The winner will be chosen randomly Monday, January 18th at 8pm CST. Thanks for entering! You can take a closer look at Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms here on Amazon!
My favorite make ahead "meal" are cookies... I like to have cookie dough on hand so we can just a bake a few at a time.
ReplyDeleteProbably enchiladas, although I love having homemade lasagna in the freezer to pull out on a cold, winter night! BUT, I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! I could seriously eat it every day of the week. While I love my enchiladas, they're a little bit on the unhealthy side, so it's a nice treat when I pull them out of the freezer to eat!
ReplyDeleteWhen I make pasta salad i like to make enough to munch on throughout the week
ReplyDelete:)
My favorite make-ahead is lasagna or mostaccioli AND cookies!!
ReplyDeleteThe hubby LOVE snickerdoodles, and I promised I'd make him some for Valentines Day since I didn't make any for Christmas this year!
This recipe book looks GREAT!!
~TidyMom
Tweeted this giveaway too!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite "meal" to make any time (make ahead or not) is COOKIES! I love, love, love to eat them... raw or cooked. And they are so nice to have frozen on hand as last minute gifts!
ReplyDeleteFrozen biscuits may be my favorite make ahead, and those muffins look fabulous!! thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway!!! Cool!
ReplyDeleteMake meatballs with about 7lbs of ground meat, bake on a cookie sheet, divid into small bags & then freeze.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say either pasta salad or baked ziti with meatballs. Yummy!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is lasagna
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I haven't tried making a whole heck of a lot ahead. I do have some cookie dough on hand, but I'd definitely love to try having more on hand, especially now that I'm back in school and cookies is sometimes the last thing I want to do.
ReplyDeleteAny pasta dish! It's so easy to prep and refrigerate (or even freeze) until you need it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead is chilli - I make a big pot, have it for dinner, leftovers for lunch, and a big container into the freezer for another time! Perfect in the colder months!
ReplyDeleteOur favorite make ahead is Stromboli. Soooooo yummy and it does very well in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteI am not good about preparing things ahead of time sooo I NEED this book! lol!
ReplyDeletewell, my favorite is sugar cookie dough of course :). I have a few logs in the freezer right now! i kinda could live off sugar and jump straight to the back of the cookbook....why is all the good stuff in the back. would love to win!...maybe i will actually make some of the dinner stuff in there.
ReplyDeleteI make a mean vegetarian chili in our slow cooker. It's perfect for winter and keeps very well.
ReplyDeleteI try to make ahead lots of things -- mostly savory things.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted.
ReplyDeleteThose snickerdoodles look delicious! Unfortunately I can't comment on the pecan muffins since I can't have pecans. ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead food? Lately it's been Julia's potato gratin. It's so easy to put together in a pyrex dish, and then I just put the cover on and stick it in the fridge. Love it!
I love to make a batch of cookie dough, portion it, and freeze it so I can take out just a few and have nice warm cookies any time.
ReplyDeleteI like to make ahead and freeze meatballs and sauce for spaghetti. I also freeze half of whatever cookie recipe I bake.
ReplyDeleteI like to have soup in the freezer for those cold nights I don't feel like cooking.
ReplyDeleteI love to make chili ahead and freeze it in small bowls for a quick lunch or as a topping for baked potatoes.
ReplyDeleteSoup! I love to make minestrone but I leave out the pasta when I freeze it. Then I just throw it back in when I reheat it. You can't tell it's been frozen!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite meal to make ahead of time is chicken tetrazzini. It makes my life so much more simple when I can make my meals ahead of time instead of chasing three boys around the house and cook at the same time :) Thanks for a great giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteMuffins for Sunday school class, I make them every week and will be trying this recipe for Sunday! I'd love to win this book, thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal are chimichangas. I make the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning and chicken mixture ahead of time (along with the sauce) so I can just pull them out, stuff them in tortillas and fry them up. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to win the cookbook so I will actually HAVE a favorite make ahead meal. :) I'm not much of a planner. I do like when I put a roast in the crockpot and come home and my house smells delish.
ReplyDeleteTweeting now. :)
ReplyDeleteI will make ahead anything I can put in a crock-pot. The latest? Chicken Tortilla Soup. You can find the recipe on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteciao!! che splendide ricette!!
ReplyDeletea me piace la lasagna!!
Roasted potato wedges - slice 'em up, toss with olive oil and seasonings and flash freeze!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is soup. I have a strange habbit of making soup a meal. Sometimes referred to as "Stewp" because I like it thick and chunky with lots of vegg, beans, etc and just enough broth to call is soup :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is meatballs ..my boys love them with my homemade sauce..its quick and easy! great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a favorite make-ahead meal... that's why I'm entering and SO NEED to win this!
ReplyDeleteMy favoirt make ahead meal is tomato sauce, it's get to just pull it out and reheat it and you can have dinner in 30 minutes!
ReplyDeleteI also ALWAY keep ingredients on hand to make cookies at the drop of a hat...you can NEVER have too many cookies
I like to make casseroles ahead of time. Whenever I am cooking one, I make enough for two and put the extra in the freezer for a busy night.
ReplyDeleteTweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/musiccityace/status/7789560875
My favorite make ahead meal is a breakfast casserole that gets refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, those pecan muffins look good!
ReplyDeleteI hate when I do that and aover fill the pans.
I'm not a make-ahead person. The kids and I prefer our food homemade and hot straight from the oven or stove. :) Not too often do we even do leftovers.
~ingrid
Casseroles..we have a group of 5 moms called Casserole Queens, we meet once a month, each bringing 5 of the same casserole and we all swap.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite meal to make ahead.... well just about anything! Anything that makes my life easier on busy or sick days. Chicken and dressing if probably my favorite over of all, and during the holidays pies and cookies.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...favorite make ahead meal? Would have to be pizza dough. I make a HUGE batch, separate and freeze for when we want it. Much cheaper than the store bought and since I use whole wheat / semolina flour, healthier too! Oh, and can't forget about the cookies! My family would lynch me, or at least revolt if they didn't have a steady supply!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Make-Ahead is Lasagne - so yummy and handy too!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try the pecan pie muffins!
I Tweeted the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit boring, but we'll make up a batch of ground turkey taco meat and then freeze it in 1 cup portions. We'll then nuke it for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a fast, hot meal.
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome to the Snickerdoodles club! They are evil goodness. For holidays, I'll add the cinnamon to the dough and roll the cookies in colored sugar.
I love to make Pepsi Pot Roast! I would love to win this so I could have some more ideas! I don't really know "how" to make freezer meals that well!
ReplyDelete5 ingredients is all for those pecan pie muffins? That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteI like to make 2 lasagnas and freeze one.
My favorite make--ahead foods are for breakfast. I make waffles, pancakes, and muffins and keep them in the freezer. This keeps my kids from eating cereal every day.
ReplyDeleteI buy chicken in bulk and then stick it in different marinades in the freezer.
ReplyDeletesylviarj at yahoo dot com
Pasta is my favorite make-ahead!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is chicken tortilla soup. It just get's better with time.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead is soup.
ReplyDeletechicken pot pies- YUM!
ReplyDeleteI make, bake, and freeze meatballs - so easy to throw them in my quick marinara sauce for a quick weekday supper.
ReplyDeleteLouanne
louanne23@bellsouth.net
Pizza dough, it is always crispy when frozen then baked! And a breeze to pull it out of the freezer on Friday evening for family movie night!
ReplyDeleteJust reading the recipe and looking at the pecan muffins made me want some!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhich is funny because muffins are exaxtly what I like to make ahead and have on head. (but I cheat I use muffin mix :-) )
chicken pot pies- YUM!
ReplyDeleteI twitted http://twitter.com/thescorpiowoman/statuses/7790831360
ReplyDeleteDinner in the crockpot! Fix it the night before, put it in fridge, pull it out in the morning and turn it on. Dinner is done!
ReplyDeleteLove those pecan muffins!
When we have a family get together it is usually for brunch and I make the quiche a day ahead. I also keep pre-made but not prebaked spinach balls in the freezer for appetizers.
ReplyDeletemsgb245 at gmail dot com
I'm tryting to think about what I make ahead.....I'm a busy mom, I should make things ahead of time but I just don't! I have made chili and frozen it in the past but then it gets into the freezer and it gets forgotten. Some prepared meals would make my life a lot easier though....I should get to it!! :)
ReplyDeleteI like to made pasta salads with a protein in it ahead of time. That is simple and quick, but I would enjoy some more ideas! Although I'm not a "busy mom," I'm a "busy grad student" and always come home hungry from my night class!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead thing is spinach and egg strata. I love waking up and the only thing between us and a hot breakfast is me turning on the oven! It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteI've never made snickerdoodles either (although I've eaten plenty of them)! But I think it's about time that I try it. My favorite make ahead meal is soup. It always tastes better after a few days in the fridge.
ReplyDeleteI would love this cookbook. I always have meals or at least the starts of meals in the freezer b/c I never know what an individual day will bring. I guess my favorite make ahead and freeze items are whole wheat chocolate chip cookies, cashew chicken, and fajitas. I could use some new ideas.
ReplyDeleteChili, cookies, and bread. I love to make extra beans when I'm doing chili to freeze for later too.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite food to make ahead is stacked enchiladas. Yum!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great recipes! Thanks so much for sharing. You are a woman after my own heart. I LOVE sweets too!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead to freeze is soup. I make all kinds of soups and put it in individual containers to have for my lunch at work and I also share with my daughter who is in college. She always takes frozen soup back to college with her when she comes home to visit. Soup is such a great comfort food!! Please enter me in the cookbook giveaway. I would love to add it to my collection! Love & blessings from NC!
Meatballs! I just flash freeze them & bag them up and then I have meatballs for all kinds of meals.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meals are lasagna, stuffed shells and pasta bake.
ReplyDeleteI make some cranberry beef wraps that are great but they are a crock-pot recipe. Does that count as make ahead?
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love snickerdodles too.
A Yummy Penne Pasta that my family adores. Also Tamales and Chili.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead thing is pie crust. I make it and then freeze it. Then I have it when I need it!
ReplyDeleteI don't really make anything ahead of time. I'm not that organized. But winning this book would help that!
ReplyDeleteI like to make cookie dough or lasagna ahead of time.
ReplyDeletePasta sauce is a great do a head meal.
ReplyDeleteMimi
Single servings of soup and lasagna in the freezer and sugar cookie dough too!
ReplyDeleteI don't really make anything ahead. When I make soup I make enough to last for lunch the next day, but otherwise that's it.
ReplyDeleteThose snickerdoodles look so scrumptious!!! I feel like I could just eat them off the computer screen. I broke a nail trying! (kidding!)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead meal would definitely be homemade chicken potpie. The recipe I use gives lots of extras, so when I make chicken potpie for dinner one night, I split them into two casserole dishes and then freeze one. It's so easy, and flavorful!! You can even transfer the casserole from freezer directly to oven and bake for an hour and it's all ready.
mac and cheese! I also like to have cookie dough in the freezer so I can bake off a few at a time! The cookbook looks great!!
ReplyDeleteDinner in the crockpot. I prepare it all the night before and then just pop it in the cooker before I leave. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about it too!
ReplyDeleteChili is my favorite make ahead meal.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is Chicken Parmesan.
ReplyDeleteI love snickerdoodles :)
My favorite make-ahead is lasagna, though I hardly ever actually make it. It would be great to have some new inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted the giveaway
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/createdbydiane/statuses/7793048186
I would love to win the book, I am a really busy mom. Since I have a very hectic schedulle I like to make ahead of time rice, soup,chicken salad and tomato sauce. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteEnchiladas, chili, soups and lasagna. And we love snickerdoodles!!!
ReplyDeletethis made me think a little-- I have to go with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I know some people are freaked out by the soggy bread and such, but to me it just means that each bite is going to be creamy goodness of peanut butter and jelly!
ReplyDeletepasta sauces, fillings for cassaroles/toppings for pizzas and cookie dough!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead item is lasagna! Although, I do have to say that having choc. chip cookie dough on hand is up there!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Snickerdoodles. They probably one of the first cookies I ever learned how to make. YUM! I may have to make some VERY soon. And those muffins look devine. I love pecan pie. Both of these would be great for my after-baby-is-born freezer stash. One of my favorite make ahead meals is Tater Tot Casserole. SO easy, everyone loves it. It's great comfort food. Let me know if you'd like the very easy recipe. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI like any make ahead meal that let's me put it in the crock pot in the morning and not touch it all day. Then I have dinner at night without all the work!!
ReplyDeleteI re-tweeted your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how much this is considered make ahead but when we make a roast turkey we always go for the biggest bird we can get. The record so far is a 25lb bird. We have done this since the early days of our marriage as we like leftovers. We now are a family of 7 and still try to get the biggest bird we can. We take the leftovers and pull the meat apart to put into freezer bags and save the broth as well. One busy days I just have to pull the broth and shredded turkey out of the freezer, heat it up, thicken the broth to gravy like and serve over instant mashed potatoes and bread---Hot open face sandwiches and super easy and comforting!
ReplyDeleteLasagne and other casseroles are great to make ahead!
ReplyDeleteThat's almost the same snicker doodle recipe my family has used for years. We use an original Betty Crocker recipe that uses a 1/4 tsp less baking soda. To give it extra buttery goodness, I use butter-flavored shortening. By far the most requested cookie I make. Even auctioned off 2 dozen at a charity for over $40!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal right now is a meatball soup my wife makes. Stores and reheats easily and is a great winter meal.
Besides Cookie dough...
ReplyDeleteI love to make Chili, or enchiladas ahead of time. Such quick easy meals! My hubby loves them too!
Heck yeah. I'm just about to do a post on how life is busy enough that there's not a lot of fancy cooking or baking going on right now.
ReplyDeleteSo make ahead & freeze... chicken pot pie.
Donna
okay... facebook and tweet all in one. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/WayMoreHomemade/status/7794092980
Yum, yum, yum! The muffins look wonderful. And as for the snickerdoodles - I totally hear you about the beer! It sounds weird, I know, but a good stout and a cookie is awesome (not quite in the same way as a cup of tea and a cookie, but ya know).
ReplyDeleteI'm a big frozen casserole girl. It's boring, but I love defrosting and eating with little prep.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say THANK YOU for showing your mess up picture!!!!
My dad's turkey chili. I'm in college with some time-consuming extracurricular activities, so I can make a big pot on the weekend and feed myself and my roomies all week.
ReplyDeleteSoup, chili and crockpot pulled pork or chicken are my favorite things to keep in the freezer.
ReplyDeletei love enchiladads, taco pie and lasagna for make ahead meals. burritos are also really fun to make and freeze, just pull out as necessary. yum!!
ReplyDeleteMy fav make-ahead meal has to be chili. Its so forgiving! Just defrost, heat, and make up some cornbread and wa-la, everyone is happy (including the Momma).
ReplyDeleteCraftTeaLady AT yahoo DOT com
www.xanga.com/crafttealady
I ALWAYS have soup and mini meatloaf in the freezer. I'd love a new cookbook! I'm obsessed with freezing food!
ReplyDeleteMy Favorite make ahead food is Sloppy Joes. The filling just gets better the next day :) Just reheat it and put it on a bun.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is spaghetti. I make a double batch of sauce, then divide it up and freeze it. It is my children's all time favorite meal and lucky for me it is soooooooo easy!!!
ReplyDeletePasta...and cookies! I love being able to take a frozen pasta out of the freezer and popping it in the oven! Instant dinner!!
ReplyDeleteOh & I Tweeted...
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/FrenchieWBee/status/7794990886
I would say cookies, but they get eaten before we can save any!
ReplyDeleteMeatballs.....I like to freeze them so I have a quick go to meal during the weeknight.
ReplyDeletePumpkin Roll and Pepperoni Bread - It never fails if someone forgot something last minute, or just as a quick gift idea.. AND they go over HUGE.
ReplyDeleteIt's been my pleasure learning from you :) Thank You!
Chicken Noodle Soup is my FAVE make ahead meal! Having a make ahead cookbook would be indispensable!
ReplyDeleteAlly @ High Heels & Aprons
I make a huge batch of chicken noodle soup and freeze the leftovers :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW, my mom had the best recipe ever for snickerdoodles. She just passed away in August and I'm going to make them with my son who says they're his favorite cookie.
I just re-tweeted your original tweet. It should pop up under "whatisitnow."
ReplyDeleteI am just now getting into making things ahead of time so right now my favorites are cookies and biscuits.
ReplyDeleteI had cookies spread like your muffins once. Not a fun time! I like to make soup and have it waiting in the freezer. Sometimes on those cold days, this is the only thing to make you feel better.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing to make ahead are molten chocolate cakes. I of course serve a few right out of the oven, but I make enough to hoard the next few mornings for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI always have a stash of cookies frozen in the freezer. You never know when you might need to take a treat to someone.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing to make ahead it chili. For one afternoon it's a lot of work but I can get three meals out of it so later on I'm thanking myself!
ReplyDeletemake and freeze cookies and brownies for the kids' lunches. love you blog. thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI like to make beef stew, chili, and pulled bbq pork ahead. Then on those nights that I am too tired we just pull it out. I make a big batch of each and I freeze them in smaller containers since there are just three of us for most meals.
ReplyDeleteI accidently found out that one of my favorite cookies (a raisin spice cookie--it has cinnamon, nutmeg and clove in it) can be frozen. I had catered a big celebration and had leftovers. We tried freezing them and what a great treat we had later.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
My favorites... taco soup, banana nut bread & baked mac & cheese! Looking at this list seems as if I am not a very healthy eater ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to try those muffins!
ReplyDeleteAs far as make aheads go, I have quite a few things that I make extra of and throw the leftovers in the freezer. Some favorites are: Chicken Tortilla Soup, pancakes, french toast and enchiladas.
I love to be able to snag something out of the freezer on a busy weeknight! (and I would also love to win a new cookbook!)
I like to make a big batch of stew in the crock pot, then I transfer individual portions into plastic containers and freeze them. It's great to throw into a bag and take to work for lunch.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite food to make ahead would have to be chicken enchiladas. These snickerdoodles look so delicious! YUM! I would love to win this cookbook!
ReplyDeleteSnickerdoodles are my husbands FAVORITE cookie! Glad you discovered them!
ReplyDeletehmmm, I'd have to say my chicken and rice casserole, because I think that's the only thing I've ever made ahead and frozen. But those muffins are incredibly tempting...yes, will be making those soon.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is soups. You can't go wrong with making soup ahead of time. Especially in the coldness that has hit the midwest lately!
ReplyDeletemy fav make ahead is pasta salad:)
ReplyDeleteI've never eaten a snickerdoodle before and after seeing yours its a MUST!!!
ReplyDeleteNow as far as my make ahead meal, I would say baked ziti. If you undercook it it doesn't get soggy. I top with cheese once its warm for another 10 minutes so it will be extra cheesy.
This looks like a great cookbook! My favorite make ahead meal is wonton. Home made are the best!
ReplyDeleteI just tweeted too! Thanks for the extra chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds good :)
ReplyDeleteI don't do as much making ahead cooking as I probably need to, but one of the ones I've done ahead is Pioneer Woman's Lasagna. It's the only lasagna I can make without dire results, and it makes up well.
I don't make food ahead. Well, I make food and freeze leftovers sometimes- curry usually because the flavors get more intense, especially if it is made with coconut milk.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 three yr olds and am just sitting around waiting for the sibling to make his/her debut- do I qualify as busy? Or soon to be busy?
I've hosted several baby showers where we make-ahead food for mom-to-be, but I've never done it myself!! Something's wrong with this picture...
ReplyDeleteEnchiladas! Make a pan for dinner, make a pan for the freezer. Super easy and yummy! Of course, I always try to make as much as I can ahead of time, especially if I'm having a party or people over.
ReplyDeleteI'll be trying those muffins. Maybe even tonight...
Chili! Always good to have some on hand for a cold snowy day.
ReplyDeletei don't make ahead anything, but if I did, i would definitely make those pecan pie muffins!
ReplyDeletepasta salad! yummy!
ReplyDeleteI like to freeze spaghetti sauce. We use it in so many dishes and my son could it eat everyday. I always make extra so I have enough to freeze for later.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you never had a snickerdoodle! I like chicken enchiladas to make ahead...can't go wrong! This book would be great!
ReplyDeleteoh these look so good. I want to try both recipes :)
ReplyDeletejapanese rice balls!
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't done it yet, but it's what intend to eat next year when I move into my own apartment; you can make them ahead of time and freeze them!
My favorite make ahead dinner is enchiladas! Oh how I love enchiladas. And to be able to just pull them from the freezer and have them hot and ready in less than an hour? Best thing ever!
ReplyDeletevegetarian enchiladas and canelonis. Love them and perfect make before food.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's a toss up. I regularly make and freeze lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and homemade chicken soup. I just love a well stocked freezer! I'd love to win the book for even more inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMy go to make ahead main dish is usually Beef-a-roni. For desserts always cookies. I love having a roll of dough frozen and being able to make a few cookies any time I want without hauling ou the mixer.
ReplyDeleteI love to stock soup and homeade bread in the freezer... but my fave is probably cookie dough! Whenever I make cookies I try to stick a batch of dough already rolled into balls in the freezer. Sometimes you just need a couple of fresh-baked cookies!
ReplyDeleteI love to make my mom's lasagna ahead of time. It tastes soooo much better when you let it sit in the fridge for a day (or two or three).
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing to bake ahead is Ravioli Bake. I always make two and have a ready-to-go meal either for us or to give away.
ReplyDeleteI love zucchini bread and I also love making extra pancakes so the kids can just take a few out for busy morning breakfasts and heat them up!
ReplyDeleteThose pecan muffins and snickerdoodles look to die for! I've never made snickerdoodles, either...I'm much more of a sugar cookie, peanut butter or chocolate chip girl myself. I may have to try them since you say they're soooo good! ;)
Our favorite make-ahead meal is roast with potatoes and carrots and celery and onions...yum!
ReplyDelete(not make-ahead, as in freeze, but make-ahead as in put in oven or crockpot in the morning and it will be ready for evening when things seem rushed.)
I like to make Chicken Pot Pies and freeze them. Thanks!
ReplyDeletesphinxcw at aol dot com
I like to make lunches for my DH - lasagna, chicken pot pie, rice dishes, chicken & dumplings, meatloaf, etc. Then he just has to grab one for his lunch in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI think taking our lunches saves a ton of money.
firrkids(at)gmail.com
Oh my goodness those pecan pie muffins looks totally delicious!
ReplyDeleteI don't usually make many meals ahead of time but egg salad, and king ranch chicken are two things that come to mind.
The best make ahead meal is Lasagna of course!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is goulash...my grandma's yummy goulash. It tastes so much better the second day when the flavors have married. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI like to make baked ziti ahead and freeze it. Yummy!
ReplyDeleteI love to have make ahead breakfasts in my freezer. It just makes life so much easier on those crazy morning...muffins, mini-quiches, breakfast burritos, breakfast cookies, french toast sticks
ReplyDeletelasagna and soup
ReplyDeleteI don't really make food ahead...and I need to start doing that! My first meal to make ahead would probably be lasagna
ReplyDeletebreakfast casseroles
ReplyDeleteGreat give-away! My chances are 1 in 167 (to date!) LOL
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make-ahead meal is lentil soup.
It can even be frozen (as in: make WAY ahead).
It is great by itself or added to many things . . . . like pasta and gravy or sloppy joes or shredded beef bar-b-que or chili.
We had it today!
chicken and rice casserole is my easy, make-ahead meal. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like to make Pigs in Blankets ahead of time so i can just pop them in the oven for hungry kids! cdziuba@aol.com
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/7804597924
ReplyDeleteDoesn't really count as a "meal", but I look to cook up chicken and turkey ahead of time. Like roasting two chickens instead of one and freezing the meat of the second one. My mother and daughter just finished up de-boning a whole roaster full of leg quarters. My daughter is now rolling up flautas with that meat for freezing.
ReplyDeleteLoaf breads...lemon, banana, persimmon....to keep in the freezer ready at a moment's notice.
ReplyDeleteAll of my favorites to make ahead are usually in the Crock Pot. Beef Stew is a favorite!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to make Potato Soup a day ahead so the flavors can blend. So tasty!!
ReplyDeleteI love to make a big pot of soup and freeze them in 2 or 3 serving portions for lunches and dinners when everyone's going in a different direction and we need healthy and fast. And enchiladas too!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
michwjoe@hotmail.com
Sugar cookies! I almost always make them ahead of time and freeze them. Then I can just thaw them overnight and get right to decorating in the morning.
ReplyDeleteWhy, yes, I do want to win this cookbook! My favorite make-ahead meal is soup, because no matter the recipe you always have enough for more than one meal's worth and it doesn't take up much space in the freezer or very long to reheat.
ReplyDeleteI love to make ahead casseroles. They're great to have on hand for new mommies coming home from the hospital or a neighbor thats been sick. So easy to grab and throw in the oven.
ReplyDeleteI am a busy working mom to 2 kids, and I like to have several frozen meals at any given time to toss in the oven for a quick dinner. I love to make chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole ahead and freeze it. When I am ready to eat, I just throw on the cheese/stuffing mixture and bake! Other favorites are mac and cheese and also lasagna, which seems to be a theme on here! I am open to anything that will help cut corners when it comes to dinner time. Sounds like this would be a great help!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would be thrilled to win! I love cookbooks! The last make ahead dish we made was lasagna. We made a big pan and froze enough for 3 meals. It's been great to pull out of the freezer! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like to make my husbands favorite chili in a quadruple batch and freeze it in a bunch of ziploc bags!
ReplyDelete(love your blog!)
I love to have cookie dough in the freezer to either make some cookies in a hurry or just to eat the dough.
ReplyDeleteI like to freeze chocolate chip cookie dough balls and bake them for warm cookie love, Praline French toast and Monkey Bread in the fridge overnight for a yummy breakfast! Oh, not for the same breakfast - that just might be overkill!
ReplyDelete184 Comments Bridget!
ReplyDeleteGirlie...do you know HOW LONG it took me to scrollllllllll all the way down here!!!
;)
You know you're worth it!
Now...
this is so weird...
my sweet mother used to make Pecan Tarts to...little mini pecan pies! Such a delicacy!!!!
And the Snickerdooooooodles!
Let me say...
I was the SNICKERDOOOOODLE QUEEN in college!
Made them for allllll of my guy friends!
I had guys dating me just for the Snickerdoodles! I am serious! I kept that dorm room kitchen bopping at night!!!
XXOOXX
Of course you would tie that oh so cute bow around yours!
XXOOXX
Oh...my favorite make ahead...
Well...that simply just does not happen with this chick!
I never make anything ahead!
I fly by the seat of my pink pants!
I like to make soup in the crock pot and freeze it for easy meals
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
Those snickerdoodles look yummy!!! Any cookbook to make my life easier would be a welcome edition into this household!!!
ReplyDeleteMy fave make ahead meal is pasta bake. It freezes well and I can use leftover pasta as well.
ReplyDeleteI think my husband might ask me to marry him all over again if I make those muffins...thank you for the recipe!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like to make bread {I make all of our bread from scratch}, soup, veggie burgers, and sweets ahead. I have a BIG freezer, so why not! :)
i would so love to win her book! i'm due with our second child in a few weeks and am all about make ahead meals these days.
ReplyDeletemy favorite make-ahead meal is lasagna though enchiladas are a close runner up. i've recently started making homemade pizza sauce and pizza dough and freezing (shout out to simplemom.net for that one!).
I love to make meatballs and tomato sauce ahead of time. I know it's not the whole meal, but it's pretty easy to just warm up the sauce and meatballs while the pasta is cooking.
ReplyDeleteSoup! Soup freezes so nicely, and you don't have to worry about being too sick to make it. I like to have chicken-noodle soup in the freezer for those bad winter days!
ReplyDeletetacos are so easy to make ahead of time
ReplyDeletenice job on the cookies! And the muffins look fabulous even if you went a little crazy with the batter. My favorite food to make ahead is minestrone soup. I make a huge pot then freeze it in gallon ziploc bags.:
ReplyDeleteMy favorite make ahead meal is enchiladas. I got the recipes from one of my friends cooking blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. If I don't win I think I will buy the book.
I found an amazing recipe for Raisin Bran muffins at southernplate.com. You make the batter and store in the fridge. Then you can bake however many you need each morning.
ReplyDeletemy favorite make ahead meal is pinto bean
ReplyDeleteI like to make cookie dough for cookies anytime! Although it gets me into trouble, because I would rather eat the dough than the cookie!
ReplyDeleteMy fav make-ahead food is pasta salad. Keeps a while, tastes yummy and makes a meal in a pinch! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHomemade soup makes such a great meal for now AND for later. It just gets better and better. I always make a huge batch, then we have quick lunches or a quick supper later in the week. Easy to freeze half and have it much later, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting a great giveaway! ~~Rhonda