There are going to be those days down the road when cooking is just not an option.

When you're on the couch with the flu, or you're anticipating an extremely long day at work or you're getting home from a long vacation with absolutely nothing in the fridge to eat, freezer meals are where it's at.

If you can give yourself a little extra time on a stormy Sunday for instance, you can maximize your time efficiently by creating 6-8 meals that can all be frozen for later enjoyment.  It's so easy, and when that day comes when cooking is out of the question, you'll thank yourself for that stormy Sunday.

When it comes to creating meals to store in the freezer, there are a few do's and don'ts to live by...

DO...

Make extra of a meal you're making to store in the freezer.  That way you can enjoy your favorite dinner you just cooked, twice!

Get yourself some glass tupperware that is microwave and oven safe and has a flat locking lid.  The flat tops allow for easy storage, and because the containers can go from the freezer to the oven, there are fewer dishes to clean in the end.

Buy foods in bulk that can be frozen to save money.  I like to buy big cuts of real parmesan cheese and bulk butter, which freeze and thaw really well.

​

Use masking tape to label your containers with the date you put them in the freezer.  Most frozen entrees will last about 3 months.  You'll also want to write down the cooking/reheating directions so you don't forget.

Make sure when storing foods in freezer bags, you get as much of the air out as possible.  This will help the longevity of the food and prevent freezer burn.

Freeze bagels, english muffins, muffins, loafs of bread, or any other type of baked good that you won't be eating right away.  Take some out the night before to let them thaw, then toast as usual.  

Check out the USDA's food safety list to make sure you are 100% safe from contamination.  You can check out the website here.

DON'T...

Freeze watery vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber or potatoes.  When you go to thaw them out, they will just become mushy messes, although I have had luck with freezing chopped sweet potatoes in a chili.  Potatoes are not recommended for freezing because of their high water content.  If you want to freeze starchy white potatoes, do so by par-boiling or sautéing them.  Par-boiling means boiling them for about 2 minutes, then dropping them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Freeze cooked eggs.  I have seen people make freezer breakfast sandwiches with eggs, but when you thaw out frozen cooked eggs, even hardboiled eggs, they can get very rubbery.

Place containers of food in the freezer when they are still hot.  Let foods cool completely before placing them in the freezer.  This prevents freezer burn.

Freeze fried foods.  They will be super soggy when you thaw them out.

​

Freeze mayo-based salads such as chicken or tuna salad.  The sauce will curdle when being thawed.