Freezer Meals for New Moms

If you've been around here for more than a few moments you will know that food is a passion for me on the homestead--specifically food from scratch. I love not only cooking for my family, but also cooking for others. Whether it is hosting a big dinner party, making freezer meals for a new mom, or even bringing a hot crockpot of soup to a sick friend I believe you can really show a lot of love through the gift of food.

When I was pregnant and nearing my "due date" with each of my kids I spent lots of time preparing food so I wouldn't have to worry about it after having my baby. Meals that I knew would nourish us but also live up to my desires for healthy, from scratch food. I stocked the freezer with breakfasts and big dinner that could also serve as leftovers for lunch. I would write any instructions for reheating or cooking on the container so that anyone could grab a meal and warm it up quickly and without me needing to think in those sleep deprived first weeks with a newborn. And let me tell you those freezer meals kept us afloat like a life-saving raft in those joyous yet bleary-eyed moments figuring out life with a new babe.

Since having my own babies I have had a heart to give other mamas I know that peace of mind for their postpartum days. Here are some tips and meal ideas that have stuck with me along the way;

• always talk to the family in mind first

• keep things simple

• make multiples of each meal you cook

• utilize what you have in your food storage already

• pray throughout the process

Always talk to the family first...

It's lovely to create a meal in love for a family with a newborn, but how awful would it be to bring them something that they couldn't enjoy? I always make a point to talk to them first and let them know my intentions, ask about any allergies they may have and what their dislikes or requests may be. When there is an allergy or intolerance sometimes I am able to adapt a recipe to accommodate that, and other times I just need to choose a different option all together. If I am able to I love to make their favorite food, but if not there are countless delicious recipes to choose from! Every now and again my friends will request a recipe of mine that they love best (usually my famous shepherds pie) in which case I of course will oblige!

Keep things simple...

I often will get swept away with romanticized ideas of fancy meals I could make, but the reality is that food is food. And while yes, we strive to make it healthy, from scratch, organic, etc. our friends do not need a five course meal with an exotic ingredients list. Of course, we want to make sure the meals we make taste great and look presentable! But a baked mac and cheese will be just as appreciated and enjoyed here.

Also, I aim to make things simple for the family. When I make others freezer meals I will use disposable baking pans, write all of the instructions for reheating clearly the container, have the meat pre-cooked and the entire meal pre-frozen so that they can just pop them right into their freezer and pull one out as they are ready. Disposable plates and cutlery can be a nice addition to bring so that they don't even have to worry about washing plates and forks. Little mess, little fuss and as simple as possible.

Make multiples of each meal...

Okay, this one might be for selfish reasons but trust me, you will thank yourself for doing this. Whenever I do a big freezer meal day I will often make two to four of each recipe. And while I only bring one of each recipe to the family in mind I will keep the extras in my own freezer. Often we will end up using these on days when life is busy and I don't have time to create a whole meal, but sometimes this comes in handy the next time we have a friend with a new baby because I already have the meals made. Most often it seems we have multiple friends having babies around the same time so I'm already committed to making extra. Lastly, when you are already in the kitchen it doesn't take much extra time or effort to just make more of what you are already doing.

Utilize what you already have...

Since I am committed to buying much of our food in bulk, raising our own meat, and growing as much as I can in our garden we keep lots of food on hand. Doing things this way saves us money and acts as an insurance policy of sorts for if there is ever a crisis that unexpectedly happens or a shortage of products at stores. But all of this food is only going to do good if I know how to use it and rotate my stock. That being said we keep lots of staples on hand that can be utilized in many different ways and can store for longer periods of time. Think potatoes, onions, garlic, flour, sugar, oats, canned tomato products, broth, meat, etc. So when I plan to make a bunch of freezer meals I will first "shop" my pantry and see what I can make with what I already have on hand. Again, saving more money and rotating through my stock so we don't waste food.

Pray through the process...

There is so much power in prayer. Going to the Father with my thoughts, hopes, needs, desires and troubles brings peace and clarity to my life. Praying over others and for others strengthens my relationship with them and the Lord. While I shop ingredients, prep the meals, and drive them over to the families house I am praying. Praying that this food will bless them and nourish them. That the delivery will go well and be what they desire. That both mama and baby are safe and healthy. That if there is anything more I can do to be a blessing to them and love them during this time that the Lord makes it clear to me. Praying throughout the process is an absolute must in my book!

Last but not least...

I have made many freezer meals over the years but I wanted to list a few of the best! Of course I don't usually use strict recipes as I am confident in my abilities to make these meals, but I assure you you can pinterest, youtube or google search any of these ideas and find a recipe that will work for you.

• shepherds pie

• baked mac and cheese

• lasagne

• enchiladas

• chicken alfredo bake

• chicken and rice casserole

• chili pie

• chicken pot pie

• breakfast burritos

• fajitas

• teriyaki chicken

• sweet and sour chicken

• breakfast sandwiches

• breakfast casserole

• chicken divan

As always I hope this has blessed you and encouraged you. That you perhaps found some inspiration and good ideas for you to love and serve a family in need soon. I will often post videos to my youtube channel with cooking from scratch meals, making freezer meals, and even some bulk food orders and how we store them.

Until next time, welcome to the homestead!

~Ashley