Freezer-Friendly Meals

If you are in a rush each morning, save time with a quick breakfast with a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Wrap. This recipe will make 10 freezer-friendly meals. Replace sausage with additional peppers and onions for a healthier version.

1. Add oil to a pan; heat on medium-high. Add 1/4 cup chopped onions and 1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers; stir. Add 9 beaten eggs and scramble.

2. Microwave 10 8-inch wheat wraps for 30 seconds. Divide egg mixture between each wrap. Add 1/5 cup of crumbled cooked sausage, black pepper, and 1 tbsp. shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Fold the bottom-side and the top-side of each wrap over the ingredients. Tuck the right side of each wrap under the left side of the ingredients. Roll into a tight wrap.

4. Cover each wrap with foil to freeze. Unwrap and toss in the microwave for 3 minutes.

For another option of freezer friendly meals, serve the Loaded Potato Casserole for lunch or dinner; a main entrée or side dish.

1. Mix 1 package of cooked, any flavor, instant mashed potatoes with 1 8-oz. container of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon and 1/2 tsp. of black pepper together. Spread the mixture in a casserole dish.

2. Top with 2 cups shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or until bubbling.

3. Place individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Reheat each container in the microwave for 1 minute. You can also freeze the entire casserole and reheat in the oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes.

4. Serve with sour cream and chives.

Other Tips:

* Rice is an inexpensive health food that can be served as an accompaniment to most foods. However, cooking rice takes quite a bit of time and patience. Did you know you can freeze cooked rice and it will keep for 2 to 3 months without affecting the consistency? Start by cooking rice in bulk. Drain the excess water and pack the rice in 1 to 3-cup portions in freezer-safe bags along with an ice cube for each cup of rice; you could freeze chicken or beef broth into cubes to add in place of plain water cubes. Remove the excess air from the bags before sealing. When ready to use, toss the bag of frozen rice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or until soft.

* Purchase a whole chicken and cut it up as soon as you come home from the grocer. Alternatively, you can ask the butcher to cut the chicken up for you. You can also purchase a bulk-size package of pre-cut chicken pieces. To save money, go with the whole chicken; if you are on a time constraint, go with the pre-cut chicken pieces, which will cost a bit more money. Divide the chicken by types of pieces, such as breasts or wings, or into mixed 1 pound bags. Add a marinade, such as 1 cup of barbecue sauce, can of enchilada sauce, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, or 1 cup of Ranch dressing, to each bag. Seal and knead each bag to coat the chicken well. To use, simply place the bag in a bowl and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight while the marinade does its work. When ready to cook, drain away the marinade and add new marinade as a sauce to the chicken. Bake the chicken in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes or until done. Or, you can cook the chicken in a frying pan on medium-high for 10 minutes per side or until done.

About the author: Diane Johnson primarily writes about online classes and anything else that interests her. She enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.