Fix, Freeze, Feast

What's "Fix, Freeze, Feast" about?

• Bulk Cooking and Freezing: "Fix, Freeze, Feast" by Kati Neville focuses on preparing meals in bulk, freezing them, and enjoying them later. It offers over 125 recipes designed for this method.
• Time and Money Saving: The book aims to help busy families save time and money by preparing meals in advance, reducing the need for last-minute takeout or expensive dining options.
• Warehouse Shopping: It emphasizes the benefits of shopping at warehouse clubs to buy ingredients in large quantities, which can be more economical.
• Tray Pack Method: The book introduces the Tray Pack Method, which involves using large packages of meat from warehouse clubs to prepare multiple meals at once.

Why should I read "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Practical Solutions: The book provides practical solutions for busy families who want to eat home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen every day.
• Proven Recipes: It includes tried-and-tested recipes that have been popular with the authors' clients and families, ensuring delicious results.
• Flexibility and Control: The method allows for flexibility in meal preparation, letting you decide how many meals to prepare based on your time and energy.
• Environmental Harmony: The book aligns with Storey Publishing's mission to encourage personal independence in harmony with the environment.

What are the key takeaways of "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Meal Preparation in Advance: The book emphasizes the importance of preparing meals in advance to save time and reduce stress during busy weekdays.
• Cost-Effective Shopping: It highlights the cost benefits of buying ingredients in bulk from warehouse clubs and using them efficiently.
• Versatile Recipes: The recipes are designed to be versatile, allowing for adjustments based on family preferences and dietary needs.
• Community and Sharing: The book encourages sharing meals with friends and family, fostering a sense of community and support.

What is the Tray Pack Method in "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Large Package Utilization: The Tray Pack Method involves using large packages of meat from warehouse clubs to prepare several meals at once.
• Meal Division: Recipes are scaled to the size of the tray pack, and meals are divided into portions that can be frozen and cooked later.
• Final Cooking Stage: Meals are prepared up to the final cooking stage, allowing you to simply thaw and cook them when needed.
• Flexibility: The method is flexible, allowing you to prepare as many meals as your time and energy allow, whether it's a few entrées or a full day's worth.

How does "Fix, Freeze, Feast" help with time management?

• Daily Time Savings: By preparing meals in advance, the book estimates saving an hour or more each day that would otherwise be spent on daily shopping and cooking.
• Convenience for Busy Evenings: Having meals ready in the freezer provides convenience for busy evenings, unexpected guests, or last-minute changes in plans.
• Organized Cooking Sessions: The book guides you through organized cooking sessions, making the process efficient and less overwhelming.
• Reduced Meal Prep Stress: With meals prepped and ready, the stress of deciding what to cook each night is significantly reduced.

What are some popular recipes in "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Chicken Dishes: Recipes like Cherry Skillet Chicken and Chicken Cordon Bleu are highlighted for their ease and flavor.
• Beef and Pork Options: The book includes recipes for dishes like Classic Lasagna and 4 Bs Flank Steak, offering variety and taste.
• Meatless Mains: Options like Feta and Spinach Lasagna Rolls and Thai Red Curry with Vegetables cater to vegetarian preferences.
• Breakfast and Snacks: Breakfast Burritos and Granola are examples of recipes that provide nutritious and quick meal options.

What are the benefits of warehouse shopping according to "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Cost Savings: Warehouse clubs offer competitive prices on large packages, making it economical for families to buy in bulk.
• Product Variety: They provide a wide range of products, from meats to pantry staples, which are ideal for bulk meal preparation.
• Reduced Shopping Frequency: Buying in bulk reduces the need for frequent shopping trips, saving time and effort.
• Quality Ingredients: The book suggests that warehouse clubs often have high-quality ingredients that are suitable for the recipes provided.

How does "Fix, Freeze, Feast" address food safety?

• Proper Thawing: The book emphasizes thawing food in the refrigerator to prevent food-borne illnesses, avoiding counter or hot-water thawing.
• Cooking Temperatures: It provides guidelines for cooking meats to safe internal temperatures to ensure food safety.
• Hot and Cold Food Handling: The book advises cooling hot sauces quickly before adding them to raw meats to prevent bacterial growth.
• Cleanliness and Organization: It stresses the importance of a clean and organized kitchen to maintain food safety during meal preparation.

What is the role of community cooking in "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Shared Costs and Efforts: Community cooking allows participants to share the costs and efforts of meal preparation, making it more economical and enjoyable.
• Social Interaction: It provides an opportunity for social interaction, allowing friends and family to bond over cooking and meal sharing.
• Variety and Experimentation: Participants can try new recipes and flavors without doing all the research and preparation themselves.
• Support and Fellowship: Community cooking fosters a sense of support and fellowship, as participants help each other and share the fruits of their labor.

What are some tips for adapting recipes in "Fix, Freeze, Feast"?

• Consider Meat Type: Ensure the meat type and amount in your recipe match what's available in warehouse club packages.
• Adjust Salt and Spices: When multiplying recipes, increase salt and pungent spices by only half to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Be Cautious with Sauces: Adjust the amount of salty sauces and vinegars to maintain balance, using reduced-salt versions if needed.
• Record Adjustments: Keep notes on any changes made to recipes for future reference and to perfect the adaptation process.

What are some best quotes from "Fix, Freeze, Feast" and what do they mean?

• "We want to feed our families healthful, economical meals that taste great and do not require hours of work." This quote encapsulates the book's mission to provide practical solutions for busy families seeking nutritious and convenient meal options.
• "The Tray Pack Method allows you to fix several meals at one time." This highlights the efficiency and convenience of the method, enabling families to prepare multiple meals in one session.
• "By cooking the tray-pack way, you have the flexibility and control to prepare as many entrées as your time and energy allow." This emphasizes the adaptability of the method, catering to different schedules and energy levels.
• "It’s a wonderful feeling to have nourishing food in the freezer and an organized and efficient approach to daily dinners." This quote reflects the satisfaction and peace of mind that comes from having meals prepared and ready to go.

How does "Fix, Freeze, Feast" encourage environmental harmony?

• Reduced Waste: By buying in bulk and using all ingredients efficiently, the book helps reduce food waste, aligning with environmental sustainability.
• Less Packaging: Purchasing larger quantities from warehouse clubs often means less packaging waste compared to buying smaller, individually packaged items.
• Homemade Alternatives: The book encourages making homemade versions of store-bought items, reducing reliance on processed foods and their environmental impact.
• Resource Efficiency: The method promotes efficient use of resources, both in terms of time and ingredients, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.