Bulk Buying and Meal Planning

FROM WAREHOUSE TO MY HOUSE

I can not extol enough the virtues of bulk buying and having a second freezer. I guarantee over time, this will save you time and money!  Our second freezer is in the garage.  We have a large pantry to accommodate the oversize dry goods inside. However, if you don't have the space inside, designate a shelf in your garage.

My family and I conduct what we refer to as "The Big Shop" at either Costco or Sam's Club 1-2 times a year.  When we return home we form an assembly line and label freezer bags using a Sharpie with the date and name of each item. For tips on how to freeze food properly and avoid freezer burn  visit the highlighted link above.

If you are located near a Sams' Club, a little known secret is the Click N' Pull Service.  You can shop on-line and schedule your pick-up. No more wandering through the warehouse filling your cart with "wants" rather than "needs". Your cart is ready for you on arrival.  You may still need to shop for desinated perishables like meats.  This can be done online or if you already completed your "Big Shop" you can supplement what you need at the local supermarket.

Once you are stocked, you can then plan your meals on a weekly or monthly basis including the ingredients you have in-stock. You can thumb through cookbooks, subscribe to a meal planning service or use meal planning software.

If your meal planning for a day that you are doing a supper swap you can increase the ingredients in the recipe easily for the amount of people needed to serve using meal planning software.  The added advantage of using a meal planning software is that many will generate a shopping lists for you of ingredients that you may need to purchase for a particular recipe.

 Fix, Freeze, Feast: Prepare in Bulk and Enjoy by the Serving - More than 125 Recipes.  Don't spend every night slaving over the stove. Pre-plan, prepare, pre-cook and spend that valueable time saved with your family!

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