For this recent Fix and Freeze group, the four of us opted to make our dishes in our own kitchens on our schedule and meet at a date far enough in advance that we had time to coupon shop and stockpile for our selected recipes. When we met, we chatted, enjoyed a bagel and pulled the ole swaparoo. I went home w/ SIX whoppin’ (eight counting my own), DELICIOUS dishes to fill my freezer. They have been a lifesaver come the hectic five o’clock hour! I’m a big fan.
Below you will find our tried and true, top Fix and Freeze tips based on trial and error. These tips are sure to promote Fix and Freeze success and harmony.
Recipes
• Once you have formed a FNF group with friends of similar sized families that have similar tastebuds as you AND shared your dislikes/preferences, select your recipes.
• Do not select a recipe that you’ve never made or perfected. Trust me on this. A recipe may look easy and seem foolproof but if something is going to go wrong, it WILL go wrong when you are making it for 15 other people and you don’t want to be the FNF flop. I fear I may have been the flop on our last FNF go round with a Sloppy Joe recipe I deviated to at the last moment. I thought it may be better than my usual. I should’ve stuck w/ my usual! Also, two nights ago, I made something I thought was a surefire FNF hit for the next go round. I was sadly mistaken and glad I tested it on my family first before disappointing three other families, too. Pheweeee. Close call.
• Share your recipe that you’ve selected with your FNF partners to make sure they give an A-OK and aren’t repulsed. Hopefully, they’ll be honest with you. 🙂
Cost
• Schedule your FNF exchange date far enough in advance (all the while collecting coupons)– preferrably 3-4 weeks out so you can work the sales and coupons accordingly.
• Even if you aren’t a coupon-er, keep an eye on the sales, particularly meat (a department which doesn’t usually have many coupons). Meat will most likely be your most costly FNF item so Buy One Get One or significant cost reductions will be your time to stock up.
• Select your FNF friendly recipe based on the sales you have hit and the stockpile of groceries you already have. It will be more costly if you buy your items based on need because you will most likely be paying full price.
• So far, my most favorite budget saving meat trick is in regards to chicken. I only dig white meat and white meat errs on the expensive side. Awhile ago, one of our writer’s posted a white meat chicken tip here that is KEY to keeping cost down for FNFs. Example: This particular meat is frequently on sale at Harris Teeter for .99/lb. I stocked up this week on 5 packs of those bad boys at $2-$3 something a pack (normally would’ve been $8-$9 a pack) and had two crockpots roasting it up in my kitchen yesterday. Half I’ll use for a next FNF and the other half will go in the freezer to save bookoos of time. It’s inexpensive,easy and saves time in the long run so it’s a win-win.
Packaging
• Remove as much air as you can before sealing the items. Note: Leave just a tad of room for liquids because they will expand just a bit.
• Wrap solids such as casseroles, meat and baked goods in aluminum foil before bagging.
• If you use a container, make sure the lid is air tight.
• Write the dish and date on your items.
• Keep in mind you don’t have to spend a ton on such containers and wrappings. You can find great freezer pans in packs of two at your local dollar store.
You can read more about Fix and Freezes and find some surefire Fix and Freeze recipes by checking out the four part Fix and Freeze series at Roof with a View.
Hannah is a southern girl that loves Jesus, her husband of six years, three children that were born within three years (two of them twins), and sweet tea at it’s finest. She steers Roof with a View, a blog made up of women with a heart to encourage other women to serve in their roles as wives and mothers with joy.
I’ve been really wanting to attempt a FNF. Thanks for the tips – I feel much more confidant about it now!