3.30.2012

One Week Old!

Is it really possible Marcus has been in our lives, in our arms, filled our hearts for a whole week already?! Where have those seven days gone?
Marcus - One week
I'm already loving the personalized chair we purchased!!

It's apparent Drake is more fond of our photo sessions than Marcus. As you can see from the above photo Marcus isn't too thrilled to have my camera all up in his business. Saying "cheeeese" didn't quite work for the little man.

Today was full of photos. We had a professional photo session that was complete with starting an hour later than our scheduled time, breezing through FIVE diapers in the course of about 10 minutes (and I'm not at all joking about that), and peeing all over mommy and the floor of the portrait studio in the middle of capturing our "special moment." Successful? I'd say so.

3.29.2012

Before and After

You've probably seen this type of photo floating around the Internet. When I saw this idea I knew I'd have to mimic it. Obviously it's not professional, but I have to confess, I do like the outcome.
The left photos are my last week of carrying Marcus - week 39.
Can you believe that the photo of him in my belly he weighed a whole pound more than what he does right now?!
And, as you can see, Drake still doesn't want to miss out on the photo opportunities.

3.28.2012

The First Five Days

Nothing could have ever prepared me for the rush of emotions, and unconditional love that I have for Marcus. I can't take my eyes off him. Even when I'm exhausted and know I need sleep I don't want to close my eyes because when I do I won't see his perfect little face.

Here is our journey of the first five days after meeting our little prince.
 Prepping for surgery.
Surgery was scheduled for 8:00AM. Due to another expectant mother needing an emergency c-section our surgery was pushed back an hour. I'd been waiting for so long to meet Marcus I thought that last hour of waiting was going to kill me.
At 10:00AM our little man finally entered our lives.
Top photo: Getting all of Marcus' measurements.
Second photo: The new daddy cutting the cord.
Third photo: I was FINALLY able to see my beautiful baby.
Bottom photo: Marcus, minutes old.
 There are probably 100 photos that look about like these three. We couldn't help but get a little camera crazy.
Our first moments with Marcus. 
Total and complete bliss.
Getting ready to go home. Things got really real... Our baby was coming home with us!


Meet our family.


3.27.2012

Chunky Monkey

As you may imagine, I've been a bit tired the past few days. Apologies, but this whole mommy thing takes a little getting used to. Here's a quick snap shot of our chunky little monkey.

Introducing: 
Marcus B. Macke
Birthday: Friday, March 23, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Length: 21 inches
As soon as I can figure out when sleep happens I'll post a few more photos.

3.20.2012

Baby Macke Update - Week 39

First things first:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! 
I was hoping Baby M would arrive today - what an awesome birthday gift that would have been. Looks like you'll have a belated gift :)
We hope you have an amazing day! Love you lots, and can't wait to see you!!

Holy wowzers, this week sure has been one roller coaster of emotions - even more than usual!
We had NST tests last week, and at one of our appointments the doctor informed us our original scheduled delivery date of Friday, March 23 was a no-go. The hospital was booked. My new delivery date would be Monday, March 26. Talk about disappointing, frustrating, and an extreme test of patience. Keeeeep reading...
On the home stretch!!!
How far along? 39 weeks.
Maternity clothes? Shoot, almost all of my preggers shirts don't fully cover my B-52 bomber-looking belly! I'm constantly rummaging through Scott's t-shirts to find something, anything, that will give me full-coverage. 
Stretch marks? No, woohoo! We made it without a single mark (at least, none that I can see at this point:).
Sleep? I was surprised at how well I slept over the weekend. However, Sunday and Monday nights we were back to our uncomfortable, sleepless ways. Boo.
Best moments this week: At my NST yesterday my doctor gave me the best. news. ever. She'd been calling the hospital frequently to see if anything had opened for us to deliver on Friday... Guess what? We meet our little man this Friday, right around 8:00AM!!!  
Miss anything? There are so many things I miss. But, the news I found out yesterday makes all of those wants seem so minuet right now.
Movement: Baby is still moving, but the movements aren't as much and they aren't as big. I'm guessing things are pretty tight for the little dude right now.
Food cravings: I'm downing orange sorbet like it's going out of style. But, honestly, I just love food. All of it. All the time.
The one and only full frontal shot :)
Anything make you queasy or sick? Stupid peanuts and peanut butter. The smell of scrambled eggs is rather unappealing as well. 
Labor signs? Definately having contractions. This weekend I thought we were going to have to head to the hospital due to the regularity of the contractions. As soon as I laid down on my side the contractions went away. I was so hopeful for a few hours :)
Symptoms: Same as usual - I'm huge (see B-52 bomber above).
Belly button in or out? The belly button is still slightly sticking out. 
Linea nigra? That little line doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
Wedding ring on or off? Sparklies are on! 
Happy or moody most of the time? Right now I'm ELATED! This weekend may or may not have been a little touch-and-go with my mood and emotions. However, I don't think there's much that can bring me down right now... Unless orange sorbet is discontinued, then there might be problems. 
Looking forward to:  FRIDAY!!!! 

3.19.2012

Ranch Chicken

I'll admit it. I've been slacking in the kitchen. There are about a million other things I seem to need to do rather than cook (clean, laundry, check and double check my bag packed for the hospital, clean)... When my mom told me about her latest Pinterest creation it sounded easy and tasty enough to try.

What I think I liked best about this recipe, besides that fact that it was crazy easy to whip up, was that all of the ingredients are staples in my kitchen. Woohoo for no trips to the grocery store!

Ranch Chicken
3-4 chicken breast
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (reduced fat works great)
1 packet dry Ranch
1/2 cup melted butter (I used the lighter stuff)

Preheat oven to 350.
In a bowl combine the cornflakes, parmesan cheese, and Ranch.
Cut the chicken breast in half, dip in butter and roll in cornflake mix.
Place in 9x13 baking dish (greased, if necessary), and bake for 45 minutes.

This was a hit in our house. Then again, how can you really go wrong with chicken rolled in bread crumbs, parmesan, and Ranch?!

Enjoy!

Source: Pinterest - I looked all over for an original source, however came up empty handed. Credit goes solely to Pinterest on this one.

3.16.2012

Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

Watch out mashed potatoes, you have a rival! As you probably know by now I looooove mashed potatoes. However, these bad boys are closing in to take the top spot on my love for those starchy goodies.

Twice baked potatoes sound like a lot of work, but these were quite easy. And sweet Judas, they were amazing.

If you're searching for a way to spruce up your spuds do yourself a favor and give these a go. You will not be disappointed. Pinky swear.

Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes
4 large baking potatoes (Try Yukon Gold or Russet)
8 slices of bacon (not a bacon fan, not even the turkey kind; I reduced the slices to 4 and let Scott have reign on all of that)
1 cup sour cream (I used reduced fat)
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (I used skim)
4 tablespoons butter (again, used the light stuff)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

Preheat oven to 350.
Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour.
Or, you can microwave the potatoes. It's MUCH faster, and they still taste awesome! For every potato you bake add three minutes in the microwave (i.e. if you're making 4 potatoes, cook for at least 12 minutes). Be sure to check for tenderness. And, don't forget to poke holes in the potatoes, to keep them from blowing up in the microwave... That would be one heck of a mess...

Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.

When the potatoes are done allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. Slice the potatoes in half, lengthwise, and scoop the flesh into a large bowl leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh so the potato maintains its shape; save the skins.
In the large bowl, add to the potato flesh, sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/2 the green onions, and milk (start by adding 1/4 cup of milk, you may not need to use all the milk, depending on the consistency you want; you don't want your mixture too runny).
Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy.
Spoon the mixture into the potato skins.
Top each potato with remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon.
Place potatoes on a flat baking sheet, and bake for another 15 minutes at 350.

Please, please try these the next time you're looking for a way to fancy up your taters!

Source: From The Girl Who Ate Everything, and found on allrecipes.com.

3.15.2012

Just Kidding (And I'm Not Laughing)

I had every intention of posting a new recipe I tried the other night (and loved). That one is going to have to wait until tomorrow.

Yesterday we met with my doctor to check in on Baby M. Though Baby is doing well, it seems we'll be running NSTs two times a week until we meet our little dude. Initially I thought this meant two times this week, and once next week, with the arrival of Baby M next Friday.

Juuuust kidding. My doctor informed me that the hospital was all booked on the 23rd for scheduled deliveries. ARE YOU FLIPPING KIDDING ME?! I've been counting down the days for almost two weeks!

Our scheduled date has been moved back - yes, BACK - to Monday, March 26. Time for a few little prayers that Baby decides he can't wait till the 26th, because this mommy is losing the tiny bit of patience she had left has lost all patience she had reserved for the 23rd!

3.14.2012

Baby Room Update

Apparently Baby M's room won't be entirely finished until Baby M is actually in it. Since my last room update, when I thought the room was complete, we've added a few minor additions that I couldn't resist sharing.
Pictured on the plate is a small child kneeling, as if saying evening prayers. Precious.
A Keepsake plate has been traveling throughout Scott's family each time a new addition arrives to the family. We settled on a spot in Baby's room, and have the plate proudly displayed.

Grandma Dudding has kept her sewing machine humming. She put together this nifty little cradle caddy. I'm not totally sure what we will keep stored in there. I foresee the caddy housing stuffed animals, pacifiers, and probably a diaper or two.

This may be considered a bit of a "splurge," but that's fine by me. This adorable little chair is just for Baby M. It is lightweight, and easy to move about, it has a great little handle on the back, as well as a pouch to store Baby's favorite books. And, the chair has been personalized with Baby's name embroidered on it. I'm in love with the chair and can't wait to watch Baby M grow into it!

3.13.2012

Baby Macke Update - Week 38

TEN DAYS TO GO!!
Looks like I swallowed a torpedo.

How far along? 38 weeks.
Maternity clothes? I have 'em. Don't really wear 'em. You may see me sporting maternity clothes (the few that actually still cover my stomach) in church. 
Stretch marks? Nada!
Sleep? Nooooope. I try sleeping in bed, no comfort, no sleep. I try the couch, no comfort, no sleep. During the afternoons I'm usually so exhausted I fall asleep sitting in a recliner. 
Best moments this week:  Though the version didn't produce the outcome I was hoping, it was great to see how well Baby M is doing, and that I'm contracting at pretty regular intervals. Perhaps the best moment, after the unsuccessful version, was the set date of March 23 for Baby's arrival. 
Miss anything? As usual, sleep. Generally, being comfortable also tops the list of things I miss the most.
Movement: Baby's still moving quite a bit. It seems things may have slowed down for him some, as I'm guessing the room he has to work with these days is becoming more and more limited.
Food cravings: Still in love with orange sorbet with strawberry soda. But, I pretty much just crave food, in general, all the time.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Besides peanuts and peanut butter I've found the smell of scrambled eggs is most nauseating. 
Labor signs? I'm contracting - yay! There are a few other little things that indicate I'm nearing labor, but I'll spare the nitty gritty. 
Symptoms: I'm G.I.N.O.R.M.O.U.S.  
Belly button in or out? My belly button has finally decided on staying out, though it's just a little bit, it's clearly out.
Linea nigra? That line seems to have darkened just a smidge.
Wedding ring on or off? The sparkles are on.
Happy or moody most of the time? I can't really describe how I'm feeling as "happy" or "moody." Emotional seems more accurate. Just ask Scott :)
Looking forward to:  Seeing my doctor Wednesday and Friday. There are a whole slew of questions I have waiting for her. 

3.12.2012

Spasagna

A creamy, cheesy cross between lasagna and spaghetti? Sounded too amazing to pass up!

At first I was just going to make this a freezer meal for when Baby M arrives. I took a second look at how easy this recipe is and decided I'd make a freezer meal AND make it for dinner, all in the same afternoon. Stellar move on my part.

Spasagna
12 oz spaghetti noodles
1 (15 oz) jar of Garlic Alfredo sauce (if you can find it used the light sauce)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (use 2% to scale back the fat/cal)
1/4 cup milk (I used skim)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (do yourself a favor and use the reduced fat kind)
1 (15 oz) jar spaghetti sauce (Ragu makes a light sauce that we really enjoy)
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, or ground turkey (I used 1/2 lb turkey sausage -casings removed- and 1/2 lb ground turkey; beef for those who fancy the bovine)


FREEZER MEAL ADAPTATION
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain.
2. In a large bowl, stir together Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, milk, and Italian seasoning. Add spaghetti and toss until well coated.
3. Pour spaghetti in a 9x13 pan lightly sprayed with cooking spry. Top spaghetti with parmesan cheese.
4. Brown meat in a skillet. Drain and return to skillet. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer 15-20 minutes.
5. Allow sauce to cool, place in gallon zip lock bag.
6. Cover 9x13 pan and freeze spaghetti and meat sauce.

To bake out of the freezer:
Allow spaghetti and sauce to thaw.
Preheat oven to 350.
Cover spaghetti dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
Place sauce in a pan, cook on medium, until heated through.
Remove pasta from oven. Cut into squares and top with meat sauce.

COOK AND SERVE IMMEDIATELY 
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain.
3. In large bowl, stir together Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, milk, and Italian seasoning. Add spaghetti and toss until well coated.
4. Pour spaghetti mixture into 9x13 pan lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Top spaghetti with Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. While pasta is baking, prepare meat sauce. Brown Italian sausage in skillet. Drain and return to skillet.
7. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer.
8. Remove pasta from oven. Cut into squares and top with meat sauce.

P.S. This makes A LOT of food. YAY for leftovers!

Source: Plain Chicken

3.09.2012

The Version

Oh Baby M, how did I know you weren't going to make things easy on me/us?

After arriving at the hospital I was hooked up to an IV and had monitors strapped to my belly (one to monitor Baby and one to monitor contractions).
Scott found humor in my situation, thus the oh-so becoming photo.

As we watched the monitors it was clear I am, in fact, having contractions! 

When it was time for the doctors to attempt the version they gave me a drug to relax the uterus (apparently contractions make versions less successful). This particular drug (of which I forget the name) made my heart race, as if I'd just finished a long, hard run, and made me shaky, my teeth were chattering, and I got really hot. Then, a bunch of oil was slathered on my belly to help aid them in their attempt to turn Baby M.

I have to be totally honest, the pressure and pushing on my stomach to get Baby to move was extremely unpleasant. The doctor said it would feel like an "intense massage." Nothing about the pushing and prodding felt REMOTELY like a massage.

Three attempts later - Baby M refused to budge! The doctors said Baby seemed perfectly content in his current position, his little tush is pretty low in my pelvis, and they didn't want to compromise his safety. Completely fine by me. 
Waiting for the medication to wear off. 

So, our version attempt was unsuccessful, BUT, Baby M is healthy, and we're scheduled to meet our little guy in two weeks!

3.08.2012

The Version is a Go!

After my third NST today my doctor noted Baby has plenty of fluid surrounding him, so we we are in the clear for the scheduled version, tomorrow. YAY!
Not my actual NST print-out. 
Photo courtesy medscape.com

The NST also measures contractions - of which I'm currently not experiencing. 

Tomorrows version will determine if we will schedule Baby M's arrival, or if we let him come on his on time. If Baby turns, his birthday is up to him. If Baby doesn't turn we'll meet our little guy on the 23rd! As long as Baby M remains healthy we will be happy with whatever his birth date may be.

3.07.2012

10 Freezer Meals

Not sure you can call this "nesting," but whatever the case, I've been busy in the kitchen, prepping for Baby M.

After speaking with several new parents it became blazingly clear Scott and I won't want to spend much time in the kitchen after Baby arrives.

It took some time searching, but I found 10 meals that I thought would suit us, got them written down (and modified to meet our tastes), as well as the grocery list planned out.

The meals:

My grocery list included EVERY item needed for all the meals. Luckily, some of those items are staples in my pantry, so on my grocery printout I highlighted what I already had on hand.
A trip to Sam's, as well as the grocery store had me all stocked up.

The real work was chopping the fresh veggies, measuring everything out, cooking what needed to be cooked, and getting everything labled and in the the appropriate storage containers.

My initial thought was to try and get all these meals prepped in one day. But, considering how preggers I am, it didn't take long to realize this was a two-day project for me.

The crock pot meals required less prep work, so I put those together first. Between the four meals it took me about 2.5 hours to assemble everything. Not too bad.
Four crock pot meals, ready to go!

As for the oven-ready freezer meals, I knew those were going to take a little more time. I cleared my oh-so busy schedule to allow an entire day to cooking and prepping the meals. I wasn't too far off on the time needed. From start to finish, with clean up, I was in the kitchen for almost exactly six hours.
The story of my stove all morning and afternoon.

Eight hours of work will (hopefully) save us the first few days after we bring Baby M home!
Six freezer meals (non-crock pot) ready to go!!
A few recipes require minimal work prior to serving. To ensure I have all those needed items I labeled them so I wouldn't use them prior to making the frozen meal.

Should you decide to take on the freezer meal challenge keep in mind it is a bit time consuming, but could/should will be worth it in the end.

I tried EVERYTHING I could to make my lists link up to the web, but to no avail. *SIGH* If you have any suggestions on how I can do that, rather than the LOOOONG lists I have below, PLEASE let me know! But, for now this will have to suffice:


10 Meal Freezer Plan









FOR ALL MEALS I PLACED BAKING INSTRUCTIONS IN A ZIP LOCK, AND
TAPED ZIP LOCK TO CONTAINER.









DISH
Ingredient

Quantity


Taco Soup






Ground Turkey
1 lb



Black Beans

1 can



Kidney Beans
1 can



Corn

1 can



Taco seasoning
1 packet



Dry Ranch Dressing
1 packet



Onion, chopped
1 small



Crushed tomatoes
1 28 oz can



Gallon freezer bag
1


Prep: Brown ground turkey; add all ingredients. Simmer 1-2 hours. Freeze.
Meal prep: Thaw, place in pot, bring to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips






DISH





Lasagna






Lasagna noodles
1 10oz package


Ground turkey
1 pound



Italian turkey sausage
1 pound



Garlic, minced
2 cloves



Tomato paste
1 16 oz can



Diced tomatoes
2 14.5 oz cans


Parsley

3 Tbsp



Basil

1 tsp



Salt

1 tsp



Cottage cheese
24 oz



Eggs

2



Parmesan cheese
1 cup + 1/4 cup


Mozzarella cheese
1 lb



9x13 foil pan
1


Prep: Cook lasana noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay noodles on 
aluminum foil. In large skillet combine ground turkey, turkey sausage, and garlic; 
brown. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 Tbsp parsley, basil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for
45 minutes. In a medium mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, eggs, 1 cup parmesan
cheese, 1 Tbsp parsley, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir well.


To assemble: arrange noodle, cottage cheese, mozzarella, meat mixture. Repeat, 
ending with meat. Sprinkle top with extra mozzarella and parmesan. Freeze.
Meal prep: To make, bake at 350 until bubbly (approximately 30-45 minutes).





DISH





Chicken and Wild Rice Soup




Cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups



Butter

4 Tbsp



Onion, chopped
1 cup



Long grain and wild rice
1 box



Carrots, chopped
1 cup



Celery, chopped
1 cup



Flour

1/4 cup



Half and half
1 pint



1 gallon freezer bag
1


Prep: Cook rice according to package directions. Melt butter in a large pot, add onions
and saute. Add all other ingredients to pot, except flour and half and half. Simmer for
20 minutes. Cool and freeze.



Meal prep: To serve, thaw and add to large sauce pan. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 30
minutes. Just before serving, whisk together flour and half and half. Add to soup and
heat through until thickened.



** Be sure to set aside and label flour and half and half for this meal!






DISH





Tater Tot Casserole





Ground turkey
1 lb



Onion, chopped
1 small



Cream of Chicken soup
1 14.5 oz can


Milk

1/4 cup



Sour cream

8 oz



Frozen mixed veggies
1 16 oz package


Shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups



Tater Tots

1 medium package


9x13 foil pan
1


Prep: Brown turkey and onion. In a bowl mix soup, milk and sour cream. In 9x13 pan
layer ingredients evenly as follows: turkey/onions, frozen veggies (break up clumps),
soup mixture, cheddar cheese, tater tots. Freeze.


Mea prepl: To serve, bake uncovered at 350 for 35-45 minutes, or until tater tots are brown
and casserole is bubbly.









DISH





Upside Down Fettuccini Bake




Italian turkey sausage
1 lb



Onion, chopped
1/4 cup



Fettuccini

1 8 oz package


Diced tomatoes
1 14.5 oz can


Oregano

1 tsp



Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup



Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup



Eggs

3



Butter, melted
2 Tbsp



Parsley

2 Tbsp



Garlic, minced
1 clove



Aluminum foil pie plate
1


Prep: Brown turkey sausage, add onion. Meanwhile, cook fettuccini according to 
package directions. Add tomatoes and their liquid to sausage/onion mix. Add oregano
and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in
mozzarella. Sprinkle 1/4 cup parmeasan pver tomato mixture. Mix eggs, 1/4 cup
parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, and garlic in a medium mixing bowl. Toss noddles 
with egg mixture. Spread noddle mixture in bottom of pie plate. Pour turkey sausage
mixture on top of noodle mixture. Freeze.


Meal prep: Thaw and bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 minutes, or until bubbly.






DISH





Chicken Enchiladas





Cooked, shredded chicken
1.5 cups



Butter

2 Tbsp



Onion, chopped
1/2 cup



Garlic, minced
1 clove



Cream of Chicken soup
1 10.5 oz can


Sour cream

1 cup



Green chilies
1 4.5 oz can



Shredded Mexican cheese
1.5 cups



Milk

1/4 cup



Tortillas

10



9x13 foil pan
1


Prep: In medium sauce pan, saute onion, garlic, and butter. Add soup 1/2 cup sour 
cream, and green chilies. Mix well. Reserver 3/4 cup sauce and set aside. To
remaining sauce add chicken and 1/2 cup cheese. In small bowl, combine, reserved
sauce with reamining sour cream and milk. Mix well. Spread 1/2 cup sauce over 
bottom of foil pan. Place 1/4 cup chicken mixture to in each tortilla and roll. Place seam
side down in foil pan. Spoon remaining sauce over filled tortillas, covering completely.
Freeze.





Meal prep: Thaw, bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with with cup of cheese. Return
to oven until cheese melts.



** Be sure to set aside and label one cup of cheese for this dish!







DISH





Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey and Wild Rice Caserole



Turkey breast tenderloin
sliced approximately 1" thick

celery, chopped
1 cup



carrots, chopped
2/3 cup



onion, chopped
1 cup



chicken broth
28 oz



Majoram

1/4 tsp



pepper

1/4 tsp



wild rice

1 cup, uncooked


sour cream

1 cup



gallon freezer bag
2



sandiwch zip lock bag
2



crock pot liner
1


Prep: In gallon zip lock bag place turkey breast, celery, carrots, and onion.
In a separate zip lock bag place chicken broth, majoram, salt and pepper.
In sandwich size zip lock place wild rice.


Place broth and wild rice baggies within the turkey/veggie baggie, seal and freeze.
Meal prep: To thaw broth mix place under warm running water.

Place broth and turkey in crock pot, on low for 8 hours, or until rice becomes tender 
and liquid is absorbed. Stir in sour cream.


** Be sure to set aside and label sour cream for this meal!







DISH





Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili




chicken breast, thawed
3



onion, chopped
1 large



garlic clove, chopped
2



chicken broth
1 3/4 cups



ground cumin
1 tsp



oregano

1 tsp



salt

1/2 tsp



northern beans
2 16oz cans, drained and rinsed

white corn

1 can, drained


lime juice

3 Tbsp



gallon freezer bag
1



sandwich zip lock bag
2



crock pot liner
1


Prep: Trim fat off chicken.  In large mixing bowl, combine onion, garlic, broth, cumin,
oregano and salt. Place chicken in one freezer bag, place broth/veggies/spices in
a separate freezer bag.




Place lime juice in sandwich zip lock; place juice bag within chicken, seal and freeze.
Meal prep: To thaw broth, place under warm running water.

Place broth mix and chicken in crock pot. Cook on low for 7 hours. Remove chicken fro
crock pot, shred chicken; return chicken to crock pot. Stir in beans, corn, lime juice.
Cover; cook on low 15-20 minutes, or until beans and corn are hot.
** In your pantry, be sure to set aside and label the beans and corn for this
meal!











DISH





Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Pot Pie



chicken gravy mix
1 envelope (.87-1.2 oz)


condensed chicken broth
1 10.5 oz can


chicken breast, thawed
3



frozen stew veggies, thawed, drained
1 pound


frozen peas, thawed, drained
1 cup



sour cream

1/2 cup



flour

1 Tbsp



Bisquick

1 1/2 cups



green onions, chopped
4



milk

1/2 cup



gallon freezer bag
1



sandwich zip lock
2



crock pot liner
1



toothpick

1


Prep: In large mixing bowl; mix gravy mix and broth until smooth. Stir in chicken, stew
veggies. Place in freezer bag. Chop up green onions, place in sandwich zip lock, and 
seal within gallon freezer bag; freeze.



Meal prep: To thaw broth mix place under warm running water.

Place gravy mix in crock pot, on low, for 6 hours. Stir in peas. Mix sour cream
and flour; stir into chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high setting, 20 minutes.
Stir Bisquick and g.onions in small bowl; stir in milk, just until moistened. Drop dough
by rounded tablespoon full onto hot chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for 45-50
minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of topping comes out clean.
** Be sure to set aside and lable Bisquick, flour, and sour cream for this meal!






DISH





Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast Dinner




small, red potatoes
8, cut into 1" cubes


baby carrots

2 cups



frozen small, whole onions
1 cup,



chicken breast, thawed
3



salt

1/2 tsp



pepper

1/8 tsp



chicken gravy
1 jar



frozen sweet peas
1 1/2 cups



gallon freezer bag
1



sandwhich zip lock
2



crock pot liner
1


Prep: Remove fat from thawed chicken. In one freezer bag add potatoes, carrots, 
onions, chicken, and salt in pepper (have salt and pepper in smaller baggie).
Meal prep: Place veggies, chicken, salt and pepper into crock pot. Pour gravy over top.
Cook on low for 8 hours. Stir in thawed sweat peas. Place crock pot on high and cook
for additional 15 minutes, or until peas are tender.


** Be sure to set aside and lable peas for this meal!




Freezer Meal - Grocery List

FOOD

AMOUNT

Meat



Ground turkey
3 pounds

Italian turkey sausage
2 pounds

Chicken breast
14

Turkey tenerloin
12 oz

Fresh Veggies


Onions

6

Garlic cloves

6

Baby carrots

1 large bag

Red potatoes
1 bag

Celery

1 stalk

Green onions
1 bunch

Frozen Veggies


Mixed veggies
16 oz bag

Stew veggies
1 bag (1 lb)

Sweet peas

1 bag

Peas

1 bag

small whole onion
1 bag

Tater tots

1 med bag

Dairy



Cottage cheese
24 oz

Mozzarella cheese
2 bags

Shredded cheddar
3 cups

Sour cream

28 oz

Milk

1 gallon

Mexican cheese
1 bag

Half and half
1 pint

Butter

1 container

Soup



Cream of chicken
1 14.5oz



1 10.5 oz

Condensed chicken broth
1 10.5 oz

Chicken broth
42 oz

Canned Veggies


Black beans

1 can

Kidney beans
1 can

Corn

1 can

Crushed tomatoes
1 28 oz

Diced tomatoes
3 - 14.5 oz

Tomato paste
16 oz

Northern beans
2 - 16 oz

White corn

1 can

Noodles/Rice


Lasagna

1 10oz pkg

Wild rice

2 boxes

Parmeasan

1 container

Fettuccini

1 10 oz pkg

Mexican



Green chilies
1 4 oz can

Tortiallas

10 medium

Packet Seasonings


Taco seasoning
1 packet

Dry Ranch

1 packet

Chicken gravy
1 packet

Baking/Spices


Parsley

5 Tbsp

Basil

1 tsp

Salt

2 tsp

Flour

1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp
Oregano

2 tsp

Majoram

1/4 tsp

Pepper

1 tsp

Ground cumin
1 tsp

Lime juice

3 Tbsp

Bisquick

1 1/2 cups

Eggs



Eggs

5

Gravy



Chicken gravy
1 jar

Storage



Gallon freezer bags
1 box

9x13 pans

3

Aluminum foil pie plate
1

Crock pot liner
2 boxes

Zip lock sandwich bags
1 box


Source for: Taco Soup, Lasagna, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Tater Tot Casserole, Upside Down Fettuccini Bake, Chicken Enchilada - Dreaming of Poultry
Source for: Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole, Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Pot Pie, Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast Dinner - Betty Crocker