Are you staying indoors right now? The world feels so strange right now and I feel like we all need a little positivity, fun and things to do to take our minds off the panic (nothing to panic about, just be aware and safe!) Of course, my favourite thing to do is cook BARE, create and make a mess and now that we have the time – what better way to spend your days then eating (yassss) and learning new skills in the kitchen.
If you’re staying indoors, here are some BARE recipes that I LOVE to make in advance and freeze. At the moment when food seems to be flying off the shelves, if you can grab some things to make and freeze, you’re self-quarantine will be a breeze!
Here are my top 20 BARE Regular recipes to freeze.
Model 1
Mango smoothie, green smoothie, berry bowl
The fruit can be prepared in advance and frozen in zip lock bags. When it comes to making them, remove from freezer and add the remaining ingredients (long life items like oats, milks etc) and blend!
The pinwheels are incredible to make in advance. I freeze uncooked on a tray, once frozen I will then transfer to a bag to save room in the freezer. These can be frozen cooked. Defrost in the fridge and pop in oven to cook! If I’m super hungry and impatient, I’ll throw them in the microwave frozen for a minute or so to defrost and then pop in oven to cook.
These are great to make in bulk. once cooked, wrap in film in single portions and grab and go in the mornings.
I have these in the freezer at all times in case of any visitors! Great to whip out and they’re always a hit. I freeze on a tray uncooked and then transfer to a zip lock bag.
Cook these and freeze in single portions (a piece of baking paper in between each. Grab and defrost in the fridge and pop back on the pan to heat up.
The patties are great to make in advance, freeze on a tray uncooked with a sheet of cling film in between each layer. Transfer to a bag once frozen. These just need to be defrosted and cooked on the pan, then added with the additions (lettuce, tomato, burger bun etc). Can’t find burger buns? Open burger plate or patty plate as I like to call it ha-ha!
Curries are ALWAYS a good idea to freeze. This can be frozen as just the sauce, or in containers with the rice.
The parmy’s are great to make in advance. I coat the meat in the crumb and place onto a tray. I like to freeze uncooked, but these can be cooked and then frozen. Freeze on a tray with a sheet of baking paper in between each layer so they don’t freeze together. Transfer to a bag once frozen.
Every recipe that calls for meat to be marinated, can be marinated and then frozen uncooked. This is a super easy way to reduce mess at cook times because you’ve already done the hard work. Meat can be frozen for up to 4-6 months, but I prefer to rotate quicker than this.
Slices, eggy bakes etc are all amazing to freeze cooked, in single portions ready for you to grab and go.
Sauces are perfect to make in bulk and freeze in single portions for you to grab and quickly whip together a quick pasta or easy dish.
Model 2
The sauce part of this recipe can be prepared and then frozen. All you’ll need to do is pop it in a pot and then add the eggs fresh.
Ham and asparagus frittata, Pumpkin and bacon muffins, Zucchini eggy muffins
Any eggy bake is great to freeze. Cook these and freeze in single portions (a piece of baking paper in between each. Grab and defrost in the fridge and either in the oven or microwave to heat.
This is a great sweet treat to have in the freezer! Freeze cooked in single wrapped portions to defrost.
Beef Black bean chilli con carne
The sauce part of this recipe can be prepared and then frozen. This can also be frozen with cooked rice, up to you!
Sauces are perfect to make in bulk and freeze in single portions for you to grab and quickly whip together a quick pasta or easy dish. This could be frozen just in sauce or with cooked pasta too.
Freeze your pesto in ice cube containers. These last a month in the freezer and they defrost really well in the fridge!
Marinate salmon and freeze uncooked. Defrost and place it straight onto pan and cook.
These are probably my favourite recipe to freeze! Mitch loves these for a quick lunch so I freeze (cooked!) in single portions so I can grab and defrost in the microwave or a pot. These can be frozen as an entire meal with rice, or alone with just the meatballs in sauce.
The patties are great to make in advance, freeze on a tray uncooked with a sheet of cling film in between each layer. Transfer to a bag once frozen. These just need to be defrosted and cooked on the pan, then added with the additions (lettuce, tomato, burger bun etc).
Sesame soy beef, spicy chicken bowls, Mediterranean stuffed chicken, chicken lettuce cups
Every recipe that calls for meat to be marinated, can be marinated and then frozen uncooked. This is a super easy way to reduce mess at cook times because you’ve already done the hard work. Meat can be frozen for up to 4-6 months, but I prefer to rotate quicker than this.
I hope you love these recipes & they help keep your stock levels at home up throughout these crazy times. Remember to stay safe, be careful & remember to spread love and positivity.
Love,
Leah x
