the freezer challenge: week 2
of course i started a challenge during what feels like one of the busiest months of the year. two craft shows, a new job, graduations, parties, set aside time for self portraits (kidding!), and little things in between.
but of course, my freezer still stays packed.
here are the contents:
animal protein-
4 packages of deer hamburger
2 lamb livers
1 package of ground lamb
1 package of deer sausage
1 package of frozen deer meatballs
1 package of lamb ribs
1 package of bacon
1 ham hock
1 package of beef stock bones
1 chopped sirloin
20 15! lb. chicken breast
1 frozen bag of acorn squash & sausage stuffing
4 packages of deer hamburger
2 lamb livers
1 package of ground lamb
1 package of deer sausage
1 package of frozen deer meatballs
1 package of lamb ribs
1 ham hock
1 package of beef stock bones
1 chopped sirloin
1 frozen bag of acorn squash & sausage stuffing
meal ready-
freezer bag full of frozen ice cube sized basilfreezer bag full of frozen ice cube sized pesto
freezer bag of swiss chardfrozen tomato soup (serving size 2)
2 bags of hot peppers (for salsa making)
freezer bag of skinned tomatoes
box of morningstar veggie burgers
fruit-
2 gallons of strawberries
3 ripe bananas
freezer bag of black cherries
dole brand bag full of mango, pineapple and strawberries
2 jars of peach conserve
1 gallon of blueberries
small tub of homemade cookie dough
this week, we prepared fruit smoothies for breakfast most mornings. a handful of frozen blueberries, strawberries, mango & banana makes for a delicious meal. we also managed to eat 5 lb. of chicken & seasoned it with our frozen pesto & a bit of olive oil from {this} recipe. i must say, this challenge is fairly difficult. we regularly prepare vegetarian meals & rarely eat meat. it’s been difficult to find restaurants & groups of friends who share in the same eating choices of only ethically-raised meats so we’ve slowly adapted to a vegetarian diet. i purchased the meat currently in our freezer in an effort to stretch myself. thankfully, this challenge has definitely helped us save money & be a little more resourceful with what we already have. if you have any favorite meat meals, please share!
natalie’s freezer fruit smoothie
serves 2
1 1/2 cups frozen fruit: strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, banana
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 soy or coconut milk
blend in blender on high for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure fruit is fully shredded & mixed well. serve in glass mason jar & enjoy!
love,
natalie
Anonymous | 19th May 12
i'm not much of a meat eater either but every once in a while, if i have some chicken in the freezer, i like to make an altered version of chicken parmesan. cook the chicken breast on the grill or stovetop and make a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil and red chili flakes. put the chicken in a baking dish and cover with sauce and a tiny bit of parmesan cheese and bake in the oven till the cheese is melted. it's a pretty healthy and light recipe for when i'm in the mood for meat! good luck with your challenge!
Jess | 19th May 12
you are SO cute in those glasses with that high bun – gotta kiss you up! I don't know that much about making chicken… I'm a backsliding vegetarian right now, but when I purchased chicken last week it was the good kind. I got thighs (my fave) and cooked them in the pan with honey and balsamic vinegar – yum! or nigella's (I think) buttermilk chicken is to die for.
Anonymous | 20th May 12
Hello Natalie,
I've followed your blog for a couple of years now, but recently forgot it, due to a change of computers. Anyway, this Sunday I noticed there was some element missing to give me the proper Sunday feeling, and then I remembered you. I always read your blog on Sundays.
I just wanted to tell you I love your writing and photography, and I find your life projects so inspiring.
Now I'll go and invite someone I do not know well for tea and scones.
I hope your Sunday is a good one.
🙂