Stocking freezer before Baby arrives

[LisMcA]

I think my "nesting" is starting! I've already done batches of soup and mince based things, but I'm looking for other ideas of what I can prepare now and freeze for after baby arrives.

Can I cook potatoes (Boiled, baked, gratin) and freeze those or are they best prepared when needed?

Any suggestions gratefully received!!

Oh how i wish i had done this

i've just started now (ds is 6 months) to get me in the habit for when i return to work.

i've been freezing,,,

Roast potatoes
Mash
Stew
Yorkshire Puds
Curry

will be watching with interest...

I know you can freeze mashed potatoes. Don't know about other types.

I also had loads of soupy stewy things packed full of lentils and beans. Perfect for one-handed eating with a hunk of bread. This one is DELICIOUS!

We did curries, chicken ratatouille, casseroles, which we served with rice

oh and i freeze leftover 'proper' gravy as theres always too much then if i cook sausages or buy a deli chicken its there...

A big batch of tomato sauce, split into portions? Can then be used to turn into a spag bol, chilli or spiced up into a curry etc.

Some breadcrumbs ready mixed with parmesan and parsley, for making easy things like macaroni cheese seem a bit more special?

A batch of crumble mix?

how about a nice cake which can be sliced and frozen in portions?

Disclaimer dont even know if this is possible, but i wanted cake all the time post birth!

I have a freezer book I was looking at this afternoon and there was meals like country chicken, pork stroganoff, 4 ways to cook and freeze a whole jointed chicken in case it was a good deal at market!

Also biscuit dough to make and freeze then cook as required.

If you want the ideas with the 4 ways with chicken let me know and Ill go get the book and look

I freeze Mashed potato and other mashed veg. Chilli, spag bol, casserole, curry, hotpot,soups etc.
I also buy those disposable tin foil tray things and freeze complete meals ie fish pie and shepherds pie so i can deforst a aerving and eat them on their own without having to nip out for fresh bread etc.

You can get M&S Potato Gratin (which tastes divine and is fully freezable) 3 for £5 atm- feeds 2-4 as an accompaniment depending on the size of your people .

Pork and tomato casserole
Beef goulash
Cauliflower cheese (if you do small portions, you can have as accompaniment)
Dhal freezes pretty well if you like lentils.
Sausage casserole
Chicken chasseur
Lasagne
Cheese sauce

I did this before both births- with 2nd child we didn't have to cook for a month!

Do you have an electric steamer? idea to use frozen vegtables in and cook rice without having to be in the kitchen stick water in bottom and measure rice into steamer and turn on then 40 minutes later the rice is ready and add to casserole or chicken curry.

Sorry posted last night then went to bed! Shattered just now! But up bright and breezy today!

Ivykaty If you could give me the name of the freezer book that sounds like the thing I need! i don't have a steamer, but I think I might invest in one soon!

So today I'm going to do mashed potato (love mash so much, not all will make it to the freezer!!) and cheese sauce.

And cake! Love cake, forgot you could freze that!

Thank you ladies! Much appreciated! i might need a bigger freezer!!

here, it is very old

but it maybe 1977 but the recipes are still good and the ideas are there

Thanks Ivykaty!

Mash done already this morning! What a domestic goddess I am!

Have you got a pipping bag? you can add an egg to the mash and then pipe the mash into little peks - then just open freeze them and then when they are frozen pille them up in a tupperware and seal - get three or four out for each person with a meal and place on a greased baking tray for 25 minutes

Top tip Ivykaty! I've already frozen them in freezer bags per portion though! I have no room left in my freezer now! Need to eat some of the ice cream and chips food in there before I can make any more!