Squirrel Hoarding

Debbie the Squirrel

Squirrels are known for hoarding food for winter by stockpiling nuts in trees and other hiding places.  I've been embracing my inner squirrel this week.  In the past 48 hours, I have prepared the following:

• Chicken Enchiladas (16 servings)
• Pot Roast with Vegetables (14 servings)
• Sweet & Sour Meatballs (12 servings)
• Meatloaf (16 servings)
• Tuna Casserole (16 servings)
• Chicken Paprikash (12 servings)
• Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin (20 servings)

That is over 106 servings - about 53 straight days of dinner!  This has been a huge undertaking and required cycling meal after meal through the oven or crock pot on a pre-planned schedule.  All of this food has been portioned into vacuum-sealed freezer bags, with 2 portions per bag, and can be easily re-prepared by simply boiling-in-bag for 10 minutes. I also stockpiled a few other food items for Thai Chicken Peanut Stir Fry, which must be freshly prepared (but is an easy-peasy recipe), as well as a mountain of frozen vegetables to keep scurvy at bay and give us some variety.

It is impossible to have a full grasp of what life will be like when Baby Tebault arrives, but at least we can know that, regardless of how busy or sleepy we are, we will be able to eat good food and stick to our monthly food budget!