Buy in bulk...cook for one

I remember when I first got married and started cooking for only 2 people.  I was used to helping prepare meals for 7 people.  Cooking for one or two people is harder than you would think.

It may seem illogical to buy in bulk when you are only cooking for one or two.  However, it makes perfect sense once you learn how to separate the bulk food and freeze it for future use.

Example #1:  my grocery store was having a sale on onions.  I bought 2 huge onions, brought them home, chopped them up and separated them in snack sized plastic bags. This is roughly the amount I need when I cook.  From there, I put the snack sized plastic bags into freezer bags.  Two onions gave me about 10 bags (and therefore 10 meals) for about $2.00.  This can also be done with bell peppers and other vegetables.  Note: when placing the food into the plastic bags (Zip-Loc) keep it as flat as possible.  This will allow you to stack your freezer bags in your freezer and maximize space.

Example #2:  corn on the cob...this is the same basic concept.  However, you boil the corn, allow to cool enough to be handled.  Stand corn cob on its end in a bowl or on a plate.  Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.  Once finished, proceed with putting the kernels into the plastic bags.  For this, I use a sandwich size bag.  Place in freezer bags and store in freezer.

Example #3:  meat...I just did this today so I took some pictures.  My store had some pretty good sales on chicken breast.  

There are 3 of us in the family now.  Even with a husband and a teenage son, we do not need this much chicken.  If you are cooking for one or two people, this could be 3 meals for you....for around $7 for all three.  You will need some plastic wrap (cling wrap, Saran Wrap, press and seal, etc).  Take a piece of the plastic wrap and place 1 chicken breast in it.  Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy glass to flatten the chicken breast.  This will ensure you get even cooking when it's time.  

Start at the thin end and work your way to the thick end.  Not sure why, but that seems to work better for me.  Tuck all the plastic wrap under the chicken breast.  Once you have them all wrapped in the plastic, put them in the freezer bag.  Make sure to mark your freezer bag with the contents and date prior to filling.  Again, be sure the contents are flat so you can stack them in your freezer.

Final example:  complete freezer meals.   When you are comfortable buying in bulk and packaging for individual meals, give packaging the entire meal together a try.  Go to this website for a huge list of freezer meal options...http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/freezer-meal-recipes-master-list/