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

meal ready-
freezer bag full of frozen ice cube sized basil
freezer bag full of frozen ice cube sized pesto
freezer bag of swiss chard
frozen 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