Monday, August 6, 2018

Checking In

Thanks everyone for your kind comments on my last post. I'm still not quite myself but am keeping busy and feeling better each day.




Mostly I'm focussed on trying to get a lot done in the next little while.  My niece will be here this weekend and will visit for a week. It is the one time over the year when I cancel all appointments so I focus on taking things slowly and enjoying my time with her.  She is autistic and needs my full attention and care.  When she leaves I need a time of rest and recovery and to slowly get organized again.

To make this week go smoothly I've done some batch cooking.  I didn't have a plan to do batch cooking but the thought came to me that this would be a good idea so I spent an afternoon preparing the following:

  •  4 servings of rotini and meat sauce filled with vegetables which will be eaten with side salads
  •  2 servings of vegetable fried rice and fried pork chop
  •  4 servings of hamburger hash made with plenty of freshly chopped vegetables, frozen vegetables and rice
  •  4 servings of BBQ chicken drumsticks which will be eaten with steamed rice and side salads
  •  a large pot of rice pudding for desserts. I wasn't planning on making this but I made some IP rice intended for the stir fry and it was quite mushy so I turned it into rice pudding.

I didn't have enough containers to portion and freeze the foods so I used baggies.
Today I have also prepared a large batch of chicken soup for lunches.  I'm also soaking some pinto beans which I'll cook up tomorrow.  These days I cook my beans in a pressure cooker and there is no need to pre-soak them.  But today  I  watched a YouTube video where a lady said that pre-soaking beans helps with flatulence. I didn't find this to be true when I used to soak my beans overnight before cooking but I'm willing to give it another try.

I haven't ever done batch cooking before but I have done some sporadic meal planning.  Now that I've tried my hand at batch cooking I think it will be something I do more regularly for a number of reasons:

  • It will save time in the kitchen during the week, both time for food preparation and time washing dishes each day. I still hand wash my dishes though I do have a dishwasher.
  • I found some reusable silicone storage bags on Amazon. If I purchase them or something like them, I can greatly reduce the usage of plastic bags going to the landfill.  I will need something more than the few glass containers I already have and silicone bags stand up or lie down taking up less space. You can also use them to store soups without spillage. I also found some lightweight stackable containers that would work better since they help you with portion control and you don't have to thaw out excess food that you may not want at one meal.
  • I've mentioned that I've done meal planning from time to time. Mostly it was done as a way to make sure I use a variety of foods, especially vegetables.  Now I am hoping to meal plan to save money, help prepare the weekly or bi-monthly shopping list, stop myself from buying way too much food (fresh or otherwise) and make sure I use the food I already have on hand.
  • It will help free up my refrigerator storage space (and cupboard space) so I can put what is most important in there: fresh fruits, sprouted breads, yogurt and fresh snacks.
  • It saves me from having to come up with (interesting)  meal ideas every day.
  • It will help reduce buying food on the go. If I haven't got anything prepared or haven't planned ahead I often buy something when I'm out and it isn't always the best choices health-wise.
  • It will help improve the consistency of meal times.
  • It will help me streamline my daily task so I can focus on other tasks beyond the kitchen. 

Meal planning and batch cooking at not new concepts but they are activities that one has to feel ready to use.  Like any new habit it takes some thought and practice to implement.  To date, I haven't felt the need to consistently practice meal planning or employ batch cooking.  As time goes by I see the usefulness of both of these activities.

Meat and poultry is heavily used in the first batch cooking experiment because it's what was in the freezer.  My goal is to incorporate more plant based meals so as the meat and poultry is used up I will be buying more plant foods. I did eat strictly vegetarian and/or vegan for many months at one time in the not so distant past so the change won't be huge.  However I do need a system to make sure I implement the plan.

It will be nice to be more organized about meals and shopping for food. Earlier this week I bought a new daily and monthly planner and also a menu planning booklet with space for shopping lists.  I know many people make their own charts and list but I like ready made if they are not too expensive. I got mine on sale at Michael's at 40%  off.

Menu planning and batch cooking help to keep a modern household running smoothly and more efficiently.  Especially if you have children, hold a job, or are trying to get healthy or maintain health.

If you already do meal planning and batch cooking I'd love to hear about your experiences.Fee free to leave a comment short or long, in the comment box below.
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I haven't had much time for photo taking this week but I did capture these beautiful skies.
The first two photos were taken at 5:20 a..m. a few days ago just as the sun was coming up.




The garden at dawn.
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The next sky photo was taken on Sunday night.



As for reading, I'm still working on the book about Denys Finch Hatton entitled Too Close to the Sun. I find I'm having to read this book quite slowly. It isn't a long book so I should have finished last week.  On the other hand I haven't picked it up much due to being busy with other things.

I forgot to mention what has been keeping me busy.  I did get to the dentist. The next step will be to get some fillings next month after my gums have healed and settled a bit.  Initially a crown had been proposed.  However it seems I don't have enough teeth in the back where surgery was done or enough strong roots to support a crown.  This was in the opinion of a new to me, older experienced dentist.  I tend to agree with his assessment after the explanation. It is a pity because I've worked so hard over many years to preserve my teeth but it is what it is.

Also, I bumped into someone I knew some years back with whom I'd lost touch.  He moved many provinces away and was only in the city temporarily when I happened to find him on a bus ride home. We got together a few times for dinner and chit chat to catch up on a few years news. Other than that I was treated to a nice dinner late last week by another friend who I only see once or twice a year. It is always nice catching up with her.  We never seem to have a dearth of things to discuss.



I have no updates from Kenya at this time though I'm touch with various dear ones over there on a daily basis.

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Joining Our World Tuesday 


Thanks for stopping by. 
Have a wonderful week ahead.

17 comments:

Red said...

Good on you fro spending time with someone who is autistic.

Rhodesia said...

Wow you have been busy. I do not generally batch cook, but if we have visitors I do make up a few main courses to save time when they are here. I was planning on being busy this month when our friends from Mesquite come to stay with us. Sadly he has been diagnosed with cancer so the tretment came before travel and rightly so. We are now hoping that he will get through all the tretment successfully and hope they can make it next year.
Take care and do not over do it. Diane

Mari said...

I love batch cooking! I need to do some again. Your photos are pretty!

happyone said...

Wow that is a lot of cooking at one time. Batch cooking always sounds like a good idea but I never do it.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

I ought to do batch cooking more. Pulling out portioned meals out of the freezer are perfect for those days I don't feel like cooking nor eating out. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a fun time with your niece.

Lady Fi said...

Lovely shots. Enjoy your time with your niece.

shayndel said...

Wow, amazing that you got all that done!!! It also sounds like you have guests fairly often so that is great to be able to prepare in advance. I have rarely done batch cooking, but when I did once it was really great and I was excited to be able to just take the packs out on the day and everything reheated very well. I remember when I researched it about freezing, there were certain vegetables and foods that are not recommended for freezing, though I can`t remember which they were!! I am sure you already found out, but just mentioning it as you said you plan to freeze some vegetarian meals!! I LOVE your photos, my favorite is your garden at dawn!! Happy reading, and take care and slowly as you catch up and get ready for your special guest!! Blessings and love!!♡

eileeninmd said...

Hello, you sound very organized. That is a good thing, especially with the meal planning and cooking. I hope you have a great time with your niece. The sky photos are lovely. Your patio is beautiful, lovely flowers and plants. Enjoy your day and the week ahead.

Dianna said...

You and I have many of the same goals when it comes to planning meals to use what I have on hand in the pantry, freezer and basement (home canned goods) and for the same reasons...with the top one being the same...saving money! :) Right now I am trying to use up things in the freezer to prepare for meat that is coming in late autumn. Also, with doing canning, etc. I don't really have time for batch cooking.

I hope you have a lovely week with your niece, Penny. I'll be thinking of you.

Hugs,
Dianna

Annie said...

Your garden is beautiful.
I hope your time with your niece is wonderful.

Billie Jo said...

Beautiful photos!
You are very organized and ready for your visit.
Have a lovely time. : )

Al said...

I'm not much of a cook, but I love your skies.

Minoru Saito said...

Hi! You work for African people, I appreciate you. Your photos are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Jeanie said...

That sounds so productive. It reminds me of Rick's sister-in-law who is the most organized person ever when it comes to planning ahead for food. It makes it so much easier in the end. Good for you!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

A productive week with lovely photos!

Angie said...

Well, you sold me on batch cooking and meal planning - now I'll pass it on to hubby since it's his department - LOL! Love the picture of your garden at dawn … peaceful and pretty. Hope you are having a blessed weekend with your niece.

jabbott said...

Batch cooking is a very good idea and you have made some delicious healthy meals. I hope you have some nice time with your niece!!

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