Cook Something Each Day: My Make-Ahead Solution

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I have not been very successful at devoting a day to "freezer cooking". So my solution is to take a small step every day to reclaim my grocery budget and save money. My goal is simple: cook something every day.


How will this help my grocery budget? Knowing that there is something in the refrigerator, even a small part of a meal will prevent that "let's-just-pick-something-up urge".

I might make soup one day and cook a roast in the slow cooker on the weekend. If I put together my favorite Black Bean Salad, I'll have lunch, a snack, or a side salad (depending on how I want to use it) for several days to come.

If you reach a point where the fridge is stocked with "meal" food, you may want to cook something like brownies or muffins. My goal is to never be faced with cooking an entire meal from scratch.

So when I cook something each day this week, my goal is to make something that will last for more than just one day. That soup? I'll make enough for lunches during the week and some for the freezer. That roast I make on the weekend will yield enough for sandwiches and perhaps a stir fry.

I may not be totally organized this week, but that does not mean that I'm going to throw my hands in the air and hit the nearest drive-through. Armed with a meal plan and a goal of cooking one item each day will get us in an "eat-at-home" and "use-what-you have" routine.