This month’s guest cook Kara Curfman, from Longview, Texas is a really fascinating gal. I did a google search about foster parenting one day and was led to a site where she had posted a really interesting comment. I then went to her blog 5 Survive The Drive to learn more about her and was thrilled to see that not only is she a wonderful mother but also a fellow freezer cook! Through her blog I have learned so much about becoming a foster parent and have loved reading about her journey to adopt some of those foster children. You can see her below with her gorgeous family!
I did something different with this post. I loved all her info so much and wanted to keep it all, so I am publishing half of her post with recipe today… and then on Thursday I will post the other half of the article with an extra recipe. So… just sit back and enjoy learning about Kara and learning more about freezer cooking with a group. I learned a few things from this post already!
Cranberry ChickenThis is what is known as a “DUMP” recipe.That is as easy as it gets.Dump it all in,Seal with no air, massage and flatten!I know, I know….the ingredients are WEIRD!We all thought that until we put it in our mouths…children alike! This would rate as 1 of the TOP 10 over the past 6 years of The Cookin’ 4 Some! Trust me on this one! Serves 8.
8 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 (1-ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (16-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 cup Catalina dressing
Bake at 400° for 40 minutes covered with foil; remove foil, reduce temperature to 350°, and bake for 20 more minutes. This also works well in the crockpot (low for about 7 hours or high for 4) or grill. Seriously! **********************
I am so excited to be guest blogging at Freezer Meals for Us! What a fantastic place to share and learn. There is a wealth of information here in this blog. I hope you’ve stayed awhile and really dug in. It’s a great place to get lost!
Freezer Cooking has become a hot topic! The fun part is that there are SO many ways to accomplish stocking your freezer. Another benefit is that many of those ways include friends! It can be done on your own, but why not have a little girl time and share? My little Cookin’ 4 Some , as we are called, is such a blessing to our family! There is NOTHING that could keep me from a “cook”. My crew just wouldn’t eat….not kidding, because I simply wouldn’t cook, not daily like I used to. Our family is very busy, much like most of yours I would venture to say. We have 6 total children, 3 biological children ranging in age from 16 down to 9 as well as 2 adopted girls who are 7 months apart and are 2 1/2 and almost 2. As if that wasn’t enough we are also a foster family. Currently, at least today, we have a 19 month old foster son as well so it is BUSY BUSY BUSY! With 3 in diapers I must think quick on my feet and be prepared when things don’t go as planned, which is…..well, quite often.
Over the next month I will be talking about how when, where and why our group cooks! More details can be found at my little blog at www.5survivethedrive.blogspot.com. In the middle of all the fun I will share some of our favorite recipes. There are SO many that it was hard to choose! Please make note that all have been adapted to serve 8.
Why should you COOK like this?*Our family gets to try great new recipes that I didn’t have to come up with.*I don’t have to MAJORLY cook on a regular basis because food is already in my freezer.*Takes the main meal planning out of my day and allows more time for my family.*Keeps me out of the grocery store as often which saves time and money!*It allows me to still get to cook and to do it with great friends. Great fellowship!*I learn great tips and tricks from my friends.*The relationships are invaluable to me. It is amazing how close you become to 3 other women you spend 5 hours with once every couple of months. They KNOW me and I know them! We are there for each other! We pray with and for each other. It is a beautiful relationship.