Tuesday Tip - Cooking ahead

I like to plan a menu for the week.  That doesn't mean I am glued to the menu and won't falter.  If we get a call to eat out with friends, we do it and push the menu back one day.  One of the things I like to cook ahead and then freeze is bacon.  I learned at a quilting retreat that you can bake bacon on jelly roll sheets in about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  You may have to turn a few slices over but for the most part it cooks without turning.

I cover my jelly roll pans with foil for easy cleaning.  Then lay out the strips of bacon on the pans.  Two pans will hold 1 lb of bacon.

And 15-20 minutes later....

 

I put the bacon in a freezer bag and throw it in the freezer.  I pull out what I need for a quick breakfast or making easy carbonara for dinner.

 

This leaves more time for quilting!

 

Today I made wild rice and chicken soup for lunch.  My husband started a new job and leaves after lunch for work.  This morning has been cold and rainy so a bowl of warm soup

 and fresh corn bread was just the ticket.

Sorry, forgot to take the picture when it came out of the oven.  This is after lunch, so must have been pretty good.  Half of the pan is gone.  We ate it with butter and honey.   Mmmmm....good!

 

Hope your Tuesday is warm and productive.  I have linked up with Freshly Pieced blog.  Hop on over and check it out.

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry