Meals is a big method I present my love. It has grown unintentionally over time, however with each household dinner made, I hope my household feels a hug. Tacky? Completely, however that’s how I roll. That extends into making meals for others, too. I really like internet hosting and feeding individuals. And I really like gifting meals when it may be useful. I’ve shared my favourite meals to deliver to a brand new mother, however there are different occasions the place gifting meals is smart and generally massive, family-sized parts aren’t wanted.
I’ve a member of the family who not too long ago had surgical procedure, and I wished to ship them some love within the type of selfmade meals in a method that will even be simple and handy throughout restoration.
Enter Souper Cubes.
You realize my affection for this straightforward but good invention runs deep. They’re nice for meal prepping, storing leftovers, and maximizing freezer house. It seems they’re additionally fairly implausible for gifting meals, too.
One factor I at all times take into consideration when bringing somebody meals is how one can make it genuinely useful. Are lots of people dropping off meals on the similar time? How huge of a portion do they really want? How can I make the reward helpful with out creating further work?
Disposable containers are an excellent choice as a result of nothing must be washed or returned. However I’ve found that Souper Cubes provide one other actually handy resolution!
On this case, I made the meals, froze them in 2 cup parts, then gifted the frozen cubes (popped out of the silicone molds and transferred to gallon Ziplocks) together with the Souper Cubes stoneware to allow them to warmth and eat one serving each time they want it with out a big casserole taking on half the fridge and no strain to eat every part inside a couple of days.
For this meal state of affairs, I made a Hen, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole and Shepherd’s Pie.
I totally baked the rooster casserole, then scooped it into the Souper Dice molds and froze it in particular person parts.
For the Shepherd’s pie, I cooked the meat combination and made the mashed potatoes, however as a substitute of baking every part collectively first, I spooned the meat combination into the cubes, topped each with mashed potatoes, and froze them that method. They need to bake collectively properly when reheated.
Different Meals That Freeze Effectively in Particular person Parts
I’ve completed this earlier than with spaghetti and meat sauce and lasagna roll ups (this recipe however made into roll-ups as a substitute of shells) and now am brainstorming different meals that this may work effectively for. I can’t attest to the next however really feel like they’d all work fairly effectively in this sort of freeze and reheat arrange:
- Lasagna or baked ziti
- Enchiladas
- Chili
- Soups and stews
- Taco meat or shredded rooster
- Breakfast casseroles
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pulled pork or shredded beef
- Curry and rice
I particularly like this methodology for conditions the place somebody may need a smaller urge for food or when members of the family aren’t essentially consuming on the similar time or for those who’re making meals for a person or couple as a substitute of a multi-person household. As an alternative of reheating an entire pan of meals, they’ll seize precisely what they want.
Find out how to Reheat Frozen Souper Dice Meals
I wrote reheating directions on the Ziplocks with the meals inside to make it simple to know how one can reheat when prepared.
For many casserole-style meals, the really useful methodology is transferring a frozen portion to the baking dish and letting it thaw within the fridge in a single day. Then cowl and bake at 350°F till sizzling all through, normally round 25 to 35 minutes relying on the meal. Uncovering it for the ultimate jiffy helps crisp up the highest.
Buuuuut, let’s be trustworthy. I really feel just like the extra probably state of affairs is to warmth from frozen, which is 100% attainable however simply takes a little bit longer, normally nearer to 45 to 60 minutes. As a result of the timing will range relying on the meal and portion, ensure that the middle is totally heated. You need to use a meat thermometer; stick it within the heart and ensure it reads 165 levels or extra.
Additionally, a tip which will or will not be apparent: when you freeze your meals within the cubes, pop them out! I had a good friend that stored shopping for extra Souper Cubes as a result of she didn’t notice you might retailer them in a Ziplock as soon as frozen. Additionally, I completely love that 4 (2c) cubes match so completely right into a gallon Ziplock. It’s like it’s meant to be.
For this supply, I snuck over and loaded the cubes into the freezer and put the stoneware dishes on the counter with a little bit notice and a few contemporary chocolate chip cookies, baked by Okay. As a result of cookies are at all times a superb add on; restoration for the soul in addition to the physique 😉
I figured it was value sharing as a result of it’s been such a enjoyable twist on gifting meals to family and friends and likewise labored very well for stocking your individual freezer earlier than having a child, a giant life change, or only a busy basketball season 🙂
What’s your go-to meal to make for a good friend or member of the family in want?
