Comments on: Dining In/Out Progress

By: Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge / Dining From Last Week and Upcoming Week

Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge / Dining From Last Week and Upcoming Week — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:37:19 +0000

[…] Finishing up the rotisserie chicken, I ate all the meat I picked off the carcass. I ended up having a dinner of three eggs, meat from two drumsticks, and some leftover focaccia from the fancy Italian take out on Tuesday night. I also dumped out one huge portion of chicken soup. Yes, I could have frozen it, but I wasn’t in the mood that evening. […]

By: Chief Family Officer

Chief Family Officer — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:50:00 +0000

Ah, someone beat me to it - I was also going to suggest freezing the stock in zip top bags. Or you could freeze it in ice cube trays. This has the advantage of allowing you to use just the amount you need when cooking. Also, freeze whatever chicken is left and throw that in your soup when you are ready to make it. Or freeze the meat in individual portions and use them to make chicken quesadillas when you need a quick and easy meal. You won’t notice any degradation in flavor if you shred it (especially in the quesadilla, with some cheese, beans, and salsa).

I completely understand what you’re saying about eating in reducing flexibility. It was easier for me before we had kids because things didn’t seem to come up as often back then. I try to build in some flexibility by having freezer meals that can wait if we have a change of plans, and coming up with alternative ways of using what’s on hand (or thinking of how best to freeze them). I also buy a little less than I used to, since I know that we’ll be eating out at some point.

By: mapgirl

mapgirl — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:03:08 +0000

Yes, Dean. I could freeze the soup. But I have nothing left to freeze it in until the suggestion of the ziplocs. Generally speaking, I don’t freeze meat that’s already cooked.

By: mapgirl

mapgirl — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:01:34 +0000

Thanks CanadianKate & Christy! I do freeze extra spaghetti sauce in ziplocs. Because soup is so much more viscous, I didn’t think to try the ziplocs for it. But that’s an excellent suggestion. (I’m eating a bowl of the soup RIGHT NOW as I type.)

I have actually about 2 portions left, so I might be able to eat it all before it spoils. (This time around)

CanadianKate & Sistah Ant- Thank you for the supportive comments. However, it’s almost always an afternoon phone call of a crisis, ‘OMG this is sooo important’ nature. Planning ahead really isn’t what I am describing. Though you are right, just making a casual get together is all that is required sometimes.

The other thing is driving around in DC rush hour is not very fun. We’re talking the equivalent in Philadelphia of going from King of Prussia, PA to Cherry Hill, NJ in rush hour, taking the Blue Route.

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:57:40 +0000

I second the zip-lock bags. But I just measure 2-cup and 4-cup portions into the zip lock, zip it carefully and lay a stack of bags in the freezer. Easy-Peasy. I don’t generally reuse the bags, because I end up tearing them off the block of stock to get it in the pot for a quick thaw.

By: CanadianKate

CanadianKate — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:45:51 +0000

Not enough tupperware to freeze the soup?

Take the frozen soup out of the tupperware and transfer it to a plastic ziplock bag. Return to freezer.

Use the now empty tupperware to freeze the next batch of stock.

Of course, freezer space will run out at some point and you’ll have to make a decision about buying a second freezer….

As for the friendships revolving around spending money….

I’m older so have got over that. Now we meet for ‘tea’ at my house, or go out for a walk around the neighbourhood.

For you, I’d suggest welcoming people to your place - pick up some great hearty buns at a local bakery and put your soup stock to good use. You and your friend can chat while cutting up veggies for the soup pot, and then sit and bond over a light dinner (maybe your friend can bring a decadent dessert?)

You are right, people are always more important than things, but there are ways we can put people first and still stick with our values and budgets.

By: Dean J

Dean J — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:02:10 +0000

I’m not convinced on the health benefits, but I am convinced on the financial benefits of a larger freezer. Can you freeze the leftover soup to hold it for a few more days (weeks?)

By: Money Blue Book

Money Blue Book — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:45:50 +0000

Hello,
I personally have no problem eating leftovers for several days straight….

But I guess that’s probably why I eat out so often. It’s the price of not having to deal with the hassle. I save money every where else I can to fund my expensive eating out habits…and DC is expensive!

-Raymond

By: Sistah Ant

Sistah Ant — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:48:00 +0000

i know what it’s like to have friend-bonding seem to always coincide with spending money. but the best solution is house hopping. sure, it might be a pain to drive from here to there, but it’s the cheapest, yet often most rewarding way to see your friends. of course going out to eat is a great way to converse, but often, my friends are trying to save money too. we discovered it’s easy and cheap to host or visit each other. setting dates helps with that, too.

By: plonkee

plonkee — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:05:41 +0000

I tend to have the same problem (and probably a smaller freezer ). If you crack it, be sure to let me know.