Savor the Comfort of Ready-Made Meals While Prepping for the New Season
Just a few weeks ago, I had one of those moments that reminded me why I spend time meal prepping during the growing season. My kiddo was being inducted into their school’s National Honors Society—a proud parent moment—but the timing was tight. Working until 5 PM with a half-hour drive home and a 7 PM ceremony meant dinner could have been a drive-through blur.
Instead, I smiled, knowing my freezer held the solution. A quick check of my meal inventory and within 10 minutes of walking through the door, we were enjoying homemade chili with tortilla chips. No rush, no stress—just a warm, nutritious meal before celebrating my kiddo‘s achievement.
These are the moments that make all that summer and fall meal prep worth it. Here in the Upper Midwest, where winter evenings call for warming, nutritious meals that comfort both body and soul, having a well-stocked freezer feels like a warm summer day at your fingertips.
Looking Ahead to Spring's Treasures
As I stand at my freezer on these chilly winter evenings, pulling out another batch of homemade soup, I can’t help but dream about spring‘s upcoming treasures. It’s the changing of seasons that makes cooking in the Upper Midwest so special.
Remember garlic scapes? Those curly, vibrant stems that appear on garlic plants in early spring that might look odd at first glance, but they’re one of my favorite seasonal discoveries! Last year, I sautéed them with eggs for quick breakfasts before golf and added them to soups for an extra punch of mild garlic flavor. This spring, I’m planning something new—turning them into a bright pesto that I can freeze in small portions. Just imagine pulling out that fresh spring flavor on a cold January evening next year!
Early spring brings other fleeting treasures too. First come the tender greens in April, perfect for quick stir-fries between homework sessions. Then May arrives with crisp asparagus and tart rhubarb. Each of these brief seasonal treats deserves space in our freezers, which is why I’m so focused on enjoying our winter treasures now.
By using up those frozen meals we prepared last year, we’re not just feeding our families—we’re making room for new adventures in seasonal cooking. It’s this beautiful cycle of planning, preserving, and enjoying that keeps our family meals fresh and exciting all year long, even with our busy schedules.
Your Simple Spring Prep Checklist
Between basketball practices, music lessons, and homework help, I know finding time to plan ahead can feel impossible. Just last week, I was mapping out our family’s spring schedule while waiting for my kiddo to be done with her after school activity! I’ve learned that a little planning now saves so much scrambling later.
Here’s the simple checklist I use during these cozy winter evenings to get ready for spring’s abundance:
☐ Update your freezer inventory
☐ Plan meals around those “use first” items
☐ Clean and organize freezer spaces
☐ Make notes about what worked well this year
☐ Start dreaming about spring’s preserving schedule
I know this might feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling so much. That’s exactly why I created my free 5-step Guide to Planning Nutritious Meals for your busy family. It’s the same system I use to keep our family fed well, even during the winter season! Download it now to save time and money while preparing for spring’s abundance.
Ready to start planning? Pour yourself something warm, find a quiet moment (early morning before the kid wakes up is my favorite), and settle in with my guide. Together, we’ll dream up all the delicious possibilities that 2025’s peak-season produce will bring to your family’s table!
Enjoy the season you are in, while dreaming of future meals.
Until next time!
AnnaBelle
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