Fix, Freeze, Feast receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its organization, clear instructions, and variety of recipes. Many appreciate the bulk cooking and freezing tips, finding it helpful for busy families and budget-conscious cooks. Reviewers like the simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Some criticisms include a lack of vegetarian options, too many meat-heavy dishes, and occasional blandness in recipes. Several readers mention the need for more photos. Overall, most find it a practical cookbook for make-ahead meals, though some recipes may require tweaking to individual tastes.
Embrace warehouse shopping for economical meal preparation
Master the Tray Pack Method for efficient make-ahead meals
Plan and organize your cooking sessions for maximum productivity
Adapt recipes to suit your family's tastes and dietary needs
Utilize freezer-friendly packaging and labeling techniques
Explore a variety of main dishes, sides, and sauces for diverse menus
Incorporate community cooking and meal sharing into your routine
Leverage make-ahead meals for charity and supporting others in need
Experiment with breakfast options, snacks, and desserts for the freezer
Warehouse clubs are everywhere, and they are among the best places to save money, day in and day out, on many products.
Cost-effective bulk buying. Warehouse clubs offer significant savings on large quantities of ingredients, making it possible to prepare multiple meals at once. By purchasing meat, produce, and pantry staples in bulk, you can reduce your overall grocery expenses and streamline your shopping trips.
Ingredient versatility. Many warehouse products can be used across multiple recipes, allowing you to maximize your purchases. For example:
Large containers of spices and seasonings
Bulk packages of frozen vegetables
Multi-packs of canned goods
Large blocks or bags of cheese
Consider splitting large purchases with friends or family members if storage space is limited, or plan your meals around common ingredients to minimize waste.
We have created our recipes based on the large packages of meat from warehouse clubs—the tray packs. We developed the Tray Pack Method to help people just like you!
Batch cooking efficiency. The Tray Pack Method involves preparing multiple meals from a single large package of meat, typically purchased from a warehouse club. This approach allows you to:
Save time by cooking in bulk
Reduce packaging waste
Ensure consistent portion sizes
Minimize food waste
Flexible meal planning. By dividing the tray pack into separate meals, you can:
Customize portion sizes for your family
Create variety by using different marinades or sauces
Freeze meals for future use, reducing the need for daily cooking
Easily scale recipes up or down based on your needs
Adapt the Tray Pack Method to your schedule by preparing a few meals every other week or dedicating a full day to stocking your freezer with multiple entrées.
To be successful, start with a plan. Even if it's just a mental list of steps you'll take, thinking through what you want to accomplish will keep you organized and efficient.
Preparation is key. Before beginning your cooking session:
Create a detailed shopping list, separating warehouse and grocery store items
Prepare a prep list outlining tasks like chopping vegetables or mincing garlic
Gather all necessary equipment and containers
Clear ample space in your refrigerator and freezer
Streamline your process. During your cooking session:
Group similar tasks together (e.g., chopping all vegetables at once)
Use assembly-line techniques for preparing multiple recipes
Clean as you go to maintain an organized workspace
Label containers and bags before filling them
By planning ahead and staying organized, you can significantly reduce the time and effort required to prepare multiple meals, making the process more enjoyable and efficient.
Admittedly, ours is not the first recipe book touting the benefits of using your freezer to keep ready-made food on hand. But what we offer here that's new and unique is a method that's updated to the modern warehouse shopping experience while preserving the proven benefits of storing main dish meals and other items in the freezer.
Personalize your meals. While following the Tray Pack Method, don't hesitate to:
Adjust seasoning levels to suit your family's preferences
Substitute ingredients to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions
Experiment with different protein sources or vegetarian options
Incorporate local or seasonal ingredients when available
Balance nutrition and flavor. When adapting recipes:
Consider adding extra vegetables for increased nutritional value
Explore healthier cooking methods (e.g., grilling instead of frying)
Use herbs and spices to enhance flavor without adding excess salt or fat
Incorporate whole grains and legumes for added fiber and protein
Remember that the goal is to create meals your family will enjoy while still benefiting from the convenience and cost-effectiveness of make-ahead cooking.
Carefully packaging and freezing your entrées will ensure the best quality when it comes to dinner time.
Proper packaging. To maintain food quality and prevent freezer burn:
Use heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers
Remove as much air as possible before sealing
Double-bag items with bones to prevent punctures
Portion meals appropriately for your family size
Effective labeling. Clearly label all frozen items with:
Recipe name
Date prepared
Cooking instructions
Any additional ingredients needed
Organized storage. Maximize freezer space and efficiency by:
Freezing liquids and sauces flat in bags for easy stacking
Using square or rectangular containers for better space utilization
Implementing a first-in, first-out rotation system
Maintaining a freezer inventory list
Proper packaging and labeling not only preserve food quality but also make it easier to identify and use your frozen meals efficiently.
Every time you eat from your freezer you save money, especially if it takes the place of frequently eating out.
Diverse meal options. Experiment with a wide range of recipes to keep your freezer stocked with exciting meal choices:
Main dishes: chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian options
Side dishes: rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, and casseroles
Sauces and marinades: pesto, teriyaki sauce, and flavored butters
Mix and match components. Create flexibility in your meal planning by preparing:
Versatile protein options that can be used in multiple dishes
Base sauces that can be customized with different seasonings
Frozen vegetable mixes for quick side dishes
By maintaining a diverse selection of frozen meals and components, you can easily create varied and satisfying menus without relying on takeout or last-minute grocery runs.
Put your experience with make-ahead meals to good use for charity. The skills you've developed with this method could be used to make a wonderful donation to a nonprofit group.
Collaborative cooking. Explore community cooking options such as:
Cooking clubs: Share tasks and enjoy social time while preparing meals together
Cooking co-ops: Divide recipe assignments and swap prepared meals
Neighborhood meal swaps: Exchange dishes with friends and neighbors
Benefits of group cooking:
Share costs of ingredients and equipment
Learn new recipes and techniques from others
Enjoy social interaction while being productive
Increase variety in your freezer meals
Community cooking not only makes meal preparation more enjoyable but also fosters connections and support within your social network.
Whether you want to explore this idea on your own or with a group, here are some things to keep in mind when considering recipe selection.
Meal donations. Use your make-ahead cooking skills to support:
Local food banks and soup kitchens
Families facing illness or other challenges
New parents or elderly neighbors
Fundraising events for schools or community organizations
Considerations for charitable cooking:
Choose recipes with broad appeal and mild flavors
Select dishes that are easy to reheat or prepare
Consider dietary restrictions and allergies
Package meals in disposable containers for convenience
By sharing your make-ahead meals, you can make a meaningful difference in your community while putting your cooking skills to good use.
Having a main dish finished and in the freezer is like having a basic black dress in the closet. And just as the accessories complete the outfit, having the main dish out of the way means that I can explore new ways to accessorize my meal.
Beyond dinner. Expand your freezer meal repertoire to include:
Breakfast items: breakfast burritos, muffins, and smoothie packs
Snacks: energy balls, granola, and portioned trail mix
Desserts: cookie dough, fruit crisps, and individual dessert portions
Benefits of diverse freezer options:
Ensure healthy choices are always available
Save time during busy mornings or when unexpected guests arrive
Reduce reliance on processed convenience foods
Satisfy cravings with homemade treats
By preparing a variety of meals, snacks, and desserts for the freezer, you can enjoy homemade food at any time of day while maintaining control over ingredients and portion sizes.