In September 2023, I started making vegan and gluten-free recipes every Sunday. Doing this has helped me manage my time better because I’m busy during the week. I spend about three hours each Sunday on this. It’s made my week go smoother. My father-in-law my husband, and I all enjoy the meals I make from these recipes.
Triple S Sequence
To ensure a diverse array of meal options, I developed a systematic approach known as the “triple S sequence,” comprising stew, soup, and either sandwich or salad components. This framework has allowed for a rotation of lunch and dinner options, enhancing both variety and nutrition in our meals.
6 Meal Prep Tips
1. In terms of meal preparation techniques, while I personally favor the use of the Instant Pot, all recipes provided are adaptable for stove-top cooking. When I do cook my soups on the stove, I use a 6.4 cups Dutch oven. Printable recipes for both methods will be consistently offered on my website to accommodate individual preferences.
2. Prior to commencing cooking, it is advisable to gather and portion out all required ingredients, ideally completing some preparatory steps the night before to streamline the process. Utilizing Pyrex containers not only facilitates storage but also serves as a means of measuring ingredients, minimizing the need for repetitive use of measuring cups. Additionally, ensuring an empty dishwasher prior to starting aids in expedited cleanup post-cooking.
3. In an effort to optimize cost-effectiveness, I have found purchasing vegetable broth cubes in bulk from online retailers such as Amazon to be a prudent alternative to carton-packaged broth. These cubes can be easily dissolved using an electric kettle and large measuring cups, providing a convenient solution for meal preparation. This equals $0.20 a cup.
Electric Kettle: https://amzn.to/3SzSlsu
Vegetable broth: https://amzn.to/48f1YT7
Measuring cup set: https://amzn.to/3uh3mah
4. For portioning out meals, I recommend utilizing 16 oz plastic pint containers, which offer a suitable serving size without promoting overconsumption. These containers, available in packs of 50 on Amazon, are dishwasher-safe and freezer-compatible, offering versatility in storage options.
5. During the pandemic I binge watched Gordan Ramsey. I bought the German made WUSTHOF knives he uses. I had them for three years and they are amazing. I even bought a special bamboo drawer organizer for them.
6. In terms of maintaining freshness, it is advisable to transfer any remaining meals to the freezer by Wednesday evening if they are not expected to be consumed promptly.
Equipment and Supplies
Instant pot: https://amzn.to/49vQZ9f
6.4-Quart Enamel Dutch Oven: https://amzn.to/3OE13oo
Pyrex bundle: https://amzn.to/4bwzC9M
Electric Kettle: https://amzn.to/3SzSlsu
Vegetable broth: https://amzn.to/48f1YT7
Measuring cup set: https://amzn.to/3uh3mah
16 oz. pint containers: https://amzn.to/49pdWup
WUSTHOF Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set: https://amzn.to/4btTHO2
Bamboo knife drawer organizer: https://amzn.to/3OxBTb2
These are Amazon Affiliate links that incur no additional cost when clicked.