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newbride
Coupon Lover
Joined: 08 Apr 2005
Posts: 7294
Location: trying to figure out what I used to do with my free time.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject: Dinners Done Right?? |
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http://www.dinnersdoneright.com/
anyone ever tried anything like this? This one is only on the west coast but I know they're others just like it across the country. I'm thinking of trying it. For 2 weeks my total came to $85 (12 dinners) which is roughly $3.50/person for dinner. I guess my reasoning is this - DH and I eat out all the time lately because of school, and there's no hope of changing that until we graduate in Dec. This takes the guess work out of it for me. I don't have to grocery shop, I don't have to think or do the nightly dinner dance. I know I could do even cheaper with coupons but time is more important to me right now. So do you think it's worth it? If you were in my position would you do it, or is there a better option that I'm not thinking of? |
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krispsmith
Spam Police
Joined: 03 Feb 2004
Posts: 13170
Location: trading old school
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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| That looks like so much fun! I think the lesson itself would be invaluable- how simple it can be to put some great meals together. Have fun! |
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newbride
Coupon Lover
Joined: 08 Apr 2005
Posts: 7294
Location: trying to figure out what I used to do with my free time.
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 2:11 pm Post subject: |
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| krispsmith wrote: | | That looks like so much fun! I think the lesson itself would be invaluable- how simple it can be to put some great meals together. Have fun! |
that's what I was wondering  maybe if I did it once or twice I'd figure out some great meals to freeze and how to do it myself. As it stands I can find recipes for tons of freezer meals but they're all things like lasagna or casseroles which my picky DH won't eat. But the stuff on their menu he would definitely go for. I guess I just kinda feel like a cop-out wife for not having the time/energy to cook decent meals, save money, and be self-sufficient and I needed a little validation.  |
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MrsBPS
Coupon Lover
Joined: 24 Jan 2006
Posts: 30625
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| Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:35 am Post subject: |
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| Personally I think these types of services are pretty cool! I can see how they woudl be really usefull for many people. |
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newmom020105
Coupon Lover
Joined: 19 May 2005
Posts: 1764
Location: Looking for Wishlist Potluck Trades!
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| Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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| This is very similar to The Main Dish which used to be in Michigan. This is where I got the idea to start my own once a month cooking group. I loved mine not only because of the simplicity, but also because of the tasty, healthy ingredients. They used fresh meats and veggies, which were important to me for what we were paying. |
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newbride
Coupon Lover
Joined: 08 Apr 2005
Posts: 7294
Location: trying to figure out what I used to do with my free time.
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| Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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I pick up our order tomorrow!!! 10 dinners @ $69.18 - not too bad! But what's the best is this week my stress level is down because I didn't have to try to go grocery shopping and plan meals!  Instead I had time to do some extra homework & DH and I spent some time together. |
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PerfectLady
Coupon Lover
Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Posts: 9080
Location: Click on "WWW" for my WL/HL.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:29 am Post subject: |
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| Let us know how that works out. We have something similar to that and I've always wanted to try it out. |
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newbride
Coupon Lover
Joined: 08 Apr 2005
Posts: 7294
Location: trying to figure out what I used to do with my free time.
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| Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 12:33 am Post subject: |
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| PerfectLady wrote: | | Let us know how that works out. We have something similar to that and I've always wanted to try it out. |
They've actually turned out to be really good. There's been about 2 dinners that I didn't care for but the rest were fabulous! And I really like that everything is perfectly proportioned - it's helped me with my weight loss as well. The only thing that nags me a little is that I could still do it cheaper but then I'm reminded of the time involved and I know I just can't swing it. So we will definitely continue to order for the next three months until we're done with school. If you don't have the time it's absolutely worth it. If you do have the time then it's worth it to do it on your own with coupons of course! |
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krispsmith
Spam Police
Joined: 03 Feb 2004
Posts: 13170
Location: trading old school
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| Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:52 am Post subject: |
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| Did you find some new things that you never would have thought of before? Pick up any great new prep tricks? |
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newbride
Coupon Lover
Joined: 08 Apr 2005
Posts: 7294
Location: trying to figure out what I used to do with my free time.
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| Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:15 pm Post subject: |
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| krispsmith wrote: | | Did you find some new things that you never would have thought of before? Pick up any great new prep tricks? |
I've been surprised by the things that can be easily frozen - things like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, ect. And one recipe I never would've dreampt up was chicken marinated in margarita mix (sweet/sour). Never thought of that but it was soooo good and no added calories! |
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asasmommy
Coupon Lover
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 1840
Location: Working on BS in Nutrition
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| Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:04 am Post subject: |
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Here are some great books on freezer cooking:
Don't Panic, More Dinner's in the Freezer Martinez, Howell, and Garcia
The Best Make-Ahead Recipe: How to Cook Now...to Save Time Later from editor's of Cook's Illustrated
I am in school right now as well and managing cooking during school days is next to impossible. I have really enjoyed cooking a few extra things on the weekend or just doubling up a simple recipe and sticking it in the freezer. We aren't big casserole eaters and Dh doesn't like pasta. Also if you do a search for Once a month cooking (OAMC), there are tons of great recipes out there to freeze. A lot don't require any cooking ahead of time....just make up a sauce, put it in a freezer bag with selected meat and freeze altogether...then just thaw and cook the day of.
Just in the last two weeks here is what I've made:
BBQ Jelly "Dump" Chicken (so good and super easy)
Steak Kabobs with Orange Hoisin Glaze (having this week)
2 small lasagnas (for me and the kids)
Italian ground beef (used some in lasagna, rest for patty melts)
Sloppy Joes
Corn Fritter Casserole (made into muffins)
Blueberry Yogurt Coffeecake
Cooked Barley
Herbed Potato Wedges
Twice Baked potatoes (2 different types)
Pizza dough
Buttery Bread Machine Rolls
Even just making up taco meat ahead of time is a timesaver...just reheat and serve.
I understand about not being able to get to the grocery store...I went yesterday and only saved $10 with cpns...I was so sad. But, I scaled back this summer b/c I knew I wouldn't be saving as much this fall.
My friend did those type of dinners when she had her 3rd baby and she loved it.....said it really just cut out the stress. The price doesn't sound too bad either. |
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