Here's another link for you to follow.. It's a fun well written blog using TJ's ingredients. Here is a link that might be useful: Cooking with Trader Joes

I apologize I'm just now getting back to this. Liriodendron - Thanks for the info about the Jarden jars. I'm going to look into them. I'll also check out Tractor Supply. I didn't realize they carried some of the things they do. When I first saw read how the girl on that blog froze the ingredients without blanching I figured it wouldn't taste right but she never mentioned it so I thought I'd give it a try. We have a Food Saver and seem to use it in spurts. I do like how fresh it keeps the food though. I also much prefer fresh or frozen and can is used as a last resort for us. I just realized I have a copy of the Ball canning book someone gave me the other year. I was planning to can tomato sauce but we didn't have enough tomatoes at the same time and I never got around to it. I'm going to have to flip through it. I'll also check out that website. Thanks! Marie - "I love it when I don't have to cook and can take home made soup or stew out of the freezer." Me too! Especially now that DS is here. It's just so much easier for me to have things already made. Lyfia - I noticed while out that there are a variety of smaller glass containers with lids available. I have a set of Pyrex ones that came in a set but I use them often enough that I need to pick up others for the freezer. Lyban - Good idea about the individual slices! Deedee - I haven't done cookie dough yet. I love the idea of freezing them on the tray and putting them in bags to bake later. I would like to have some desserts in the freezer at times for guests. We typically don't have junk food in the house (because we eat it, lol) There's a store close by when we're in a crunch but I'd prefer to whip out something home made vs. a bag of chips. Camlan - I'll have to try the cookies baked too. I've cooked pancakes and froze for later and they were good. I'd like to get into making my own bread but haven't done it yet. I'm still using the ice cube trays a lot but he's a toddler now so really go through the cubes. I should pick up more trays so I don't run out as often. Ever since we stopped mashing, not much fits in those tiny cubes! I'm thinking we'll start doing a combo of ice cube trays and other containers. This post was edited by sheesharee on Mon, Aug 5, 13 at 23:55

These containers are food grade containers. They seal securely. I also have a kitchen thermometer. It works great and I could not change back to cooking daily. There has been a lot of shows on the telly about the foods in shops. We have had the horse meat scandal as well as other documentaries of having food tested and finding horrible things in fast food, prepared meals in shops and processed foods is terrifying. But making up fast foods like burritos, fajitas etc...I know what we are eating. I refuse to eat processed foods and will not feed them to my kids. My children are all grown up now but I still want them to eat healthy and know what they are eating and hopefully they will take this on and continue in their homes. Thanks for the reply. I appreciate all views as it does give me things to think over.

Wishing your friend a speedy recovery. You are so good to do this. How about lasagna, soups, stews? You can make and freeze Salisbury Steak, chicken stews. Cooked pastas can be reheated for a minute in boiling water and drained. My top shelf in the freezer is full of "ready mades" for those nights I don't want to cook. Right now, I have veggie and lentil soups, beef rouladen, pot roast, Italian beef and jus, chicken piccata, pasta sauce, a penne and sauce casserole with mozzarella. If you or someone else has a Foodsaver, seal and freeze. The bags can be heated in boiling water, emptied and dinner is ready. Make veggie or mashed potato bags for easy heating. And if their are kids or adults that are kids still, don't forget a dessert. Puddings, rice pudding and brownies go over well. Be sure to add heating instructions too. The 'cook" may not have a great deal of experience.