Monday, September 24, 2012

Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook: Review and Giveaway!

I am a big fan of streamlining my time in the kitchen, and I do that primarily by prepping meals ahead of time and freezing them. Since my husband is working slightly crazy hours with his new job, I have taken freezer cooking on with a new zeal in these past few months.

So it was a happy mail day when my sneak-preview copy of Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook arrived last month!

Excitement over what arrived in the mail today!!! @lifeasmom's cookbook!!!

This cookbook is written by one of my favorite bloggers--Jessica Fisher of Life As Mom and Good Cheap Eats. I already use many of Jessica's recipes in my regular meal rotations, so I knew that her cookbook would be a wealth of information! Jessica is a mom of six, so her recipes are family-friendly and cost effective while also incorporating fresh ingredients (no canned soups here!).

What I love about this cookbook:

--She covers the freezer cooking basics. If you've never tried out freezer cooking, Jessica will take care of your questions. This includes everything from what to freeze, how to package the meals, how to thaw meals, and how to get it all to fit into your freezer.

--The freezer cooking plans. These plans are customized to the amount and type of cooking that you want to do. Complete with planning worksheets.

--The gluten-free list. Our family is not gluten-free, but we have many friends that are. This list is a wonderful reference for gluten-free meals that do not require a host of expensive wheat alternatives.

--Reliably delicious food. Honestly, some cookbooks are hit and miss. But I've tried enough of Jessica's recipes to feel confident that my family and I are going to quickly devour anything that I make from her cookbook!

I am constantly trying to tweak recipes that I find in order to successfully freeze them. So having an entire cookbook of make-ahead friendly recipes that we consistently enjoy is such a time-saver. Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook has quickly become the first cookbook I turn to when I am menu planning.

Some of our favorite recipes from the cookbook so far: 

Easy Slow Cooker Red Sauce -- My go-to sauce for spaghetti, pizza sauce, and more.
Cheddar Soup with Zucchini, Broccoli, and Carrots
Soy-Balsamic Burgers -- Burgers with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar mixed into the meat! Yum.
Mix-and-Match Muffins

And we can't wait to try the recipe for ice cream sandwiches!!

This cookbook releases on October 9th and is available for pre-order now. I think it would be the perfect gift for any number of moms on your list (or for you...*wink*).

Want to win a copy of Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook?
Simply leave a comment on this post (with your email address)!

You may also share about this giveaway on facebook, twitter, or your blog for additional entries (leave a comment for each).

 

Full Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead & Freeze Cookbook for review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are 100% my own.

P.S. Family update post coming soon!

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61 comments:

  1. Alicia this cookbook sounds amazing! I have been wanting to start some freezer cooking, but not sure where to start! I would love to win this!
    Email: lindseymimbs@gmail.com
    Can't wait to hear an update on your family!

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  2. Ahh! I was so excited to see you back today Alicia! This book sounds great--I'm hoping to give freezer-cooking a go when we get back to the States since you've always made it look so great.

    What is your husband's specialty? Is he in a hospital or office? I hope he's loving it!

    E-mail: kelleyannie (at) over-the-threshold (dot) com

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    1. Kelley, my husband is working for a group of cardio-thoracic surgeons. He doesn't assist in the OR, however. He manages the care of the ICU patients. He is enjoying it so far!
      I'd love to hear what you think when you try freezer cooking for the 1st time!

      Delete
    2. Very cool--so much respect. Cardio stuff has always been something I haven't liked and I really hated when I had patients on telemetry. It must be nice that he can talk about work with you and he knows you get it.

      Delete
  3. I've been waiting anxiously for this cookbook!!! Would love to win a copy! liv andwally @ verizon.net ~Olivia

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  4. thanks for this giveaway!
    gkuroda(at)gmail(d0t)com

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  5. Can't wait to check this book out!
    eric dot n dot jennifer at gmail dot com

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  6. Would love to win the book (ashleighwiggs@gmail.com)

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  7. I shared the link on my facebook wall also! (ashleighwiggs@gmail.com)

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  8. I can't wait to see this book. Seeing it for free would be even better.
    Kathy at houseofhills dot org

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  9. I'm new to freezer cooking and this book sounds awesome! !

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  10. Would LOVE to really get organized with my freezer cooking....my freezer needs help. :)

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  11. Tweeted. (I feel like a bird...let's rephrase) I posted on Twitter.

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  12. I would LOVE to win this book. Our 3rd child is due in Jan and need to make ahead and freeze some meals. jenjoym@hotmail.com (Jennifer)

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  13. I stumbled on your blog a long time ago and relate very much. I have become very enthusiastic about cooking since I got married several years ago and would love to start doing some freezer cooking. This book seems great! God Bless! KMallZ6@aol.com (Katie)

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  14. Im I eligible, from Canada? I want Fish mama's cook book :) caroline_rochette@hotmail.com

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  15. I want and NEED to do more freezer cooking than just a meal here and there. :) I'd love to have a copy of this! mhbrem at yahoo dot com :) (PS - I was so excited to see a new post from you. :) )

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  16. Thanks for the review! :-) I have been wanting to start freezer-cooking. I work so much that by the end of the day the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. :-)
    colettegalivan (at) gmail.com

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  17. I would love to win a copy of this cookbook! I've currently pre-ordered myself a copy but would love to give one to a friend. Thanks for the review!
    star_catcher29@yahoo.com

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  18. Sounds great!!
    Rachelapple07@gmail.com

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  19. This looks fantastic! If not just for the freezing tips alone! That is definitely something I have NOT mastered yet!
    --Renee {Eat.Live.Blog}

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    Replies
    1. Oh, and my email is renh77 at gmail. Thanks!

      Delete
  20. Thanks for the review on this! Looks like a great book. Perfect for expecting mothers! holly.gcm at gmail.

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  21. would love it. email is jcfoster2(at)yahoo.

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  22. thanks for this great post! rellenking@gmail.com

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  23. I would love to win -- I need some freezer cooking inspiration!

    Erin
    erinb1 at aol dot com

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  24. I would love to win :)
    annwwins@yahoo.com

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  25. Hi Alicia! Thanks for such a yummy giveaway, fingers crossed :) Miss you guys!
    (michelle.zak2@gmail.com)

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  26. hey hey!!

    Hope to finally learn some freezer cooking!!! I'm excited about this!!! I am not a mom though, hope that does not disqualify me!!!

    powersd64 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    Replies
    1. Of course it doesn't disqualify you, dear! I wish I had started freezer cooking when Andrew and I were newly married! Or even before...

      Delete
  27. Hey there, missed your blogging, hope your family is well!

    seitzjessica85@gmail.com

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  28. I like what you said - reliably delicious! I'm trying to resume my freezer cooking again. Jessica's book looks incredible! Kristen (dot) Whirrett (at) gmail

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  29. I like her blog and would enjoy this cookbook.
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

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  30. Please count me in for this giveaway! My email is BeckySon25@gmail.com

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  31. Always up for trying new recipes. :)
    joycelau319 at yahoo dot com

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  32. I really need some motivation to get our family's dinners planned and prepped ahead of time! kristencwiseman at yahoo dot com

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  33. Jessica's new book would add a whole new dimension to our ministry at church where we do freezer cooking once-a-month! There's always a hunt for new recipes to try and I trust many of her recipes and results. Winning it would be even more fun than buying it! ;)
    housemom1 at yahoo dot com

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  34. I would love to win. sound like a great book! I am exited to try it.

    hurlyrichards (at) hotmail(dot)com

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  35. I've missed reading your posts. Thanks for the opportunity to win this!!
    mummytocharis{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  36. I would LOVE this book! Thanks for the opportunity.
    hmexecutive at yahoo dot com

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  37. I have been part of a freezer meal swap for a couple of years and I would love some new recipes to add to the mix. Thank you for hosting the giveaway and for your review of the book.
    sparkyunderwraps at gmail dot com

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  38. Miss reading your post, thank you for the chance of win this excellent book
    jguzman147@roadrunner.com

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  39. Could really use this cookbook! : ) It would be a big help!

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  40. Oops, sorry, I forgot my email address in the above comment!! :(
    sandybram@aol.com

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  41. I've never tired freezer cooking before. Seems like a great time to give it a try!
    kaitlynsmommy623@gmail.com

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  42. I would love to win a copy of this book....I could really use it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot my email address...sorry
      sherlocklabs@msn.com

      Delete
  43. Thanks for the giveaway! this book looks great :)

    petrellniyc-blog at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My e-mail is wrong!! This is the correct one: petrellinyc-blog at yahoo dot com

      Delete
  44. tweeted https://twitter.com/lbandj/status/251373217195900929
    petrellinyc-blog at yahoo dot com

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  45. I use her recipes all the time too! I would love to have this cookbook!! And I can't wait for your family update :) My email is SarahALee@comcast.net

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  46. I'm slowly but surely learning that freeze-ahead is a genius approach. I'd love a copy of this cookbook! lauren dot lanker at gmail dot com

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  47. I have had grand ideas about making food ahead and freezing it. I just need to do it. Maybe winning this book will be a great jump start. {Pick me, hint hint... LOL!}

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  48. I hope I am not too late, I would love to have the chance to win one too! And I would love to get into freezer cooking, my dinners so far have been shamefully late.

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  49. Hi I just found your post and as I am always looking for new ideas to help my family budget a copy if this cookbook would prove invaluable. Thanks...

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  50. Shared on Facebook. :)
    mhbrem (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  51. I would love to win a cookbook on freezer cooking. Thank you for the giveaway. Myeshia U. lejane84@yahoo.com

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  52. Love freezer cooking! Robbisullivan@gmail.com

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  53. I love freezer cooking, and would love to have some new recipes! Thanks for the opportunity! sneakygreenblog {at} live dot com

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