You know that feeling when the holidays are just around the corner, and you start dreaming about all those delicious family meals? I can practically smell grandma's stuffing and taste the buttery mashed potatoes! I’ve been thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing to whip up some festive meal prep containers instead of just tossing leftovers into plain old Tupperware? Isn’t it about time we make our everyday meals feel special, too? I remember last Christmas, I packed up some leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, and it just felt so... ordinary. Wouldn't it have been nicer if I had taken the time to jazz it up a little? It’s time to add a dash of festivity to our meals, don’t you think? Let’s make every bite a celebration!
Items You’ll Need
- Meal Prep Containers
- Food Scale
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Cooking Utensils Set
- Food Storage Bags
- Labels
- Marker or Pen
- Oven Mitts
- Blender
- Rice Cooker
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
- Baking Tray or Sheet Pan
- Foil or Parchment Paper
- Colander
- Vegetable Peeler
- Grater
- Tupperware or Lock & Lock Containers
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
First, I gather all my equipment in one place. I bring out the meal prep containers, food scale, cutting board, chef's knife, and all my measuring cups and spoons. This makes sure I have everything at hand and I won't have to run around the kitchen looking for something!
Step 2: Choose Festive Recipes
I sit down and plan my menu for the week. I'll choose recipes that have festive colors and flavors - perhaps a vibrant roasted vegetable quinoa bowl, a hearty chili, and a delicious tropical fruit salad. I write down the recipes and make a shopping list.
Step 3: Prep Your Ingredients
It's time to get chopping! I grab my cutting board and chef's knife, and start preparing my vegetables. Bright bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens - everything looks so colorful! I use the vegetable peeler for carrots and the grater for cheese.
Step 4: Measure Carefully
With all my colorful veggies chopped, I pull out the measuring cups and spoons. I measure the quinoa, spices, and any sauces I need. This step always makes me feel like a professional chef. I love the precision!
Step 5: Cooking Time
Now, I get my Instant Pot ready for the chili. I sauté the ingredients with my mixing bowls and cooking utensils. Meanwhile, I use the rice cooker to perfectly cook the quinoa. The aromas fill my kitchen!
Step 6: Assemble the Containers
Once everything is cooked, I begin assembling my festive meal prep containers. I layer the quinoa, colorful veggies, and chili in each container. This part feels artistic - arranging everything neatly and making it look appetizing!
Step 7: Chill and Store
After assembling, it's important to let the containers cool down a bit. I set them aside on the counter while I clean up. Then, I cover each one tightly with the lids or wrap them in foil. They’re ready to go into the fridge!
Step 8: Label and Organize
Finally, I pull out my labels and marker. I label each container with the dish name and the date. This way, I can easily grab a festive meal throughout the week. I feel accomplished as I organize them all neatly in the fridge.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Meals
With everything done, I can now look forward to my week. When lunch or dinner comes, I can simply grab a container, heat it up, and enjoy my delicious, festive meals. It was so much fun to prep these!