|

Saving Time & Money In the Kitchen

I’m the worst when it comes to mealtime. Because in all honesty, I’d prefer that someone else prepare my meals for me, but since I’m not a thirty-something still living at home with my mom nor am I a millionaire who can afford a personal chef, the job duty falls on me. Now that I’m responsible for feeding a child, I’m attempting to work on my food prep game.

Enter the FoodSaver® System.

The FoodSaver® Brand gave me a free FoodSaver® System to try. One of my favorite ways to use my FoodSaver® System is to make salad in a jar. I like salad in jars for different reasons. One being that it’s kind of difficult to make a salad while trying to wrangle a one year old. Another reason is that I tend to be lazy and think, “Ugh, I don’t want to have to deal with getting everything out and chop stuff up to make a salad. So I’ll eat this super healthy PB&J instead” so prepping my salad in jars ahead of time keeps me from eating like a 5 year old.

I usually make a handful of salads at a time, during nap time or on the weekends when Brad is available to play the role of baby wrangler. I get out all of my ingredients, chop up the appropriate vegetables, and layer them in mason jars. Tip: put your hard vegetables on the bottom and lettuce on top. I skip the salad dressing because I eat the salads at home, but if I were to take these for lunch at work, I’d put the dressing on the bottom. Then, I vacuum seal the jar and twist on the lid. The salads will stay fresh in the fridge for a week or longer.

Another thing I like to do is to buy herbs when they’re on sale at the store, vacuum seal them in portions, and freeze them until they’re ready to use.

food saver herbs

I create the right size of bags by using the FoodSaver® roll.

herbs foodsaver

Once they’re sealed, I write the date I prepared them, and then I pop them in the freezer.

foodsaver herbs

Let’s talk baby food for a second.

One of my favorite things to do is to buy vegetables and fruits in bulk from Costco. This bag of organic mixed vegetables costs around $6-7.

When Owen was first learning to eat, I would steam the vegetables and puree them into tiny pieces. Now that he’s older, I steam and feed them to him whole. (I’ll cut up the green beans into smaller pieces though.)

To keep the frozen vegetables and fruits fresher longer, I empty the bags into FoodSaver® Bags and vacuum seal them. They’re less susceptible to freezer burn than if I keep them in the bags they’re sold in.

frozen vegetables foodsaver

When it’s time to make a batch of veggies, I open the bag, get out what I need, and reseal it. Simple as that.

freezing vegetables with foodsaver

I’m still learning new ways to use my FoodSaver® System in order to save time and money.

You can visit FoodSaver® Brand on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

How will you use the FoodSaver® System in your home? Tell me in the comments and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!

 

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post with the hashtag #SweepstakesEntry

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post or with the hashtag #SweepstakesEntry, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/24/2015 – 10/31/2015

Be sure to visit FoodSaver® Brand’s page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

Similar Posts

152 Comments

  1. Anne Marie says:

    I would use the food saver to preserve fresh fruits and veggies. All to often these items are wasted as they begin to spoil before I use them in food preparation.

  2. I’d love the food saver for weekly meal prep and for repackaging everything from our Costco trips. Your idea to vacuum seal your salad jars is genius! #SweepstakesEntry

  3. I never thought of using one for baby food but that is a great idea. We are just at that solid food stage.

  4. #SweepstakesEntry I think I may be the only person who has never done the salad in a jar. I always thought it would get yucky. Would love to try with the food savor. And my three month old is gonna be adding in food before I know it so this would be great timing! I wonder if you could free the pureed food with this system?

  5. I would love to try this system to keep meat fresher in the freezer. #SweepstakesEntry

  6. Sara Warfel says:

    Buy in bulk and refreeze in smaller batches. #SweepstakesEntry

  7. Debbie Miracle says:

    I would love to buy and divide my purchases into single servings for me! #SweepstakesEntry

  8. I have 4 kids so food prep for my work lunches throughout the week is a must! I could definitely use the Food Saver to prep my lunches so that I can still eat healthy. Also I buy meats in bulk especially when they’re on sale. I could package them individually and freeze them with the Food Saver

  9. Sherry VF says:

    #SweepstakesEntry This idea may sound trite but our family of 5 is now reduced to three at home, yet, I still cook for five. So, I would use the Food Saver System to freeze leftovers for my children that moved out on their own and sometimes struggle with the challenges of cooking. sjvonfumetti at yahoo dot com

  10. Ohmygosh! This sounds exactly like what I need. Our schedules are so hectic right now and so I meal plan, but sometimes end up having to move things around because, well, life. Then sometimes end of throwing groceries away that went bad because we weren’t home to get to them. Perfect system!! #SweepstakesEntry

  11. I’d use it for my son who is in his first apartment and just learning how to cook. Would be great to portion foods out as single servings. Thanks!

  12. It would be great to make bigger batches and freeze smaller portions for my husband to grab and go when he is working swing and night shift in the military. #SweepstakesEntry

  13. Valerie Chernoff says:

    I would preserve fresh fruit. I make fruit smoothies for my 15 & 11 year old. It’s hard to get fruits and vegetables in them when they are this age. They love the smoothies that I make and I feel better knowing that they are eating well.

  14. I would definitely use it for the Mason jar salads!

  15. I would use it to freeze leftover meatloaf that I make on the weekend and want to save for a weeknight.

  16. tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/647483657645621248

  17. Julie Wood says:

    I have never used a Foodsaver in my home, but I really need to get one of these for having meals prepared because I cook for 5 people and sometimes I do not have anything prepared. I could prepare meals with the Foodsaver by having them already frozen!

  18. Julie Wood says:

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/647490342657245184

  19. Jorgee Johnson says:

    I would use the FoodSaver to prep fruit for my smoothies. #SweepstakesEntry

  20. I like to make smoothies every morning, so I would use the FoodSaver to prep individual packages of fruit for easy morning prep! #SweepstakesEntry

  21. I would love to use the FoodSaver to make my smoothie packs. I love to put different fruits in my freezer, but they always seem to go bad.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  22. Jessica To says:

    I would use it to store bulk deli meat and cheese to use later.

  23. Welll…..I have a FoodSaver…but it does not work anymore! It does not suck the air out of the bags! I thought maybe it was user error but it happened to DH too so it’s not me!! I used to use it to stock up for the winter on sliced cheese for lunches, shredded cheese for various dishes, and ground beef. (I would get 10 lbs of bulk ground chuck from the butcher)

    It would be nice to do that again! 🙂

  24. I will use it when I buy things in bulk at Sams. We like to buy meat in bulk.

  25. I would use it just as you do – to save money in the kitchen. And the thought of having my summer basil and rosemary in the dead of winter? Priceless! #SweepstakesEntry

  26. #sweepstakesentry :: So cool! I would use the Food Saver to try this salad in a jar you’re loving! Also, I would use it to preserve fresh summer veggies like corn on the cob and green beans in the freezer.

  27. I would use it to freeze fruits and veggies. I like to make smoothies and a lot of times I’ll buy fruit in bulk when it goes on sale and freeze it. This would definitely cur down on freezer burn. #SweepstakesEntry

  28. Being newly retired and cooking for one, I would use the seal & freeze to repackage large packages of meat into single servings, fresh fruits would last longer than 2 – 3 days.and cooking for one is so hard every day. Picking a day, going thru cookbook or websites for recipes and sealing the meals to “boil in the bag” or open them and pop into the toaster oven for baking. Winning the gift cert would go along way in purchasing this device.

  29. #SweepstakesEntry I would use the foodsaver to seal and freeze cut up veggies as well as meats to use for future stir fry dinners. I would also use it to seal and freeze nuts to prolong their freshness.

  30. Like your salad idea, it helps to make a large batch of meals to last throughout the week. I prefer to get my cooking done on the weekend but it’s a lot of containers to wash. A Foodsaver would be so helpful. #SweepstakesEntry

  31. I would use the FoodSaver System to portion out and freeze meat for dinners.

  32. Jessie C. says:

    I shop in bulk at Costco, I would use the FoodSaver System to freeze meat and produce,
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  33. Jessie C. says:

    tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/647626443157979136

  34. Lindsey Milbocker says:

    Want to get a food saver so bad .love your ideas #sweepstakesentry

  35. #SweepstakesEntry I would use it after buying in bulk to do food prep and separate into portions for our family.

  36. Cynthia C says:

    I would use your hint to freeze herbs. They taste so much better than the dried ones.

  37. I would use it to keep my prepared meals fresh in a fridge. Thank you for the giveaway!

  38. #sweepstakesentry pick me, pick me! I love your blog and hope my kid is as half as cute as Owen is!

  39. #sweepstakesentry oop, forgot my food saver comment. I have a food saver and love it! I have a commercial freezer in my garage, so buying in bulk on sale is perfect for my family! The food saver keeps food fresh!

  40. Catherine Garcia says:

    #sweepstakesentry I have a basic food saver, but would love a higher model. It helps me keep our food fresh. I have my adult kids living with us, so I need to buy in bulk.

  41. Oooh, I love the salad prep idea! I also like to buy meats when they’re on super sale and freeze them, but occasionally I’ll wait too long to use them and they’re totally freezer burned. Lame. #sweepstakesentry

  42. This would totally help me cut down on food waste!

  43. Great ideas, Chelsea! BTW: Those are the same veggies we buy.

  44. I would use this to freeze leftovers as well as pre-made meals, especially ones with meat/chicken.  I’d also use this for berries when there are good sales in the summer months so I can buy more and not have to worry about them going bad before we can eat them.

  45. I love buying meats when they are on sale or in bulk packs but I hate throwing them away when they get freezer burnt I’ve always wanted to try the food saver system! #SweepstakesEntry

  46. I would love to use it to make freezer meals and be able to pull one of them out on a busy night.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

  47. Thank you so much for responding to my earlier post and writing about FoodSaver. My husband and i are empty nesters and learning to cook for 2 again has been challenging. I can see great potential in using the FoodSaver to divide my grocery purchases and freezing in the FoodSaver.
    Thanks again.
    #SweepstakesEntry

  48. we buy a ton of stuff from costco = woiuld be nice to be able to save some of it for later!

  49. #SweepstakesEntry

    I use the foodsaver to make guacamole. You can seal avocados and they will stay green in the fridge forever. I slice up the avocados and put them in a foodsaver bag, then I add the spice packet and seal. Once sealed I mash it together with my hands, NO MESS!!! It stays green for weeks and sometimes I cut a corner, squeeze some out and reseal, but lately I’ve been doing small one avocado bags. We like our Guac 🙂

    Tom

  50. My husband and I work nights often so we tend to eat dinner at work. That means we are always prepping food ahead of time. And we are about to have our first baby so we are trying to get lots of freezer meals at the ready. #sweepstakes entry

  51. I would use it to seal meat so it didnt get freezer burned.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

  52. We love to buy chicken in bulk then clean it, cut it and freeze it for easy week night use. I would love to use this to store our poultry.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

  53. danielle oberndorfer says:

    I’ve never tried the salad in a jar, but definitely have to! Such a great idea! I would love to try out the food saver to make prepping meals ahead of time easier. #SweepstakesEntry

  54. Did not know you could freeze herbs like that! Good to know! I would use it to make a bunch of freezer to crockpot meals for easy dinners during the winter! Cute blog! #SweepstakesEntry

  55. I’ve really wondered how well that really works, it’s nice to know from you and others comments how useful it can be! #SweepstakesEntry

  56. I would use the this to store meat and seafood.

  57. i would use this to freeze and portion meat

  58. Margaret Smith says:

    I’d use this for leftovers and for freezing fresh veggies from our garden. Thanks so much.

  59. what a clever way to keep those herbs fresh and flavorful! I would use my Food Saver to keep bulk meat fresh longer in freezer.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  60. Christine says:

    I always freeze meat when I find it on sale at the grocery store, but this would definitely cut down on freezer burn! #SweepstakesEntry

  61. I would use the FoodSaver to help preserve the bounty from my garden.

    1. Forgot the #SweepstakesEntry

  62. a great way to help prolong the life of my veggies

    1. #SweepstakesEntry a great way to help prolong the life of my veggies

  63. Kimmy Ripley says:

    I like to food prep on the weekends for weekday meals and this would be very helpful to have! What a great device!

  64. I would use it to store meat — especially hamburger and diced chicken — so it would be easy to cook recipes with these meats.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

  65. I would use it to freeze meats and cheese that I buy in bulk.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com

  66. tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/655050104676700161

  67. Stephanie Phelps says:

    I will use it to separate my bulk meats I buy and to save freezer meals with.

    1. Stephanie Phelps says:

      I am so sorry I did not notice at first! #SweepstakesEntry

  68. Lisa Brown says:

    I would use it to preserve bulk food to be stored in the freezer. #SweepstakesEntry

  69. Lisa Brown says:

    tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/655727864726220800

  70. Barbara M says:

    The FoodSaver would be great for freezing our extra garden produce.
    thank you

  71. I like to buy in bulk and because I am single and living alone there are times when things go to waste. The FoodSaver would be a great way to portion my bargain buys so I don’t waste my money.

  72. Rebecca Graham says:

    I will package foods I buy in bulk with this.

  73. Susan Smith says:

    I would use this to freeze leftovers!

  74. I’d like to be able to buy the economy/family size packages of chicken and then repack and freeze them in smaller amounts.

  75. Kathryn C says:

    #SweepstakesEntry

    would definitely use the FoodSaver system here in our house to save money when buying/ separating & freezing bulk meats

    KC
    [email protected]

  76. D Schmidt says:

    I would use the Foodsaver to create some delicious winter meals, we live somewhere it snows often so it would really help us be more resourceful.

  77. I would use if to freeze berries for smoothies.

  78. I would use it for just about anything and everything but most of all for saving the food our garden produces

  79. Corinne r. says:

    I would use it for the fish that we catch, after cleaning them out and everything. And probably for meat too, so it stays better when I need to freeze it. #sweepstakesentry

  80. Henria O. says:

    I would use the Foodsaver for keeping my fruits, vegetables and cheeses fresh.
    sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

  81. ELIZABETH P says:

    I would love to make some freezer crockpot meals.

  82. maria cantu says:

    #Sweepstakes Entry
    I would use it to save leftovers and meats.

  83. Aurelie Red says:

    I like cooking but sometimes I don’t have time, so I think I could prepare meals in advance, and frothe them with the Foodsaver.
    For vegetables and fruits too, to keem them super fresh for smoothies !

  84. This thing would be great for fresh produce from the garden so that you can freeze it instead of canning it!

  85. I could use the FoodSaver for my dog’s meals. She is eating special food for her kidney problems.

  86. amanda sakovitz says:

    I would use it for veggie meal prep

  87. Ellie Wright says:

    I know I would use this for holiday cooking. I like to make a huge double batch of cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving and freeze half for Christmas.

    1. Ellie Wright says:

      I forgot to add the hashtag #SweepstakesEntry.

  88. We use our food saver to be able to shop in bulk when meats go on sale. We portion them out and use them and save a lot of money #sweepstakesentry

  89. I received my first FoodSaver as a wedding gift almost 11 years ago. I like being able to freeze meal size meat portions for the 2 of us; I leave a little space between the 2 pieces of meat so that it defrosts faster. With the Foodsaver bags you don’t have to worry about water getting it while it’s defrosting. I learned the hard way not to use the suction when freezing my favorite Cranberry Walnut Bread! #SweepsteaksEntry.

  90. Erica Best says:

    i used it for meat and veggies

  91. i recently bought a foodsaver – i plan to catch meat on sale and stock up on it

    1. i recently bought a foodsaver – i plan to catch meat on sale and stock up on it #SweepstakesEntry

  92. I’d use it to break up big packages of meat from Costco.

  93. Birdiebee says:

    I would utilize the FoodSaver® System daily to store leftovers and re-seal food to last longer. I would also use it to store my homemade jerky.

  94. I will use it for produce like you suggested.

  95. Thomas Murphy says:

    I would use it to vacuum seal some meats.

  96. Tabathia B says:

    I would use it to make crockpot frozen meals

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  97. I think its a super idea for preserving the herbs from my summer garden

  98. SHAWN GALLAGHER says:

    WE WOULD BE SAVING EVERYTHING! FROM LEFT OVERS TO MEATS TO VEGGIES, YOU NAME IT!

  99. Angel Jacklyn says:

    We do a lot of baking. It would be nice to make the cookies last a little longer, if ya know what I mean lol

  100. I’d use it to freeze my dinners for later.

  101. I will use it to seal meat.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *