Making Homemade Uncrustables for the freezer last week
I can’t even begin to express how excited I am that it finally is starting to feel like autumn around here. We’ve had our windows open in the morning and evenings (and sometimes in the afternoons!) for the past few days and it just feels amazing–especially after weeks of triple-digit temperatures.
I’ve been itching to bake more, so even though we have a fairly busy week ahead, I’m going to fit in at least a little bit of baking to celebrate cooler temperatures and the coming of Fall.
Here’s our menu plan:
Breakfasts
Pick-Me-Up Smoothies, toasted bagels
Pumpkin Pancakes, scrambled eggs
Oatmeal, fruit
Blueberry Muffins, fried eggs, fruit
Orange Cream Smoothies, cinnamon raisin toast, scrambled eggs
Breakfast at hotel x 2Lunches
Salad with baked chicken and Homemade Croutons
Homemade Uncrustables, carrots, peaches
Egg Salad Sandwiches, nectarines
Alphabet Soup, Honey Rolls
Cheese Ravioli, frozen peas, peaches
Snack-y lunch
Lunch outSnacks
Granola bars
Fruit/Veggies
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana SmoothieDinners
Dinner with extended family
Hamburgers, Au Gratin Potatoes, salad, cantaloupe
Macaroni and Beef with Cheese, frozen vegetables, fruit salad, Honey Rolls
Grilled Gyros (I’m substituting lamb instead of the beef), fruit
Lasagna Casserole, Bread Machine Buttery Rolls, frozen veggies, fruit salad
Rehearsal dinner
Dinner at weddingFreezer Cooking in an Hour
What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.
Sarah says
how were the pumpkin spice lattes?
Crystal says
They were yummy!
Diane says
Crystal has a baked oatmeal recipe that’s really good you can search for, we make big batches of pancakes and freeze them and just pull out what we want in the morning and microwave them…
Angie says
I’ve been reading this blog since May and have gradually been cutting my grocery costs. I’m hardly ever paying for toiletry items now since I started Wellness + at Rite Aid. Now, I’m trying to tackle more actual food costs. I don’t have as good of luck with coupons on actual food items.
In reading through Crystal, and others’ menu plans, it seems cold cereals are not usually included for breakfast. As a working mom, I usually buy cold cereal, pop tarts, etc. (on sale with coupons) for my kids’ weekday breakfasts. I’m starting to think maybe a larger portion of my food budget than I realize is being spent on weekday breakfasts.
I haven’t done the math, but are hot cereals cheaper? If so, any quick recipes to feed my kids breakfast and still get them out the door quickly in the mornings?
I love reading the blog and all the comments! 🙂
Diane says
It depends on what sales you get, all our cereal we got for free (sale with coupons) but in general, hot cereals and muffins and pancakes are cheaper per serving. The Tightwad Gazette (book), Amy Dacyzyn breaks all the prices down but you’d have to figure it out with what you pay for ingredients.
mary c says
Regarding pumpking pancakes (which I can’t wait to make 😀 ), how many does the recipe make?
What am I doing wrong with freezing pancakes? Mine are tough . How should the pancakes be thawed and heated.
Thanks so much!
saskia says
Crystal we are so with you on welcoming weather that at 92 feels like fall after scorching heat!!! We are making banana nut bread with the bananas marked down for quick sale, and enjoyed making a big batch of enchiladas, some for now/some for later 🙂 thanks for all the great tips and information.
Holly Cole says
When you make the honey rolls do you use your bread machine? Do you freeze them before or after you bake them? They sound amazing! Can’t wait to try them!!! Thanks!
Crystal says
This is my first time to make them. I think I’m going to use my KitchenAid. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Trish Conard says
We, too, are enjoying the cooler weather. I have not closed the windows in my living room since we opened them on Sunday morning. I think this is our reward for putting up with the record breaking heat.
http://paconard.blogspot.com/2011/09/weekly-menu.html
Making My Own Luck says
I’m also excited that it’s getting cooler. I made bread last week for the first time in ages and it tasted so good! The honey rolls sound great. Those might go on my list for freezer cooking this weekend.
Here’s my menu plan for this week, even thought it’s a short week:
http://cookingluck.blogspot.com/2011/09/so-happy-to-be-home-menu-for-rest-of.html
Shelby says
I’m having a fairly uninspired menu this week. My husband is a ref for football right now, so we’re having really simple meals with lots of leftovers.
http://www.womworkingmom.com/2011/09/wom-meals-this-weeks-menu-95-through.html
I also am filled with such a feeling of contentment at reading the menus above. Maybe it’s just me getting into the cooler weather, but I love hearing about food right now!
Bridie @ I Heart Veggies says
http://www.iheartveggies.net/p/weekly-menu.html
Here is our mostly vegetarian meal plan!
Amy says
So honored to be on your menu planner this week! Thank you so much for sharing the links to the recipes, Crystal, you truly made my day! xo
[email protected] says
Those pumpkin pancakes are a great idea for fall!
Here’s our $100 Budget Weekly Menu for six people including three teens:
http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/09/02/100-budget-weekly-menu-92/
Here are the adjustments we make for my daughter’s Simple Gluten Free Menu:
http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/09/04/simple-gluten-free-weekly-menu-9411/
Thanks!
Evie says
We had unseasonable cooler weather this summer.. But now we are heating up. I work in the schools, so of course school starts and it is getting hotter. I want the nice sunny yet cooler fall day. The pumpkin Latte sounds delightful
My menu is easy this week. I broke my foot so I am doing many crock pot meals to make it easier when I get home from work.
http://raviandevie.blogspot.com/2011/09/menu-plan-monday-broken-foot-and.html
Pam @ Keeping Life Creative says
I’m making a lot of freezer friendly stuff this week too. I love the idea of the “Uncrustables.” Too bad my son is allergic to peanut butter.
Here’s what’s on our plan this week: http://onceamonthmom.com/meal-plan-monday-traditional-edition/
Bridie @ I Heart Veggies says
Is he allergic to all nuts? Could you try almond butter or sunflower butter? My son has allergies too, unfortunately, we are completely nut free, so none of the alternatives work for us! He actually didn’t test positive for peanuts, but tested positive to others, so we were told to avoid peanuts as well just in case.
Pam @ Keeping Life Creative says
Peanuts are the only nut he seems to be allergic too, but he reacted so severely to them that he is scared and unwilling to try other “butters.” He’s five now and it’s been a while since I offered almond butter, so maybe I’ll try again!
Carrie@My Favorite Finds says
I thought for sure I’d see the Pumpkin Scones on here already! But, I can’t wait to see how the Pumpkin Spice Latte turns out. I think your recipe is a bit different than the one I’m going to try. I made Baked Apple Crisps last night, and homemade granola tonight. I house is so smelling like fall!
http://myfavoritefinds.blogspot.com/2011/09/menu-plan-week-of-september-4.html
Liz @ Wonder Woman I'm Not says
I’m going to need to get my bread machine out and try those homemade rolls. It’s been quite a while since I’ve baked bread. Have a safe trip!
Here’s my menu plan.
http://www.wonderwomanimnot.com/2011/09/menu-planning.html
Alison @CouponKitchen says
This is our weekly meal plan for dinners. I spent $45 this week on all groceries…very happy! http://couponkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/harris-teeter-weekly-menu-september-4.html
This week I also started making a dinner meal plan for Lowes Food shoppers. http://couponkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/lowes-foods-weekly-menu-september-4-10.html
dawn h says
Those honey rolls look way to good, I am going to have to make those!
kj says
We got 40lbs of blueberries a month ago, so I made a blueberry tart yesterday. It turned out well considering I didn’t use a recipe! We also had sweet and sour kabobs (chicken, pineapple and green peppers with a sauce). This week I made taco stuffed pasta. Really good as well. I also made homemade granola and Power Muffins. My fall contributions: I’m going to make/can homemade applesauce, and freeze pie filling. I’m guessing the pumpkin latte you listed will be a hit with my husband. I will have to make it this week. 🙂
Kelley says
We got down to 80 in South Texas.. yippee! 🙂 Sadly, our windows won’t be open for awhile yet 🙁 I try not to use the oven much because it been so hot! Here’s our plan..
http://www.thegrantlife.com/2011/09/menu-monday.html
🙂
rachael says
I just made the uncrustables for first time last night….they were sooooo easy and I now have a freezer stocked! I also decided to do my own “lunchables” since my kids want them from the store for lunches and I refuse to buy them:)
I used my small round cutter and cut turkey rounds and cheese rounds, added some ritz crackers and presto….it’s a lunchable! Ziploc even makes a container that looks like a lunchable box.
My kiddo was thrilled to have a “lunchable” for his first day of school 🙂
Amy says
That is a great idea. I refuse to buy the lunchables, but would be willing to make them with better quality ingredients. You can throw the extra turkey / cheese parts on top of a salad at lunch so you dont feel bad about the scraps 🙂
Lilianne says
Bummed you aren’t making the pumpkin scones! I was looking forward to seeing how they turned out before I attempted them, LOL. Pumpkin Pancakes sound good though.
Positive vibes for your daughter @ Michelle.
amy says
I tried the scones and did a double batch (my nephews where here for breakfast too and even with smoothies, they didn’t make it till lunch time when my husband was here for lunch and wanted another one. The glaze is a bit sweet, so I might go lighter on that the next time. Yummy!
Emily says
It’s much cooler in Wisconsin! 🙂
http://ourfrugalhappylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/menu-plan-94.html
There’s my gluten free, easy menu for this week!
Mom's Plans says
Just like you, I am enjoying the cooler weather! It is so nice to start to cook fall dishes.
Here is our plan for the week:
http://www.momsplans.com/2011/09/menu-planning-september-4-2011/
Sheila says
Menu planning from the pantry this week!
http://fmcheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/pantry-challenge-menu-plan-tips-to.html
Kristine says
I’m excited about fall, too. It’s always been my favorite season, and the cooler temperatures are so nice!
Jessica says
Here’s my menu this week: http://jandjnewleaf.blogspot.com/2011/09/whats-for-eats-this-week.html
And as a side note, thanks for introducing me to Pinterest, Crystal. I’m addicted to that site!! 🙂
Crystal says
Yes, I’m a little addicted, too. 🙂 It’s been so helpful when planning my menu and getting new inspiration, too!
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
We found out last week that our 15 month old daughter needs hip surgery in the next month or so for hip dysplasia. I’m trying to beef up our freezer meals to feed us during some tough times. Here’s my weekly plan:
http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2011/09/weely-menu-freezer-cooking-plan-95.html
Mona says
I hope your daughter’s surgery goes well. Good idea trying to stock up on freezer meals. That will be less stress during a trying time.
Michele says
Your menu looks great, but I just have to laugh – everytime I look at your homemade uncrustables, they remind me of Pac Man! 🙂
Crystal says
I know; I think I should have called them Pac Man sandwiches or something. 🙂 I need to use larger bread loaves next time!
Wendy says
I was thinking…..in the time it took to make the uncrustables, clean up the mess, freeze and later unthaw them, wouldn’t it have been easier just to make a pb& j when you were ready to eat it? Just wondering………
Crystal says
As I mentioned in the post, I don’t think it was a timesaver. In the future, I’ll probably just stick with making PB&J up and freezing them whole like I have in the past, instead of messing with cutting the crusts off (especially since my children eat the crusts without an issue).
But it was fun to experiment with, anyway. 🙂
Susan (FrugaLouis) says
Yes, my husband was concerned that by doing this we’d teach our kids to NOT eat the crust! I made some and used the crusts with the PB&J to make a breakfast casserole with frozen blueberries, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs and milk. It wasn’t the best ever, but it was good enough. 🙂
Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully says
Have fun at the wedding!
We had Chick-Fil-A for our free breakfast this morning, YUM!
The rest of my menu is here. I have a $55 budget this week.
http://www.savemoneylivejoyfully.com/2011/09/weekly-menu-september-4-10-2011.html