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Praise & Giveaway: Dinner is Ready – 30 Meals in One Day

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In our house my husband does most of the cooking. We will use the term “cooking” loosely. He doesn’t love it and it is only out of complete necessity that he even attempts. Otherwise, if he waited for me to get back home from my full time job he would have two very hungry and unhappy children to deal with.  We have tried a variety of menu planning programs but in the end we pretty much buy and prepare the same weekly meals.

I was really excited to review the book and software for Dinner is Ready – 30 Meals in One Day because it seemed like a great solution to our dinner problem.  I have to admit at first the whole concept seemed a tad bit overwhelming. I just couldn’t imagine exactly how to make 30 freezer meals in one day, the shopping, prep, space, etc.  However, when I got the book, I was pleased to see how clear and easy the process was going to be.

The book has very detailed instructions on how to use their program. I loved the idea to choose on 15 recipes – not 30. So you simply have to double up everything. It’s a good thing that was in the book, because I never would have thought of it. (seriously, I wouldn’t have). There are more than 150 recipes in the book which are divided into four types: assemble, stove top, slow cooker and oven.

Since my son was going to be in day camp and VBS for a week and we only had 45 minutes for dinner between the two; I decided it would be a great time to try out the Dinner is Ready program. I decided to do a “mini” cooking day, just to see how it all paned out.

The software program is super easy to use. You can see here in this video how you can create a menu, select recipes and then create your shopping list. I chose 3 recipes to make. The software also lets you double (or even triple) the portion sizes to make multiple meals.  After I set my menu, I printed the list off and went shopping. (I apologize for the shakiness, I hope it doesn’t make you dizzy.)

Once my little one was down for a nap and my hubby was entertaining the older one, I started cooking. At first it felt awkward and I was very happy that I didn’t try a mass cooking spree my first time. By just making the three meals it gave me some insight on how I would set up my kitchen, organize the meals (like getting all the crock pot recipes to go first), getting the veggies all prepped and figuring out what order to star the various dishes.
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Honestly, it was much easier than I anticipated and I have 3 frozen meals just waiting to be thawed and warmed up for my family this week.  The only thing that I would like to figure out are ways to use less waste (ie freezer bags) and less aluminum pans.  I figure glass will do but how to I keep the items freezer sealed.  Regardless, I love the concept and look forward to my next attempt.  I am thinking 10 freezer meals (5 recipes) for the next go around.
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You can purchase the Dinner is Ready book and software from their website for $32.00 (full retail is $40). They also have On the Side and Lunch is Ready to add to your collection.

Dinner is Ready is generously giving away a copy of the Dinner is Ready book and software to one lucky Sunshine Praises reader! The giveaway will remain open until Tuesday, August 3rd. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You must do the mandatory entry before all others.

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book and software to facilitate my review and was in no way obligated to post.All views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own. Sunshine Praises and this post is in no way endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. Please see my full disclosure for more information.

Comments

  1. Deborah in Atlanta says

    I don’t like to cook for many reasons – I don’t enjoy cooking, I don’t have the imagination it takes to combine different items to go together to comprise a meal, and I live alone, so cooking for one is even more of a struggle. THOSE are but a few of the reasons I’d love to win the Dinner is Ready cookbook.

  2. Mandee says

    I have 5 boys, need I say more? Ok, I would like to win to free up some time. My husband travels a lot and between sports, homework and baths I’m often quite tired. This would make my life easier. That’s a good enough reason, right? 🙂

  3. Anonymous says

    I really stink at cooking. Well, not the actual heating and mixing of food ingredients – more like the planning and grocery buying. I hope this program helps me! carriethegood(at)gmail(dotcom)

  5. Connie says

    I would love to win this just to have REAL meals ready to thaw and cook! I would love to do meals to freeze to send home with my kids too.
    Connie
    CGruning at aol.com

  9. sksweeps says

    I’d love to win this so I could spend less time in the kitchen when the week is hectic, and not have to try to figure out what to make for dinner

    sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

  10. Deborah says

    I enjoy cooking, but I also appreciate how much work it is to produce three meals a day plus bake plus all the other work there is to do in a house and garden. I’ve found that cooking marathons help me to have the energy to get everything done during the rest of the month while still being able to offer my family healthy, delicious and home-made meals. I could use some help with the planning and organizing, though, so I hope to win “Dinner Is Ready.” Thanks for the chance. asthenight at gmail dot com

  11. kygirl says

    I want to win because this would make fixing dinner so much easier and I have heard about this and would love to give it a try
    stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

  13. terri142 says

    I would love to win this because I work full time and having meals ready in the freezer would really make things easier during the week.

    tderosa142 at gmail dot com

  16. paula michele says

    I would love to win. With 4 kids, life can be hectic. I enjoy cooking but can’t always decide what to make or I don’t always have enough time.

    hafner611[AT}gmail{DOT}com

  18. Ericka says

    I would love to win because this would make dinner making way easier especially when school starts. thanks for the chance.
    ericka082 AT gmail DOT com

  21. April says

    I try to make something different for dinner each night so this could help me with ideas to keep the tradition going

    4robert2win(at)gmail(dot)com

  22. Jen H says

    I need to get myself more organized. Extra TIME would be awesome so a dinner I can pull out & serve will be a huge help. When school starts & the afterschool meetings & sports start I never have a good meal plan for those nights

  23. Kylie says

    I have a little one on the way next month and this system would definitely help keep me and the hubby feed during the first 6 sleepless months.

  28. Pamcakes says

    I would like to win because we have been trying to save both time and money since my husband lost his job. So anything I can do to help me be more organized and cook more would be a huge help!
    b dot ringer at hotmail dot com