How can you make instant mix packs for your weekend meal prep? Learn how to create your own ready-to-cook bases for faster meals.
1 Answer
To make instant mix packs for weekend meal prep, combine dry ingredients for recipes in individual bags or containers, label them clearly, and store them in a cool, dry place. This simplifies cooking by having pre-portioned ingredients ready to go.
Detailed Explanation:
Creating instant mix packs is a fantastic way to streamline your weekend meal prep. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Recipes: Select recipes that use primarily dry ingredients. Think pancake mix, muffin mix, soup bases, spice blends for chili, or even dry rubs for meats.
Gather Your Ingredients: Collect all the dry ingredients needed for each recipe. This includes flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, dried herbs, salt, etc.
Measure and Combine: Carefully measure out the correct amounts of each dry ingredient according to the recipe. Combine all the dry ingredients for one recipe in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Package and Label: Transfer the mixed dry ingredients into a resealable bag or airtight container. Clearly label each package with the recipe name, any additional wet ingredients needed (e.g., 'add 2 eggs and 1 cup milk'), and cooking instructions. Include the date you made the mix.
Store Properly: Store your instant mix packs in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will help to maintain the quality and freshness of the ingredients. A pantry or cupboard is usually ideal.
Pro Tip:
When creating your mix packs, consider adding a small desiccant packet (food-safe, of course!) to absorb any moisture and prevent clumping, especially in humid environments. This will extend the shelf life of your mixes.