6 meal-planning tips and tricks for the silly season

The silly season means extra lengthy days scheduled full of fun and festivities! So though the regular schedule may be sitting this one out, breakfast, lunch and dinner will not be put in the corner. Instead of spending ages cooking and planning menus, get ahead of the grumbly tummies by applying these tips and tricks for saving money, staying stocked (and sane!) this silly season.

Your freezer, your friend

With zip-sealed bags and lidded bowls, you can feed the family with pre-made, frozen and ready-to-eat freezer finds. Think sweet-potato fries, wedges, diced beetroot and baby peas for warm salad bowls; cauliflower and broccoli florets for gratin; savoury rice and creamed spinach for dinner-ready side dishes; and potato bites for a savoury snack.

Breakfast is served (and prepped the night before)

Never underestimate the power of having a meal at hand in the morning. Little ones can start their days sooner than you thanks to pre-made breakfast bars, frozen smoothies, make-ahead chia bowls and batch-baked muffins. Place at easy-to-reach spots so the entire family can ward off being famished at the start of a fully packed day.

Salad jars to the rescue

Stock up on mason jars and layer them with ready-to-eat greens, lettuce wedges, nuts, smoked chicken, sliced onion, peppers, feta and a sprinkling of seasoning – then pop them into the fridge for daily on-the-go lunches.

Mind over munch

Nothing eats away at your cash flow like impromptu snacks on day trips out. Fill zip-sealed bags with sliced fruit and vegetables, date balls, oat bars and roasted nuts for a savoury and sweet bite.

Befriend your slow cooker

Let the slow cooker do all the work – your dinner menu could feature short ribs, chilli con carne, lasagne, paella and even mouth-watering sticky wings.

Sauce it up

A simple drizzle, sauce, paste or pâté will add a delicious dimension to any dish, whether you’ve only got pantry staples on hand and need to spice it up, think your julienned vegetables need a little something, or want a spicy accompaniment to home-made chips.

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