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A little extra work in the kitchen one day - can save you a whole bunch of time and effort down the road. Terri Bennett shows you the best options for make ahead meals and the ones that’ll save you some money.

There’s no need to make homemade dinners from scratch every night or resort to ordering out. Instead, whip up some ‘make ahead meals.’ It’s one way to Do Your Part to eat better, conserve energy, and save some money all at the same time.

Here’s what I do: when I’m making a dish that would freeze well...I simply make a double batch. Casseroles, soups, and pasta sauces and the like all work perfectly. So, when I make if I make a double batch of meat sauce, I can either make spaghetti one day next week or use it a lasagna another time.

Freezing dinners doesn’t just save you time - it can save you money. If chicken, beef, or organic produce is on sale at the grocery store, you can create two good meals for a whole lot less than you normally would spend. Making double batches also means you’ll use less overall energy. Plus, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are in them...and the things that are left out - like preservatives.

When freezing foods, make sure they are put in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn. Most meals can stay in your freezer for up to three months. Mark them with the date so you use the oldest first.

With just a little planning, you can easily work some make ahead meals into your weekly routine. It’s another way to Do Your Part while enjoying a home cooked meal.