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How to Get Dinner Ready in Just Minutes (Giveaway)

December 8, 2012 by Jennifer Sikora

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Thursday was a whirlwind day for me. I got my braces on. Here I am, 38 years old and wearing braces. It’s funny, because I was totally expecting to leave that dentist appointment ready to whip the world. I was going home and cook a delicious supper for my family and then pile up on my couch, snuggle my dog, and dig into some books I needed to read. What I did not expect was to be in really bad pain later that evening. Needless to say, my glorious dinner plans for the evening were shot.

I really didn’t want to do another night of take out, because honestly, we had already eaten out 3 times earlier in the week thanks to busy Christmas schedules, sickness, and late work days for my hubby. Just when I thought I was at the end of my rope, the doorbell rang and Mr. UPS guy delivered my goodies from ConAgra Foods.

Frozen foods to the rescue!

Did you know that stocking your freezer with frozen options can be as nutritious, if not more nutritious, than fresh produce? Plus, you can be prepared for anything and limit precious hours in the kitchen, enjoying more time with family!

ConAgra Foods was a definite time saver for me that night. In literally less time than it takes me to drive and pick something up, I had a delicious meal of Chicken Tortellini Soup from Bertolli, Orange Chicken and Spring Rolls from P.F. Chang’s, and a delicious mouth watering Apple Pie from Marie Callender’s prepared for my family.

Keep your freezer stocked for those busy hectic nights

I always try to keep my freezer stocked with meals that can be made in just minutes for my family. We live a busy and hectic lifestyle (thanks to two teenagers and two work from home parents), so being able to pull a meal together to feed them before running out the door is VERY important.

ConAgra want’s YOU to be able to have that ability as well.

Enter to win a Frozen Food Pack from ConAgra

One lucky reader is going to win a Frozen Food Pack that will contain the following items:

  • Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt, Strawberry
  • Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla
  • Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt, Raspberry
  • Healthy Choice Baked Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
  • Healthy Choice Baked Four Cheese Ziti Marinara
  • Healthy Choice Baked Lasagna
  • Marie Callender’s Mac & Cheese
  • PF Changs Teriyaki Chicken Spring Rolls
  • PF Changs Orange Chicken
  • Bertolli Frozen Soup Meal
  • Marie Callender’s Dessert Pie, Dutch Apple
  • Marie Callender’s Mini Dessert Pie, Mixed Berry and Apple (2)

This is a $56 value package of delicious frozen foods to stock your freezer with! Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What will you fix for the holidays this season when you are in a pinch?

We are working in a partnership with ConAgra Foods. All opinions listed are our own.

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About Jennifer Sikora

Jennifer is the Advertising and Communications contact here at 5 Minutes for Mom. When she is not busy answering emails here, you can find her sharing about her life on her own blog at www.jennifersikora.com. You can also find her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennifer_sikora or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jenandherfinelife.

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81 Comments

  1. Mia Dentice Carey says

    December 19, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    I make several dishes at one time and freeze…I even cook up extra ground beef & freeze for various uses later….as well as cubed chicken which is great in salads & stir fry

    Reply
  2. Anne W. says

    December 19, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    I would not survive the holidays without my crockpot!

    Reply
  3. Cori Westphal says

    December 19, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    I cook as much ahead of time as I can, it saves lots of time. But actually my best time saver is for AFTER Christmas. I tend to make extras of everything that I have to cook. That way, hopefully, there are lots of leftovers, that I freeze into smaller containers to save. So I have mini meals that I can pull out of the freezer on a whim, for like 2 months!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    Reply
  4. Don says

    December 19, 2012 at 10:13 am

    We have made big batches of chili and then froze some of it for next time.

    Reply
  5. Lori D. says

    December 17, 2012 at 11:12 am

    I like doing this cause it saves me so much time when I cant spare it.

    Reply
  6. Carol w says

    December 17, 2012 at 8:07 am

    I look to do any cooking that i can ahead of time. It is easy to heat frozen things up when needed. no mess when the company is there. thanks

    Reply
  7. Elle says

    December 16, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    Bust out that crock pot! This is the time of year for hearty stews anyway so let the crock pot do the work for you.

    Reply
  8. Sadie says

    December 16, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    I make double batches of dinners and freeze half.

    Reply
  9. susan b says

    December 15, 2012 at 8:44 pm

    I cook meals and freeze them in batches – chili is great for this.

    Reply
  10. Angela E. says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    I always make a lot so that I can freeze and then re-heat on those lazy nights when I don’t feel much like cooking.

    Reply
  11. dan williams says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    make bigger meals to save for leftovers

    Reply
  12. Liz says

    December 13, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    I always double recipes that can be easily frozen.

    Reply
  13. Michelle B says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:12 am

    Bake in advance and freeze straight away.

    Reply
  14. Jessica says

    December 12, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    I plan meals out for the week then go to the grocery store

    Reply
  15. Tabathia B says

    December 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    I stock up on frozen meals most of the time

    Reply
  16. Van says

    December 12, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    During the week I eat many frozen foods, it’s just easier for me.

    Reply
  17. nannypanpan says

    December 11, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    use the crockpot, it does all the cooking for you and generally there are left overs
    [email protected]

    Reply
  18. Kristi p says

    December 11, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    I try to prepare what I can ahead and freeze it.

    Reply
  19. Kelly D says

    December 11, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    My time saving trick is to ask relatives to bring side dishes, which saves time in the kitchen.

    Reply
  20. Jessica T says

    December 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    Double your recipe and freeze the other half for next week!

    Reply
  21. Christine W says

    December 11, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Use the crockpot…it is a lifesaver for us!

    Reply
  22. Staci A says

    December 11, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    One holiday time saving tip? Prep for a week’s worth of meals at once. I cook up peppers and onions in bug batches and just pull them out of the fridge as needed.

    Reply
  23. Chuck says

    December 11, 2012 at 10:38 am

    We do cassaroles ahead of time & then freeze them.

    Reply
  24. Marianne S. says

    December 11, 2012 at 5:20 am

    Time saving trick to holiday cooking? Eat at moms!!! 🙂 That’s exactly what we’re doing this year!

    Reply
  25. Acmommy3 says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:06 am

    Plan out 2 weeks of menu at a time, mapping out what days you need slow-cooker or make-ahead dishes….believe me, it is so awesome to have a recipe at the ready for each day, instead of searching on google. 🙂 And keep holiday foods and food gifts as easy as possible, it really is possible to make special candies, etc. without spending hours in the kitchen!

    Reply
  26. runinboise says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    Using a frozen Marie Callender’s does save time instead of making from scratch.

    Reply
  27. Stacey B says

    December 10, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I like to prepare a lot of my dishes the night before, ready to go in the oven the next day when needed

    Reply
  28. Ellen C. says

    December 10, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    I like to make cookie dough and cake balls ahead of time. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  29. Dani says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I keep the hooks on my ornaments from year to year.

    Reply
  30. ANGEL JACKLYN says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Save time & money by inviting people to your holiday dinner via your annual holiday cards you send out anyway! And when people arrive, let them help you finish your last preparations & set up (when they offer).

    Reply
  31. Mary Somerville says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    I plan ahead, so I can carefully make up the grocery lists, and avoid having to run to the store for an item or two.

    Reply
  32. Kerrie Mayans says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:55 am

    I make some food ahead of time and then thaw out as we need it.

    Reply
  33. HappyMomC says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:04 am

    Cook and freeze!

    Reply
  34. Jessica says

    December 10, 2012 at 10:24 am

    I plan out meals and then head to the grocery store. I get everything needed for the meals for that week and freeze the portions of meat that we are going to use.

    Reply
  35. Garrett says

    December 10, 2012 at 10:21 am

    On some of my more lazy day’s, I do cook up more frozen types of foods.

    Reply
  36. Ashley says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:36 am

    Start window shopping a few months before christmas and make mental list of what I want to get everyone, then buy the gifts over the next few months. It helps me to know what Iam getting everyone and makes it so I am able to get everyone a gift because I know how much I need in my christmas fund.

    Reply
  37. Noreen says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:40 am

    Cook a double meal and freeze half

    Reply
  38. sindy murray says

    December 9, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    make ahead frozen meals and cut and prepare one day ahead!

    Reply
  39. Linda says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    cook ALOT of food on the weekend and freeze it so you can heat it up in the microwave during the week.

    Reply
  40. Melissa P. says

    December 9, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I like to purchase squash that is already peeled and cut. Easier and saves time.

    Reply
  41. Katherine says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    have a monthlymenu

    Reply
  42. Wehaf says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    My trick is to cook twice as much as you need a freeze the rest.

    Reply
  43. Jennifer Thomas says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    I have a great recipe for home-made rolls that you make ahead of time and freeze.

    Reply
  44. jeannine s says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    I make a meal plan for the month of december and cook what I can ahead of time to freeze

    Reply
  45. Angie says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    I like to prepare foods in advance and freeze them until I am ready to use them.

    Reply
  46. Donna L says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    I use my crockpot alot and I make extra for freezing. So we have two dinners.

    Reply
  47. April Yedinak says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    I make a big meal once a week with enough leftovers to incorporate into other meals. For instance, I roast a chicken on Sunday and we have chicken soft tacos the next day.

    Reply
  48. Sheila K. says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Cook twice as much as you’ll need for an evening meal and freeze half of it to use when you’re in a rush!

    Reply
  49. Tim says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    We bought a majority of our Christmas presents back in September because we knew the selection would be worse and the lines would be too long in December. Good thing we have an attic to hide the goodies in so the kids can’t find their gifts.

    Reply
  50. David says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    One thing we do to save time, not just in the holidays, but year round, is take advantage of the extra time we have on the weekends to prepare and freeze a large portion of the dinner time meals we will eat throughout the week.

    Reply
  51. June says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    I plan about 2 weeks of menu’s ahead of time.

    Reply
  52. LaVonne says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    We have purchased desserts at Costco for the holidays to save time.

    Reply
  53. kathy stevenson says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Crockpot meals are always quick to prepare.

    Reply
  54. Marti Parks says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Always makes lists to stay organized and let children help with gift wrapping, even if they aren’t good at tit people think it’s sweet that the kids wrapped it.

    Reply
  55. amyc says

    December 9, 2012 at 9:08 am

    Start getting items needed for baking and Christmas dinner after Halloween. Get $20 worth a week up until Christmas.

    Reply
  56. Vickie Couturier says

    December 9, 2012 at 8:11 am

    i bake in advance an freeze,or store so Im not rushed

    Reply
  57. Debbie Bashford says

    December 9, 2012 at 5:43 am

    Make as much of the holiday eats you can ahead of time and freeze it

    Reply
  58. Crissy D. says

    December 9, 2012 at 5:43 am

    I cook extra chicken, wrap it up and use it for other meals

    Reply
  59. christina says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:27 am

    My tip is to cook a ton of meals and freeze them. Also, having the pantry stocked up with dry goods helps too.

    Reply
  60. Jen F says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:26 am

    We are also the household that likes to make a few extra meals ahead of time and freeze them for busy times of the year.

    Reply
  61. Chelsea says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:01 am

    I save time by planning my meals in advance and shopping only once a week 🙂

    Reply
  62. Susan P. says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    I cook a lot and freeze the extra portion as well as plan on leftovers so can get 3 or 4 meals out of one cooking.

    Reply
  63. Jennifer Rote says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    Time saver for me… order take out or throw in a frozen food item.

    Reply
  64. Tabitha P. says

    December 8, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    i make and freeze pancakes & sausage biscuits for easy mornings.

    Reply
  65. latanya says

    December 8, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    During the week and on Sunday night, I make enough so that there will be leftovers for the next night. It helps to cut down on having to cook something every night during the week one.

    Reply
  66. angie says

    December 8, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    plan ahead so that you know what meals you will be preparing and when possible make it ahead as well

    Reply
  67. Natalie Finch says

    December 8, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    I make desserts the week before and freeze. Also, if guests offer to bring something, I take them up on the offer.

    Reply
  68. Christy says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    I love keeping frozen meals on hand for those crazy, busy nights that I don’t want to cook. I personally love to eat Smart Ones and Healthy Choice meals.

    Reply
  69. Heather Hayes Panjon says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Prepare Meals Ahead And Freeze , For A Easier And Faster Meal Preperation

    Reply
  70. Denise M says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    prep on the weekend and use the slow cooker

    Reply
  71. drina m. says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I plan our meals a week ahead. It make things simple but of course it takes time to cook everything so it would be nice to try out some of these frozen meals to see what we like.

    Reply
  72. Dorothy says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I make enough for dinner that we can have left-overs to send to work with hubby and have some for our lunch the next day. It saves lots of time in the middle of the day when I’m getting things done on my to-do list.

    Reply
  73. christy davis says

    December 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    i like to cook and freeze so i’m not overwhelmed on christmas day!

    Reply
  74. DEBIJOT says

    December 8, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    Often I double a meal so I can freeze half of it – to have on hand when I am rushed.

    Reply
  75. Jenny says

    December 8, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    I always make a list of what I need to accomplish – otherwise I miss things or spend too much time thinking about what I was supposed to be doing 🙂

    Reply
  76. Jennifer Marie says

    December 8, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    prepare food on the weekends when you may have more time and have it ready for during the week when it is busier!

    Reply
  77. Jessica To says

    December 8, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    I make lists for everything – from Christmas cards and presents to grocery items. It is the only way I remember things during the busy season.

    Reply
  78. CHristine JEnsen says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:50 am

    holiday time saver- make lists and check them twice, I waste more time running to the store for things I Forgot the first time I went shopping! If you keep an accurate list and make sure you check items off as you buy them, you won’t end up making those last minute trips to the store.

    Reply
  79. Donna O'Neil says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I am expecting baby #2 in less than 2 weeks. Freezer meals would come in handy.

    Reply
  80. Selene M. says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Bake cookies in November and freeze until the Christmas holidays.

    Reply
  81. Anne says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:20 am

    I cook several meals and then freeze them so they are available.

    Reply

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