Tag: #MealPrep

Posted in Book Reviews

Dry Mix Dinners

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Make-Ahead Jar Meals & Seasoning Blends for Fast, Flavorful Weeknights (Sizzling Sauces & Condiments Book 2)

Dry Mix Dinners

By Josie B. Malone — Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Let’s be honest—many dry mix cookbooks ask for things you can’t find in a regular grocery store. I know, because I’ve bought those same ingredients myself. The truth is, Dry Mix Dinners isn’t about making you hunt down obscure bulk items—it’s about teaching you how to build better mixes with what you have, and showing you how a few smart pantry staples can turn into endless meals.

Yes, some recipes call for specialty items like powdered butter or freeze-dried vegetables, but only because they make your mixes shelf-stable and giftable. You can always swap, skip, or scale them to fit your budget and pantry. Many of these ingredients now come in smaller bags online—no need for 20-pound sacks or emergency-prepper bins.

And as for serving sizes? I keep them small and flexible by design. Every recipe lists one serving so you can multiply or divide without the math gymnastics. Whether you’re cooking for one or six, you decide how much to make—because food should fit your life, not the other way around.

As for beans, rice, and pasta—some mixes absolutely do need to be cooked separately. That’s part of making sure everything cooks evenly and tastes right. I’ve noted it clearly in the instructions, and each mix is meant to be easy, not complicated. These jars are about real food convenience, not shortcuts that sacrifice quality.
Inside You’ll Discover

70 Tested Recipes — including Pantry Meal Bases, One-Jar Soups & Stews, Casserole Starters, Beverage Mixes, Dips & Dressings, Savory Staples, and Baking & Desserts.

Complete Recipe Details — servings, prep & cook times, tools needed, imperial & metric measurements, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and Josie’s personal tips.

Packaging & Storage Strategies — keep your mixes fresh, labeled, and beautiful on the shelf.

Gifting Inspiration — themed jars, “mix-of-the-month” sets, and creative wrapping ideas.

Meal Planning Advice — batch cook, build mix-and-match menus, and reduce food waste.

Troubleshooting & Seasonal Ideas — fix clumps, boost flavor, and refresh your pantry year-round.
Why You’ll Love Dry Mix Dinners

Real Ingredients, Real Choices: Use what you have, substitute what you can, and don’t stress over perfection.

Flexible Servings: Recipes are portioned for one person—easy to scale for families or gifting.

Practical, Not Pretentious: These mixes work whether you shop at Walmart or Whole Foods.

Family-Tested: Every recipe was tried, tweaked, and approved by my five kids.

Gift-Ready: Beautiful jars that make thoughtful, personal presents.

A Note from Josie:
I’m new to writing cookbooks, and I’ve learned that formatting, portioning, and ingredient choices matter as much as flavor. Dry Mix Dinners is the result of hundreds of hours of testing—and of listening to readers who wanted a more down-to-earth, flexible guide.

This book isn’t about selling bulk ingredients—it’s about empowering you to make wholesome, shelf-stable mixes that fit your real life.

Follow me for recipe demos, pantry inspiration, and kitchen stories on Instagram:
📸 @josiebmalone

Ready to simplify your kitchen and cook with confidence?
Grab your copy of Dry Mix Dinners today and start building your own pantry magic—one jar at a time.

Posted in Book Reviews

Dry Mix Magic (Sizzling Sauces & Condiments Book 1)

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Dry Mix Magic is your go-to guide for building a pantry that works as hard as you do. Say goodbye to overpriced store packets and hello to homemade convenience—fluffy breakfast blends, cozy drink mixes, crowd-pleasing dips, savory soup bases, flavorful rubs, and more. With simple ingredients, smart storage tips, and step-by-step directions, you’ll create shelf-stable mixes that taste like real food, not factory formulas.

Whether you’re prepping for holiday baking season, stocking up for fall comfort cooking, planning winter warm-ups, refreshing your pantry for spring meal prep, or making thoughtful homemade food gifts, this book shows you how to craft reliable mixes that save money, save time, and upgrade every meal.

Inside you’ll find:

Easy recipes made with everyday pantry staples

Make-ahead blends for breakfasts, beverages, dips, dinners & desserts

Tips for long-term storage, gifting, and mix-and-match flavor boosts

Kid-tested, family-approved recipes with no preservatives or mystery ingredients

Clear labels, batch sizes, and add-ins for every mix

Perfect for busy home cooks, budget-friendly families, pantry preppers, and anyone who wants smarter shortcuts without sacrificing flavor.

Bring convenience back where it belongs—your kitchen.

Posted in Kitchen Tips

The Internet Taught Me the Best Tip for Using Tomato Paste

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Wasting food, even just a tablespoon or two of something, doesn’t sit well with me. I keep small amounts of leftover vegetables in a freezer container to use for chicken pot pie. I make breadcrumbs from stale bread. I freeze overripe fruit to use in smoothies or cocktails. Of course, I never throw away a Parmesan rind. 

Before you think I sound like a perfectionist, I am the first to admit that I’m far from perfect. Some veggies do die in the crisper drawer. The final serving of a casserole that gets shoved to the back of the fridge often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. And one food that I seem to waste more than I’m proud to admit is tomato paste.

I often open a 6-ounce can of tomato paste that doesn’t get entirely used up in whatever recipe I’m cooking. Then the leftover tomato paste goes into a container and, like that final serving of a casserole, makes its way to the back of the fridge until it’s inevitably found with fuzz on the top.

And yes, I know the trick of spooning tomato paste into ice cube trays, freezing them, and then popping out the cubes to live in a freezer-safe bag until needed, but that’s three whole steps. Please don’t judge me, but that’s two more steps—despite good intentions—than I’m likely to do. Plus, who wants to stain their ice trays with tomatoes?

So when I saw a simple tip on TikTok to freeze tomato paste by the tablespoon that has just one step and no extra equipment, I thought it was genius.

Allrecipes

Posted in Book Reviews

DASH Diet Meal Prep: 100 Healthy Recipes and 6 Weekly Plans 

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“Easy homemade meals are totally within reach with . . . well-structured plans to get a week’s worth of meals on the table with just a few hours of prep.” —Serena Ball, MS, RDN, author of Easy Everyday Mediterranean Diet Cookbook and The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook, blogger at Teaspoon of Spice
Lower your blood pressure and lose weight with easy meal prep for DASH dieters
How do you improve on the heart-healthy DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet? By making it faster and easier with meal prep.
This DASH diet cookbook offers a simple and sustainable approach to DASH dieting, complete with an actionable, step-by-step plan and 6 weeks of delicious meal preps. Find detailed prepping and cooking instructions, shopping lists, and a clear overview of what makes the DASH diet so effective.
Make mealtime easy for DASH dieters on the go with:

  • DASH basics—Learn the science behind the DASH diet and why it’s a favorite among health professionals.
  • Quick and easy recipes—Streamline your time in the kitchen with 100 healthy recipes, including adaptation tips and portion size guidance.
  • Flexible meal plans—Each meal prep is easy to customize and DASH diet-friendly so you can tailor your meals to your preferences.

Boost weight loss and improve your heart health with DASH Diet Meal Prep.
“This versatile diet includes all the food groups and foods you already enjoy. . . . Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or lose weight, DASH Diet Meal Prep can help you do so!” —Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook and Smart Meal Prep for Beginners

Posted in Book Reviews

Bariatric Meal Prep Cookbook

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Simplify eating healthy after bariatric surgery with meal prep.

“As a bariatric surgeon with over 30 years of experience, I must say―this book is a must-have for any pre- or post-bariatric patient. Andrea’s expertise as a dietician and nutritionist shines through in these easy-to-make recipes that foster a healthy lifestyle. Both your waistline and taste buds will thank you for using this cookbook!” ―George S. Ferzli, MD, FACS

This cookbook and meal prep plan is the all-in-one guide to eating right after any type of bariatric surgery. It explains the process of meal prep step-by-step, helping patients create perfectly portioned, healthy meals to keep on hand. Based on expert diet advice, these recipes take the guesswork out of navigating nutrition—while you recover and for the rest of your life.

· Complete prep plans—Find six weeks of meal plans that include shopping lists and nutrition information, along with thirty-five bonus recipes for creating custom meal prep menus in the future.

· Easy recipes for every stage—This bariatric cookbook follows the whole recovery process, with recipes organized by each stage of healing.

· Plenty of variety—Keep meals tasty and interesting with surgery-safe options for everything from soups and smoothies to stir-frys and apple pie.

Ease the healing process and manage weight after bariatric surgery with this guide to preparing healthy meals in advance.

“This is a terrific, unique book for motivated clients considering―and in any stage of―metabolic or weight loss surgery. I love the practical, honest guidance and versatile, delicious-looking recipes. I will certainly add it to my list of resources!” —Lisa Lobel, MS, RDN, CSOWM

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ANDREA D’ORIA has been a dietitian for 20 years and counseled more than 1,000 patients in weight management. She worked as the bariatric nutritionist for Dr. George Ferzli, a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery, and now runs her own virtual nutrition practice, Andrea D’Oria Nutrition.–This text refers to the paperback edition.

Review

“As a bariatric surgeon with over 30 years of experience, I must say―this book is a must-have for any pre- or post-bariatric patient. Andrea’s expertise as a dietician and nutritionist shines through in these easy-to-make recipes that foster a healthy lifestyle. Both your waistline and taste buds will thank you for using this cookbook!” ―George S. Ferzli, MD, FACS

“Andrea has crafted together the perfect meal-prep cookbook for bariatric patients and beyond. As a bariatric nutritionist, Andrea has provided a level of detail to her recipes that go unmatched. Simple, easy, and flavorful meals make this a must-have for your kitchen.” ―Dusty, social media influencer, @Dusty_Lost_300lbs

“This is a terrific, unique book for motivated clients considering―and in any stage of―metabolic or weight loss surgery. I love the practical, honest guidance and versatile, delicious-looking recipes. I will certainly add it to my list of resources!” ―Lisa Lobel, MS, RDN, CSOWM –This text refers to the paperback edition.

Posted in Book Reviews

Smart Meal Prep for Beginners: Recipes and Weekly Plans for Healthy, Ready-to-Go Meals

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Easy recipes and weekly meal plans for nourishing, ready-to-go food

Preparing meals ahead of time means you never have to ask what’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Smart Meal Prep for Beginners, prep expert Toby Amidor makes it easy to start (and stick with) a weekly meal prep routine. With these recipes and beginner plans, you’ll have delicious, healthy meals on hand every day—no takeout required!

  • 6 weekly prep plans—Start simple with two recipes for the week, and work your way up to prepping breakfast, lunch, and dinner for every day.
  • Meal prepping 101—Get the rundown on meal prep dos and don’ts, prep-day guidance, shopping lists, storage and reheating info, and more.
  • Diet-friendly dishes—Find nutrition facts on every recipe, along with handy labels to point you to nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Set yourself up for mealtime success, not stress, with Smart Meal Prep for Beginners.

Continue reading “Smart Meal Prep for Beginners: Recipes and Weekly Plans for Healthy, Ready-to-Go Meals” →
Posted in Book Reviews

Mediterranean Diet Meal Prep Cookbook: Weekly Plans and Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle 

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Fresh, ready-to-go meals for people on the Mediterranean diet

Inspired by the wholesome, heart-healthy lifestyle of the Mediterranean region—and spotlighting regional ingredients like fresh seafood and produce—the Mediterranean diet has become one of the most popular methods of healthy eating. Packed with foolproof meal prep advice and deliciously balanced recipes, the Mediterranean Diet Meal Prep Cookbook makes starting and staying on the Mediterranean diet easy so you can reduce your total time in the kitchen—all while enjoying a lifetime of healthy eating.

Before you get cooking, dig into an overview of the Mediterranean diet principles and health benefits. Master the art of prep with the dos and don’ts of meal planning and helpful storage solutions before jump-starting your diet with 6 weeklong meal preps—each including easy-to-follow recipes and time-saving tips. You’ll find plenty of additional recipes to use as inspiration to customize your own meal prep menus, or even as a foundation for your own creative Mediterranean-style meals.

The Mediterranean Diet Meal Prep Cookbook includes:

  • Guess-free guidance—Take the guesswork out of what to eat with detailed shopping lists and colorful illustrations for essential equipment and grocery shopping tips.
  • Prepped for success—The 6 weeklong meal preps are simplified to keep your kitchen time down, including suggestions for every meal, as well as step-by-step cooking instructions.
  • Mouthwatering Mediterranean—Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with 95 delicious, nutritious recipes, including nutritional labels and storage tips.

With the Mediterranean Diet Meal Prep Cookbook, you’ll enjoy healthy, fresh, and fast Mediterranean flavors—without the labor.

Posted in Book Reviews

Meal Prep on a Budget

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Tasty, flexible meal prep plans at just $40 per week

Preparing healthy meals in advance is one of the best ways to keep wellness goals on track while saving time and energy. But how do you keep costs down without sacrificing taste or health? Meal Prep on a Budget is a complete resource for creating balanced, delicious meals that are easy to make and easy on the wallet. Discover clear guidance that breaks down exactly what to buy and how to prepare it—for just $40 per week.

  • 4 weeks of plans—Find simple recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day that average $1 to $3 per serving.
  • Room to customize—Every plan offers suggestions for swapping out ingredients that aren’t on hand and includes the flexibility of completing the full week’s meal prep on one day or over two days.
  • Detailed instructions—Each week includes a complete shopping list and step-by-step guidance, so there’s no guesswork involved.
  • Frugal prep 101—Learn how to shop smart, use the same ingredients for multiple recipes, and even how to meal prep for the whole family.

Build healthy habits and stay on budget with the ultimate guided meal planner.

Continue reading “Meal Prep on a Budget” →
Posted in Book Reviews

Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Easily enjoy home-cooked meals with wholesome ingredients every day of the week with a little help from your freezer.

Delight in delicious, nutritious food and save time and money with this guide to preparing meals you can fix and freeze now and enjoy any night of your crazy-busy week!

Unlike the sodium-laced, preservative-filled meals you might find in your grocer’s freezer aisle, Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy features all-natural recipes full of flavors that come to life the instant you reheat them—so your meals don’t just taste as good as the day you stored them away, but better. In addition, you’ll find great tips and advice on how to best prep, store, and reheat every single dish (in any portion), making mealtime prep a cinch for any member of your household.

From comforting casserole and lasagna recipes made new again with fresh veggies and whole grains, to hearty and wholesome breakfast baked goods and sweet treats, you’ll discover so many “must-make” recipes inside that you may need to consider a larger freezer!

Such show-stopping recipes include:

  • Saucy Saffron Chicken
  • Whole-Grain Pesto Pasta Casserole
  • Asian-Spiced Tuna Cakes
  • Apricot-Pistachio Rice Pilaf
  • Vegetarian Teriyaki Stir-Fry
  • Fast and Easy Fresh Herb Focaccia
  • Baked Gingerbread Cake Doughnuts with Maple Glaze
  • Blackberry Buttermilk Cake

With Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy, serving healthy, home-cooked meals every night of the week has never been simpler—or more delicious.

Faith Dusky
5.0 out of 5 stars 
Awesome helpful book!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
I am not a great cook, and I don't really like to cook. And many things I make don't really turn out. But THIS book has changed all that!! For ONCE the recipes turn out, they taste good, they are healthy and wholesome. I have been trying new whole foods, and I have been pleasantly surprised. I never know what kind of foods will freeze ok so this book has been very helpful. My eyes usually gloss over when I see more than five ingredients, so I really don't care for fancy-pants cookbooks. The recipes I have tried require a little effort, but no food degree is required!! 🙂 Until recently pretty much everything I made was convenience foods/ pre-made foods, and I did very little actual cooking. With some time invested on Sunday afternoon, I have been making homemade WHOLESOME meals that I can serve easy to my family later in the week (or the next week).

If this book dropped in my life a year ago, it may not have been for me. But I have come to the place where I am trying to get AWAY from processed foods. I am willing to make the time investment to be healthier and eat healthier. I am willing to try new vegetables, new grains, new fresh herbs, new foods. The Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy has been used more than any other cookbook I have bought, and I have only had it a couple weeks. Now I am off to see what other cookbooks this author has out! 🙂
Posted in Book Reviews

Once-a-Month Cooking

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“In this homemaker’s equivalent to The One-Minute Manager . . . a system whereby a month’s worth of family dinners can be cooked and frozen in one day.” —Publishers Weekly

Since the first edition of Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth’s Once-a-Month Cooking was published in 1986, its proven, practical method has helped hundreds of thousands of families reduce their cooking time and still enjoy nightly home-cooked meals.

You don’t have to be a super savvy chef to pull your family together each week for these light and simple, easy-to-prepare meals. Updated to reflect today’s healthier diet, this revised edition explains how to: plan ahead, spend less time at the supermarket, cut down on prep time, group similar kitchen tasks together to get them all done at once, make kitchen clean-up more manageable, and use the freezer, computer, and your head to create a month full of delicious meals!

Contains many easy, make-ahead recipes for dinner time success such as:

—Baked Jambalaya
—Chicken Lasagna
—Chicken Taco Salad
—Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork
—Veal Scaloppini
—And more!


Whether you are a busy parent on the go or you just want a quick dinner to warm your spirit, you’ll be instantly hooked on this cookbook classic and its fool-proof Once-a-Month Cooking method!