If you know me – or don’t know me but have read past posts – you realize I an NOT a confident cook. As I have also mentioned before, I want to be, but I just don’t like it enough to work at it. Nevertheless, I agreed to host a Wildtree Freezer Meal Workshop as my daughter-in-law Lisa is a Wildtree Representative in California and has convinced me of the ease and value of these products.
Not am I only a nervous Nelly in the kitchen, I am a worse promoter – “You wouldn’t like to come to my Wildtree Party would you?” (Pause for negative response.) “I didn’t think so.” Or, ” I don’t suppose you’d like to drive to my house out in the western desert on a 3-day weekend to put together 10 freezer meals?” (Pause for another negative response.) “I don’t blame you.”
Anyway, after approaching 20 or so friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers off the street, FIVE folks committed to come. I was thrilled. But as I labored through the pre-workshop preparations, I feared my participants would ask for their money and time back. It took me about 4 hours! BUT remember, I am also a freakin’ SLOW chef. Picture Meryl Streep chopping onions in Julie and Julia before she got good! What took me 240+ minutes took my sister 2 hours and my friend 45 minutes – she used one of those fancy food processors that good cooks use.
Because this was a monumental undertaking – one that I am actually very proud of – I decided to document the experience through pictures. My personal shopper, G.E., actually performed the first step – buy the meat and veggies – but these pics feature my contribution and my party!
Step 1: Skin, chop, dice, and slice!
Step 2: Bag, label, bag, label!
Step 4: Organize the workshop to impress your guests!
Step 6: Party Hearty with your sis and your friend –
the only ones who came!
Final note:
The three of us had a great time, and now we all have 10 GOURMET meals that each serve 4+ people in our freezers. And what’s even better, we can throw them into the crockpot after thawing them overnight and PRESTO-BINGO, dinner is served.
I feel like I channeled Julia! YaY me, and THANK YOU Connie and Melissa!
P.S. I omitted step 3 – placing the bags in the freezer! =) This post sort of sounds like an INFOMERCIAL, doesn’t it? =)
Writing My Life 
February 23, 2013 at 6:31 PM
So proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone! You sound like a girl that told me she was literally cursing my name during her pre-workshop prep–hating every minute of it. Then she came back to do another one about 6 weeks later because they loved them so much!!
February 28, 2013 at 1:15 PM
I didn’t EVER curse your name, but I bless it every time I cook up another meal. Tonight we’re enjoying “Open-Face Steak Sandwiches with Ratatouille!” I’m so excited. I’ve never felt like such an accomplished cook, albeit a slow one. 😉
February 24, 2013 at 8:39 AM
I nearly trashed this in my google box ’cause I didn’t recognize it. (I’d forgotten you’ve changed your blog title I think.) But I read on because the first few lines resonated with me as I’m also a nervous cook! And I’m no better at promoting myself at anything–blogging, cooking ability, writing–the list goes on! I did enjoy the idea behind this little feast prep! Now if you come up with an idea for ten non-meat meals for two old geezers, you must let me know! 😀
February 28, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Hi Alice, I am such a changer. I am still in search of the perfect blog title, but it still alludes me. These meals were very “meaty,” but I am going to add some less carnivorous recipes to my repertoire. I found one recipe for stuffed peppers that is scrumptious!!! Thanks for commenting. Always love hearing from you.