Get your Freezer Ready for Back to School

Now is the time to enjoy the last moments of summertime R&R. Yes, school has started, but it’s not yet Labor Day, the days are still long, PTA meetings have yet to begin and the holidays are still off in the distance.  This weekend is a great time to organize your household so that come GO time (the non-stop marathon that is September, October, November and December) you’re ready!

 One of the best ways to make your life easier this Fall is to utilize your freezer so that even on your busiest nights, dinner can be hassle-free and ready in a jiff. 

Load up on your family’s favorite homemade entrees:  pack your freezer full of meals made with love by you that  also freeze well.  Our favorite frozen homemade meals are enchiladas, lasagna, soup and stew (broth based soups, as dairy based soups don’t freeze well), Peas Protein Burgers, veggie casserole and shepherds pie.  When packaging these frozen meals, make sure that they have thoroughly cooled and are loaded to the brim; too much space in the container will cause freezer burn.

Load up on premade staples:  Next time you make grains, beans or some kind of sauce, prepare extra and freeze for a rainy (busy) day.  You can use these sides as a base for a quick meal, adding fresh veggies to freshen up the dish.

Peas of Mind will save the day:  Stocking your freezer with Peas of Mind products will leave you and your little ones happy, satisfied and feeling good about the fact that you’ve all eaten your daily dose of veggies. All of our products have clean, simple ingredients loaded with FULL servings of veggies. Not to mention the fact that cook time is minimal. 

 Now is your time to utilize your nice long weekend and get your freezer back to school ready; your future self will thank you!

A Back to School Freezer Meal!

If you haven’t noticed, here at Peas of Mind we love the freezer! We think that busy families deserve natural, healthy and totally delicious meals that take minutes to prepare.  This month, in honor of back to school season, we’re making a hi-protein veggie burger. This burger is perfect for the whole family as it’s full of protein, fiber and (of course) veggies, not to mention the fact that it’s a fast freezer meal! Make this recipea now in preparation for the busy school season that’s coming up. Simply follow the directions below but just skip the pan-frying step, let the burger patties cool, put them in an air tight container and pop them in the freezer for a busy night.  When you’re ready to devour this scrumptious burger, don’t forget to throw some Peas of Mind veggie fries in the oven for a veggie-infused American classic combination. A burger and fries has never been so healthy and peas-ful!

Ingredients:

2 Cloves finely chopped garlic

1 cup diced onions

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup cooked grains (we used a mix of brown rice and quinoa)

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

1 can of chickpeas

1 can of kindey beans

¼ cup chopped parsley

2 Tbs of mayo

1 Tsp salt

pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Sauté onion, garlic and olive oil until the garlic is golden brown and onions are translucent.  Stir in parsley and continue to cook for another minute. Remove from heat (don’t wash the skillet because we’re going to use it again).

In a food processor combine peas, grains and beans and pulse together until completely chopped (do not over blend).  In a bowl, combine bean mixture with breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, garlic and mayo.  Mix together then with your hands (this is where some help from the kiddos might be fun) form the burger patties and place on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.

Bake burger patties in the oven for about 30 minutes or until brown.  Grab your skillet and heat up about 3 Tbsp of olive oil.  Pan fry burger patties for about 2 minutes on each side or until crispy and dark brown. 

Toast a burger bun, top with your favorite condiments, serve with a side of veggie fries and ENJOY!