I received a copy of Meals in a Jar by Julie Languille for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own. This blog post may contain affiliate links. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.
I was really excited to learn about a new cookbook called Meals in a Jar. The book is packed with step-by-step instructions for how to make 125 natural breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts that will last a whole year on the shelf!
At first, I thought, I can’t wait to stock up my pantry with homemade Ready Made Meals. Visions of neatly organized jars filled with delicious easy-to-make meals lining my pantry shelves filled my head. The recipes in the book are perfect for everyday dinners that just require water and heat.
Then I got more into the book and realized that these meals are also perfect for camping trips. We buy commercially-produced Ready Made Meals (RMMs), which don’t always taste good and are made with heavily processed ingredients. Meals in a Jar lets you pick your own ingredients. I can choose healthy, natural and organic items to make our meals using the recipes found in this cookbook.
Saves Time, Saves Money
In theory, Meals in a Jar can save families time and money when the pantry is stocked with Ready Made Meals. Even if it’s been a hectic day and you haven’t had time to cook, you can simply come home and eat a delicious meal. Just add water and heat for an easy dinner.
Save money when you shop grocery sales and buy bulk ingredients. Then, spend one day preparing a huge batch of Ready Made Meals using those items.
I was a little let down when I realized that to make the Meals in a Jar cookbook work for me, I would need to invest in kitchen equipment. Most recipes require a vacuum sealer and food dehydrator. A pressure canner is also required for many of the recipes. However, I think the initial investment will quickly pay off. My family can eat healthier and home and on camping trips, plus we will be prepared with an emergency food storage supply.
I like that Chapter 2 of the book includes helpful charts on pressure canning and dehydrating foods. That is new territory for me, and I want to be sure I know what I’m doing. Chapter 3 provides a full list of equipment that will help you make the meals and be able to use them, even in emergency situations when you may not have power or fresh water.
Wholesome and Yummy Recipes
The book divides the recipes into chapters for Breakfast, Soup, Pasta, Main Course, Side Kits, Snacks/Beverages/Extras, and Dessert. Each family-friendly recipe sounds like the kind of things we want to eat. You’ll find Omelets, Granola, Chicken Chipotle Soup, Braised Short Ribs, Baguettes and Oatmeal Cookies with M&Ms and many more, along with instructions on how to seal each meal into a bag or jar. Prepare Ready Made Meals for your family that will last for up to a year!
Where To Buy:
Meals in a Jar is available at nationwide bookstores and retailers. You can also find it online at Amazon.com
