This is not a food blog!

But...in just over a week I will be going back to work full time and starting a new university class. I would also like to have time to do some running.

So, I spent about 12 hours cooking over the last two days. I did the same thing last year and it worked out great. My only complaint was that even though I froze everything and we ate the it over a couple of months, there were a couple dishes that we were bored of by the end.

Yes, I wear running clothes to cook. Supportive shoes are essential when cooking for a long time!

To remedy that problem I offered to split the cost for my mom and provide her with half of the completed dishes. This works out well for her too as she is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow. I am so excited for her! She has needed a new knee for a very long time.

Back to cooking...

This kind of cooking requires some serious planning. Including deciding on dishes, making lists (I make separate lists for each area of the grocery store), shopping, and finally cooking.

My kitchen after the big shopping trip.

After 12 hours of cooking, here's what I made. I've linked to the recipes where possible. The carrot soup and chicken noodle soup were not made from recipes.

• meatballs (The Husband's Grandma's recipe)
• cabbage soup
• french onion soup
• creamy carrot soup
• chicken noodle soup
• lasagna  (used spinach noodles instead)
• bbq pulled pork (sauce from packet)
• chili (added celery and baked beans instead of pinto beans)
• raisin-chocolate chip cookies (also added 1/4 of chocolate chips)

The key to these little devils is french-onion soup mix.

Slow cooker is a life-saver when cooking in mass quantities.

The french onion soup recipe takes HOURS but it is totally worth it.

The start of the carrot soup.

After adding milk and blending. The most beautiful colour ever!

These guys are from the Weight Watchers book but you would never know!

Finished product!

 I ended up with 28 containers of food. Most are good for lunches or could be dinners with a few additions. The cost came to under $3 per container.