Last year I started a tradition of making freezer meals for my friend Carol’s birthday gift. It was well received so I decided to do it again this year. I made 4 different types of meals and gave her 15 portions. I saved some portions for myself. The Chili, Cornbread and Chocolate meals are in EasyLunchBoxes.

West African Peanut Soup – I added only 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of coconut milk, halved the ginger, and used spinach instead of greens.

Homemade Fresh Mozzarella Pesto Pizzas with Frozen Yogurt Pies (I used Greek Raspberry yogurt, did not use the fresh raspberries and put the filling in individual graham cracker crusts.)

Rigatoni and Vegetable Casserole (I used Cheddar and Asiago instead of the tofu and omitted the nutritional yeast.)

Chunky Vegetable Chili (I reduced the chili power since Carol does not like spicy food) with Cornbread Muffins (I baked them in muffin tins – did not take as long to bake as original recipe.)

I am not good at giving gifts but think that this idea is a success. It is fun to think of meals I can make and give to friends. It is an added benefit that I create meals for myself at the same time.