Back by popular demand, Crockpot Freezer Meals will be offered again on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Rowan County Center, 2727-A Old Concord Road.

This workshop is hands-on and will allow participants to prepare four meals on site. Crockpot freezer meals have become extremely popular and are great for busy mothers who like their families to have home-cooked meals.

You set aside about an hour over the weekend to prep the crockpot freezer meals, planning a week or more worth of meals. Then during the week, all you have to do is select which meal you want for dinner, thaw overnight and put it in the slow cooker the next day for cooking.

Slow cooker freezer meals have been referred to as game-changers for many reasons. First of all, they don’t require cooking ahead of time. They cook for the first time out of the freezer and don’t taste like leftovers, save you a great deal in food costs because you prep a lot of meals at once, and ensure that your meals are nutritional. With all of the recipes out there, you can prep up to 20 or more meals without ever duplicating a recipe. This allows you to try new meal options, have your favorites and stockpile for later. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Those who choose to attend will learn all of the insider tips on how to get started, how to make these meals from start to finish, tips to make things a bit easier and buying in bulk. They can take home four meals for later and get recipes to make more meals. These meals can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, the cost is $15, and payment is due at registration. Participants will need to come by, pay the workshop fee and pick up a grocery list of items needed for the workshop.

Registration deadline is Oct. 20. On the day of the workshop, bring items that you bought, kitchen utensils and a cooler for transporting meals home. Space is limited to 15 people and once that limit has been reached, all others will be placed on a waiting list for future sessions. If you have questions, feel free to call or email.

Toi N. Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension, 704-216-8970 or toi_degree@ncsu.edu