It turned out that I had a free Sunday, so I decided to make soup.  I made a trip to the grocery store, picking up some ingredients to combine with items in my pantry and freezer.  Then, I started chopping and simmering. I made 5 kinds of soup:

• Texas chili
• chicken noodle
• ham and bean
• butternut squash bisque
• spring vegetable with bean

While the various soups simmered away, I watched football, had lunch, and finished an editing project. I also did dishes as I went.  All in all, I was finished in 6 hours (including the walk to and from the grocery store).  I let the soup cool in the fridge for a day, then ladled it into quart-size freezer bags. 

Now, for that investment of time, I have quick and easy lunches and dinners for week.  I can take a bag or two from the freezer as needed.  They'll defrost quickly.  Combined with an apple and maybe a roll and I'm a happy and well-fed elf.

In addition, I control the amount of sodium and fat in my meals.  I made soups chock full of veggies which are much healthier.  And I'll save money over buying my lunch every day.

My best use of a Sunday afternoon in ages.