So we have two friends that DH and I discussed possibly giving a few homemade frozen meals for Christmas.  One is DH best friend since they were in kindergarten (literally) and doesn't care for sweets.  He works late hours and normally gets home around 8:30 - 9:00 p.m. wanting a shower and dinner.  The other is another good friend who's wife leaves for Afghanistan in another three weeks and she'll be deployed for 12 months.  He's another one that comes home and wants a shower and dinner.

I was thinking of getting some 8 x 8 foil pans (seems big, but these are hardworking men-folk that can really eat) and making them each stuffed shells, baked macaroni & cheese and meatballs in brown gravy with instructions on an index card for baking them on the outside.

 So my questions.  Do you think this is a good idea?  They live in our neighborhood, so not like it'll be travelling enough for it to thaw.  Any ideas for other meals I could make?  Also, obviously I'll want to bake the meatballs until done first.  Should I just make up the shells and mac 'n cheese and get it ready to bake, then let it cool and freeze since the baking is really just to melt things, not to actually cook anything.

 I think that's a good idea.  Lasagna would be a nice filling frozen meal to give, as well as calzones, burritos, and chili.  That's all I can think of at the moment, but if I think of more later I'll post them.

I think it's a great idea!  I've done this before for others, they've always appreciated it and I'm sure your friends will too. 

I've baked meals completely in 8x8 pans and covered them with a layer of waxed paper, followed by tightly covering in tin foil (to help prevent freezer burn).  Just make sure to mention that the waxed paper is to be removed before baking.  Once frozen, I then transfer to a ziploc bag and write the reheating instructions on the bag itself.   I would also recommend they take the meals out of the freezer and put in the fridge the night before to allow it to partially thaw before baking, it'll help to quicken baking time.

 Wonderful idea. that size if not eaten for one meal would provide leftovers for the next day. Babs

Meatloaf,Jambalya,pancakes,waffles,breakfast buritos,beans. What a nice idea.

 Hi ... A great idea and thoughtful gift ! I just might use your idea for my two adult kids - maybe one dish each and then attach a few 'coupons' to 'cash-in' for future dish or dessert. 

 I've never done this myself, but I think it's a great idea!  Baked zita, cabbage rolls, king ranch chicken, and stew.  I LOVE stew....

Phyllis

We do it all the time for people all the time we do dinners for women that had babies , for people who had surgery .  so this is a great idea ..   I know plenty of people this would work for ... great idea

Its always nice I like it frozen type of meals as gifts during my younger days I was in the ICU. in the hoospital the ladies in my neighberhood brouht things like that to me because I would be so in pain after the wreck I forgot to it all they had to do is put the meal in the fridge part after they visited me they alway took out a meal from the freezer put it in the fridge that waay I just look in the fridge oh darnnn for got to eat then heat it up im the microwave good yummie meal those are great for gifts..