Enchiladas and Freezer Meals
Good friends are hard to come by. They’re like gold when you find them. The same is true of a good recipe.
I took a last minute trip home to Dallas this weekend to see my friend and her newborn baby. We’ve been friends since 4th grade when we met on the soccer field. We played for the Wildcats. I was a defender. She was a defender. And the next thing you know we were jumping on her trampoline. Then came sleepover parties. Cookouts with our families. Dressing up like Pilgrims and Indians at Thanksgiving at an age I wont mention. Much too old to be dressing up. Or not. We hung out at her house nearly every weekend with the posse in highschool. I’d fall asleep on the couch early. It was a given. We went to prom together and graduated high school together. We separated for college but spent late nights talking at Starbucks over breaks. We walked down the isle at each others weddings. And then I moved away. We grew up. Became adults. Semi adults. And then she had a baby. The distance felt farther than the 1600+ miles Google maps displayed. So I flew home on a whim. Thanks Dad. Held the sweetest baby in the world. And saw my friend, once a Wildcat, become a mother. Pure gold.
My sister snuck home too. We made freezer meals for the new momma. Enchiladas two ways—for new moms, freezer meals, and just because. Excuse the Instagram pictures. I had no intention of posting this. But after making several batches and eating some myself. Well, I had to share.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make sauces. Can be made several days in advance.
- Make filling. Saute peppers, onion, and jalapeno in olive oil. Add salt to taste. Mix together chicken, bell pepper mixture, and cheese, reserving a handful for the top. Steam or heat tortillas so that they are pliable. Add a couple heaping spoonfuls of sauce to the bottom of each pan. Fill tortillas, wrap, and place in pan. Pour remaining sauce over top. (You may have extra. Keep in fridge for up to two weeks or freeze.) Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Place in freezer and/or give to a friend or new momma. Thaw before cooking. Bake on 375° for 25-30 minutes or until browned.
Notes
*I used less heavy cream and subbed in more chicken stock. I also subbed a clove of garlic for garlic salt. This sauce is rockin.
What a sweet story! Blessings to the new mama and her baby
le immagini sono fantastiche, così vintage
I am in the “just because” category! We love enchiladas at my home, so this is a great time-saving idea!
Love enchiladas, love freezer meals and this was such a sweet story.
What a kind friend to provide such delicious (and helpful) meals for the new mama. They sound absolutely scrumptious and I’m sure they were/are being savored by the new parents!
scuse me, but my english is so bad. I’m Italian. I found your blog on Pinterest .. Beautiful. I redid your own cake and I talked about you in my little blog. The cake was a huge success and has had many visits. Congratulations again.
Your post made me cry. And I don’t think it’s just the hormones. Thanks for being the friend that you are. I was so incredibly happy to be able to see you this weekend, and introduce you to Madelyn. I love you buddy!
PS, the tetrazzini was delicious and can’t wait to try the enchiladas!! They look amazing!!
Melissa, this is such a great idea and a beautiful little story about friendship. thanks for sharing it with us. xx
I like your instagram pictures! Looks effortless. Love that story you shared. Good friends ARE hard to come by, and so you have to hold them close…
Great, old friends are truly a treasure! I’m sure your friend was delighted to have you there at this special time
This is extra fabulous. What a wonderful idea!
Enchiladas are the best, what a wonderful gift for a new mom!
What a sweet friend you are and how lovely that you were able to see the new momma and baby; it must be such a special moment.
You are such a good pal, and how sweet of your dad to know how important it is for you to see your friends. Glad I could contribute! XO
Anytime I read a friend included post, I get all teary eyed. I moved away for my best friend, so I get it. I am so happy that you got to be with her in this special moment in her life. And that your dad is awesome. I never thought to freeze my enchiladas, so weird, but true. Thanks for the idea!
What an awesome idea. I love enchiladas and will definitely be trying out that avocado cream sauce recipe! Oh man, yum.
Do you find the cream sauce freezes/reheats okay?
I have a friend having a baby very soon. So I will need to make a practice batch for me before I make one for her! Great post!
Yum! I was just thinking that I need to start figuring out better freezer friendly dinners… I’m always so lazy about cooking by the time I get home from work
Excited to keep hunting through your recipes!
just wanted to say i miss you and i’m so proud of you! this blog is so amazing!
and anytime you wanna fly over to north carolina i’d LOVE to see you.
You sure are a good friend, Melissa. These enchiladas look amazing!
I made these last week and they were SO good! Thanks another great recipe Melissa!
[...] Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce Yields 2 8×8 pans; recipe adapted from TheFauxMartha Ingredients: AVOCADO CREAM SAUCE 1 Cup whipping cream 1/2 Cup chicken broth 1 avocado 1/2 cup [...]