help on serving sizes

CONTAINER OR PACKAGING SIZES

FOUR SERVING SIZE

• If it goes in a pan use an 8x8 or a 9x9 (Good for casseroles, and meat dishes)
• If it goes in a bag use a gallon size bag filled 3/4 full (Good for soups and stir-fry's)

SIX SERVING SIZE

• If it goes in a pan use a 9x13 (Good for casseroles, and meat dishes)
• If it goes in a bag use a two gallon size bag and fill it 2/3 full or use a gallon size bag and fill it all the way. (It will bulge when you do this) (Good for soups and stir-fry's)

Side note

Remember to put on each meal what it is, servings, and instructions on cooking the meal.

PORTION SIZES
FOUR OR SIX SERVINGS

• If I am making a soup or stew (for example beef stew for six servings) I would use 2-3 lbs of beef chuck, six potatoes, six carrots, and six celery stalks and then I would season to taste with pepper, onion, and other seasonings. (if this were for four servings I would use a little less meat and then 4 of each of the above)
• If I am doing a chicken based meal I would do the same as above except use enough meat to equal six breasts for six servings or four breasts for four servings.
• If I am making Empanadas, Pot Stickers, Egg Rolls, etc. for six servings I would make between 9-12 depending on the size of the item. If I were doing it for four servings I would do between six and eight. REMEMBER A SERVING SIZE MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE JUST ONE ITEM. If I am doing a Lasagna or some type of pasta bake or casserole I would make enough to fill a 9 X 13 for six servings or 8 X 8 for four servings.

ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND
***I have had some people mention that they end up with leftovers and so they want less food. I have had others mention that sometimes they don't get enough food to feed their family. So as a general rule keep these things in mind.***

• All portion sizes should feed an adult. This is beneficial for those that feed not only themselves and a husband, but teenage children as well. Those that have teens know that they eat a lot! (Also, remember that a serving for an adult should fill your palm and fingers if you held your hand flat.
• I realize this may mean that those who don't have children or have young children, will be eating leftovers. I apologize for those that don't like leftovers, but feel this is beneficial for those that like to eat them. It also keeps things even. If we keep our portion sizes equal everyone will always get the same amount of food that they put into it. I don't want anyone feeling like they put more into their meals than they receive.