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Tip Store: Cooking: Freezing
Freezer Organisation with Benefits
I use the zip up chiller bags (that you get cheap at the supermarkets), for organising my chest freezer. I have frozen bread in one, boxes of fish fillets in another, spaghetti Bolognese sauces, etc. in another and so on. It allows me to know exactly where everything is but also protects the foods from freezer burn, giving me better quality on thawing and less waste.
Contributed by Ally Catt
Contributed by Ally Catt
Easy Freeze Meat
I store most of my meats in the freezer and I found it easiest to freeze chops, sausages, burgers, fish or steaks or chicken flat out on a baking tray. After a few hours they are frozen solid and are easy to bag up without them sticking together. I do the same with strawberries; it makes storing easy!
Contributed by Carla Moora
Contributed by Carla Moora
Free Freezer Go-Between
Save the blue puff pastry liners that come between sheets. They are great to separate items that you are freezing. For example, between home baked brownies, or chicken breasts or lamb chops.
Don't throw these away next time. Keep them in your freezer and pull them out when needed. This saves using parchment paper or foil between layers of food that you freeze.
Contributed by Vaz Deacs
Don't throw these away next time. Keep them in your freezer and pull them out when needed. This saves using parchment paper or foil between layers of food that you freeze.
Contributed by Vaz Deacs
Freezer Tips
I am a regular freezer of meat and left over food for future use so my freezer was always full though I would quit often forget how long things had been in the freezer for or sometimes what they even were. As a result, I would often throw things out, worried they were too old. I made use of a roll of old white label stickers and got into the habit of labelling each freezer bag with the date and description. Now I can use things before they get too old and knowing what everything is in my freezer, I don't throw things out any more. This saves me money and time planning my weekly shop.
- Contributed by Wendy Lee, 2nd August 2012
- Contributed by Wendy Lee, 2nd August 2012
Preserving Your Basil
Freezing basil produces (in my opinion) the best results, as the basil is later suitable for using both cooked and fresh. Creating a paste with a small amount of oil has worked best for me. To do this, place the leaves and tender stems into the food processor and turn it on. Slowly drizzle olive oil (or a flavourless vegetable oil if you’re preserving a flavoured basil) into the processor’s bowl until a thick paste forms. There should be more basil than olive oil (about a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio). Place the paste into ice cube trays and freeze. When the cubes are completely frozen, you can pop them out and put them in freezer safe storage containers. Basil stored this way can be kept for up to two years. Another good thing to do with the frozen basil is to do as you mentioned, adding olive oil in the food processor, but then instead of ice cube trays, put it in a snack size ziploc bag, and press it flat. Freeze the bags flat, stacked on each other if necessary. Then, when you are ready to cook, you can reach in the bag and break off a piece, as little or as much as you want.
- Contributed by Fiona Farren, 9th April 2012
- Contributed by Fiona Farren, 9th April 2012
Freezer Friendly Foods
I discovered this week that I can freeze more things than I realized. I chopped up my shallots I bought this week and put them in a ziplock sandwich bag. I double bagged them and stuck them in the freezer. Now all I need to do is take out what I need when I'm cooking and add it to my food. I really hate waste and I'm thankful I have now found a solution. You can also freeze baking chocolate or decorations made out of chocolate for baking too, you can even store nuts in the freezer in a container or ziplock, it stops them from going bad and you just take out what you need when you need it.
- Contributed by Jane Temenczko, 2nd February 2012
Editor's note: If you want to know what freezes and what doesn't download our Handy Freezer Guide. I have mine laminated and hanging on a hook in the pantry, easy to reach when I need to know if I can freeze something. Cath.
- Contributed by Jane Temenczko, 2nd February 2012
Editor's note: If you want to know what freezes and what doesn't download our Handy Freezer Guide. I have mine laminated and hanging on a hook in the pantry, easy to reach when I need to know if I can freeze something. Cath.
Frozen Milk
I always freeze milk - e.g. if I'm going away and there's still some in the fridge or if I've got too much that I know I won't use before its use-by date. It works perfectly - you cannot tell it's been frozen. I freeze it in bottles or #4 (e.g. Jalna drinking yoghurt) plastic containers (2 & 4 are the ones that are supposed to be ok). I take a bottle out the night before, sit it in a large measuring cup of cold water, and in the morning it's thawed and still cool. Also, I freeze dips - in little packets made of Freezer Go Between.
- Contributed by Laurie Parker, 17th August 2010
- Contributed by Laurie Parker, 17th August 2010
Freeze Ahead and Save
Approximate $ Savings: $40
Before my (now 2 and a half year old) daughter was born we bought a small bar freezer from Kmart for about $150. When my husband and I worked full time we would have take away at least a couple times a week which was VERY expensive. I'm now working three days a week (my husband is still fulltime) and without sounding oh so smug out of all of my friends who combine part time work with being a mummy I have the least stress with the combination. Very simply, this is because on my two days off I cook a couple of massive meals (usually double batch - so ~8 - 10 portions). We have them those evenings but I then freeze the rest of the dishes in zip lock bags which makes the absolute best use of freezer space. Evenings ahead of time, I pull something out to defrost and when our daughter goes to bed at 7pm, which just reheat along with some steamed veggies if desired. By shopping specifically for the big cook, I don't spend loads of money on food that goes to waste in the fridge and with my (ever growing) list of about 30 meals that freeze super duper well we have heaps of variety and save loads of money each week. NOT to mention alleviate stress..... Incidentally (or not) our electricity bill with the extra small freezer only increased by about a $1 per quarter - so talk about massive saving!!
- Contributed by Katie Bennet, 8th July 2010
Before my (now 2 and a half year old) daughter was born we bought a small bar freezer from Kmart for about $150. When my husband and I worked full time we would have take away at least a couple times a week which was VERY expensive. I'm now working three days a week (my husband is still fulltime) and without sounding oh so smug out of all of my friends who combine part time work with being a mummy I have the least stress with the combination. Very simply, this is because on my two days off I cook a couple of massive meals (usually double batch - so ~8 - 10 portions). We have them those evenings but I then freeze the rest of the dishes in zip lock bags which makes the absolute best use of freezer space. Evenings ahead of time, I pull something out to defrost and when our daughter goes to bed at 7pm, which just reheat along with some steamed veggies if desired. By shopping specifically for the big cook, I don't spend loads of money on food that goes to waste in the fridge and with my (ever growing) list of about 30 meals that freeze super duper well we have heaps of variety and save loads of money each week. NOT to mention alleviate stress..... Incidentally (or not) our electricity bill with the extra small freezer only increased by about a $1 per quarter - so talk about massive saving!!
- Contributed by Katie Bennet, 8th July 2010
A Supply of Fresh Herbs on Hand
Approximate $ Savings: $2 and up
While in the process of starting up my herb garden I'm still reliant on buying herbs from the grocery store. At $2 a bunch it's quite pricey and I was buying at least 4 bunches a week and not using them all before they went bad. I've now started freezing the leftover herbs. Give them a rinse, pat dry with a tea towel and put them in snap lock bags, label and freeze. I now have enough in the freezer to do me till my garden is established.
- Contributed by Rebecca, Umina, 8th June 2010
- Contributed by Rebecca, Umina, 8th June 2010
Save Wine for Later
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$30
If you are lucky enough to have any left over wine you can always freeze it in ice cube trays, it's great to use to deglaze a pan, or in a spritzer. If you freeze it in larger containers, it's fine when you need a couple of cups of wine for a braise or stew.
- Contributed by Ana, Brooklyn Park, 7th June 2010
If you are lucky enough to have any left over wine you can always freeze it in ice cube trays, it's great to use to deglaze a pan, or in a spritzer. If you freeze it in larger containers, it's fine when you need a couple of cups of wine for a braise or stew.
- Contributed by Ana, Brooklyn Park, 7th June 2010
Always Fresh Bread
When I buy my bread, 3 loaves at a time, cut thinly so we get more slices per loaf, I put it straight into the freezer. This means that we get to eat every single slice before it goes stale, I also keep the crusts in the freezer. I use the saved crusts to coincide with my weekly food plan so that I can use them for bread crumbs or to make a bread and butter pudding. I also use them for feeding the ducks as a reward for my son when he has been good...the joy on his face is priceless!!!
- Contributed by Hayley Butler, 29th April 2010
- Contributed by Hayley Butler, 29th April 2010
Freeze Them Standing Up
Stand your new pack of water ices up in the freezer so when they freeze there's a nice gap of air at the top for easy cutting off with scissors. No more bits of frozen icy pole being wasted or left to go sticky everywhere.
- Contributed by Sharon, Balga, 14th November 2009
- Contributed by Sharon, Balga, 14th November 2009
Cheaper, More Convenient Freezer Bags
Approximate $ Savings: $1-50 per pack of freezer bags at least
I used to buy Multix freezer bags (at least $2 a packet) to use as sandwich bags and for general use because I liked the holder that you put inside the cupboard door. You could just tear the bags off easily and not have to fiddle opening the drawer, then the packet. The Multix bags were costing over $2 a packet. I have now been buying Home brand bags at Woolworths for 49 cents for the same size packet. I put a large safety pin (nappy pin is a good size) through the corner of the open edge of the bags and hang the pin over the Multix hook. (Or you could put a small cup hook there yourself) I use both small and medium bags so I hang each one separately. All the convenience I had with the Multix bags at less than a quarter of the price. The home brand bags are good quality also and do not tear easily. I also have trouble with using the twist ties because of arthritic hands so I find a lot of the time I just tie the bag in a knot instead of using the twist tie. It is easy to break open if you are not planning to close the bag again. If I think I want to close the bag again I either undo the knot or use a twist tie on that occasion.
- Contributed by Pamela, Old Toongabbie, 7th December 2009
I used to buy Multix freezer bags (at least $2 a packet) to use as sandwich bags and for general use because I liked the holder that you put inside the cupboard door. You could just tear the bags off easily and not have to fiddle opening the drawer, then the packet. The Multix bags were costing over $2 a packet. I have now been buying Home brand bags at Woolworths for 49 cents for the same size packet. I put a large safety pin (nappy pin is a good size) through the corner of the open edge of the bags and hang the pin over the Multix hook. (Or you could put a small cup hook there yourself) I use both small and medium bags so I hang each one separately. All the convenience I had with the Multix bags at less than a quarter of the price. The home brand bags are good quality also and do not tear easily. I also have trouble with using the twist ties because of arthritic hands so I find a lot of the time I just tie the bag in a knot instead of using the twist tie. It is easy to break open if you are not planning to close the bag again. If I think I want to close the bag again I either undo the knot or use a twist tie on that occasion.
- Contributed by Pamela, Old Toongabbie, 7th December 2009
Free Ties for Frozen Vegetables
Approximate $ Savings: $10
When buying large bulk laundry powder (not the concentrates) they come with a good quality clip. Re-use the clips by washing them and use them in the freezer to clip all frozen vegetable, chip packets etc closed in the freezer. It is fabulous as the clip is easy to untie and retie. Best of all no more mess on the bottom of the freezer!
- Contributed by Leanne, Patterson Lakes, 5th August 2009
When buying large bulk laundry powder (not the concentrates) they come with a good quality clip. Re-use the clips by washing them and use them in the freezer to clip all frozen vegetable, chip packets etc closed in the freezer. It is fabulous as the clip is easy to untie and retie. Best of all no more mess on the bottom of the freezer!
- Contributed by Leanne, Patterson Lakes, 5th August 2009
Freezer Liner Keeps Things Tidy
Save large pieces of bubble wrap to line the bottom of your chest freezer. Frozen goods do not stick to bottom of freezer. This enables you to turn and shift things around with ease. Also good for separating goods once frozen.
-Contributed by Irene, Denman, 12th June 2009
-Contributed by Irene, Denman, 12th June 2009
A Picture is Worth More than a Takeaway Dinner
When I make meals that are also freezer friendly, I make enough for two meals. We eat one and on the one that I freeze I tape a picture and instructions so if I should not be at home at dinnertime it is easy for the family to select, heat and eat dinner.
- Contributed by Marinda Roman, 9th March 2009
- Contributed by Marinda Roman, 9th March 2009
Keeping a Freezer Inventory
In the newsletter you mention using up what is in the freezer. I keep a list. Divide your paper into small, medium and large trays, single serves and packs. List what you have. If you use something cross it off. If you use part of the pack, adjust the list. If you buy something, add it to the list. It is particularly useful if you are going away and leaving your husband to cook for himself. Occasionally review the list with the contents, especially when you defrost the freezer.
- Contributed by Coral, Andergrove, 28th January 2009
Editors Note: Members can download the freezer, pantry, stockpile and fridge inventories here.
- Contributed by Coral, Andergrove, 28th January 2009
Editors Note: Members can download the freezer, pantry, stockpile and fridge inventories here.
Double Up
When making a meal make extra and freeze for next time i.e. pasta sauce, casserole, quiche, etc. This will make a great meal twice over... the second time is easier just reheat and serve!
- Contributed by Donato, Narre Warren South, 10th March 2008
- Contributed by Donato, Narre Warren South, 10th March 2008
Flash Freeze Strawberries for Long Life
Love your site always and the strawberry story. This week..to save always look at the bottom of a strawberry punnet as that is where you will usually see the rotten ones...also if you lay them out on a tray as Pat say's you can freeze them and then bag them...I do this when I get BIG amounts from the markets...great for cooking and smoothies and if you experiment you will find that you can 1/2 defrost them in the microwave and they make nice cold eating.
-Contributed by Lynn, Lockrose, 7th October 2007
-Contributed by Lynn, Lockrose, 7th October 2007
Freeze Lemons Whole
When you find your have an abundance of lemons (or even limes) from your trees - or if you are given a great supply, ensure they remain fresh for as long as you need them by freezing them!
All you need to do is either wash the skins of the whole fruits and dry, or wipe the skins clean with a damp cloth. Then just pop the whole fruit into the freezer, or you can pop them into a freezer bag and put the bag full into the freezer!
Works wonderfully, when ready to use your lemon, just either get out of the freezer a little in advance and grate skin for zest (can also do this whilst frozen), or get out from freezer and put into the microwave for a short period to defrost then use as normal (as microwaving will give you more juice anyway!).
Excellent way of ensuring you never run out of lemons when you need them, and also totally eliminates any wastage from lemons drying out or going off before you need to use them - which can often happen when you get a large amount of fruit at one time! Enjoy your lemons!!
- Contributed by Andrea, Hoppers Crossing, 26th July 2007
- Contributed by Andrea, Hoppers Crossing, 26th July 2007
Frozen Vegetables
Instead of buying those packets of mixed vegetables, buy when something is on special (preferably many some things). Cut to size and blanche in boiling water. Start with the mildest tasting vegetable ending with the strongest - onion, cabbage, etc. Use the same water each time. Don't add extra water. At the end of putting in vegetables (1, take out then 2, take out, etc) decrease the volume of water to taste and put in a container and label 'vegetable stock' and freeze. Make sure that the vegetables are dried and put into individual containers or blend and then freeze and label. Two for the price of one!
- Contributed by Merinda, Frenchs Forest, 18th June 2007
- Contributed by Merinda, Frenchs Forest, 18th June 2007
Preserving Eggs
Some people believe that eggs can't be preserved. But scrambled eggs do freeze well. When eggs are on special buy up dozens. Put a few dozen into a large scrambled egg and store it in several smaller containers in the deep freeze.
- Contributed by Marg, Bayswater, 27th March 2007
- Contributed by Marg, Bayswater, 27th March 2007
Freeze Bananas That Are Just Too Ripe to Eat in Their Skins
The skin will go black but there's nothing wrong with the fruit. You can then use them later and add to pancakes, cakes, smoothies etc. Perfect when you work and don't have time for baking during the week.
- Contributed by Theresa, Cranbourne, April 21st 2005
- Contributed by Theresa, Cranbourne, April 21st 2005
Freezer Storage Tips
I buy my meat from a wholesale butcher so I can buy in bulk and save money. The only problem was that when you bagged and froze the meat it got hard to store them all neatly in the freezer. I then realised I was throwing away the prefect item to solve my problem... Meat trays from the supermarket! As I still got some meat from the supermarket I started keeping the trays to use for stacking and storing the meat I got from the butchers. This also made it not only easier to store the meat but defrost it too. The other thing I started doing was keeping the plastic bags my kids breakfast cereal came in to use to separate meats so I only had to defrost how ever much I wanted but didn't need heaps of trays. These two simple things not only save me time but money as well as they are both able to be used over and over again. You just wash and dry them after each use.
- Contributed by Sally-Anne, Kurri Kurri, March 1st 2005
- Contributed by Sally-Anne, Kurri Kurri, March 1st 2005
Freezing Excess Tomatoes
Don't waste ripening tomatoes. They are one of the few vegetables that do not freeze well. Instead peel them, cut them up and simmer them until cooked. Drain off the water and freeze the pulp so that it can then be used later for recipes.
- Contributed by Lynette, Hebersham, March 3rd 2005
- Contributed by Lynette, Hebersham, March 3rd 2005
Labelling Frozen Meals etc.....
Don't buy expensive labels for your freezer containers, which always end up only lasting a couple of washes. Just mark the contents and date straight onto your plastic container with a whiteboard marker. I have also written directly on all my pantry items, and boxes in storage. Never waste money on labels again!!!!
- Contributed by Claire, Como, November 9th 2006
- Contributed by Claire, Como, November 9th 2006
Freeze Dry Your Own Fruit
I have of late found many delicious freeze-dried fruits in the supermarkets. Using apples as an example, depending on the brand, they cost between $2.79 and $4.50 per packet/ tub. Most packets/ tubs contain to what seems to be the equivalent of about 1 freeze dried apple. I read on the Internet that it is very easy to freeze-dry your own fruit at home and have tried it successfully with apples, pineapples and mangos. The fruit I did at home tasted just like the store bought variety and also keeps well when packed in airtight containers. So considering that you can buy about a kilo of fresh apples for roughly the same price as one of the bags of freeze-dried apples (containing about one apple), the saving is substantial. Freeze-dried fruits are good finger foods for toddlers, good hostess gifts, and great accompaniments to cheese platters, healthy snacks to take to work. They taste great and are preservative free. http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/surv/freeze.htm explains how to freeze dry at home. You basically cut very thin strips of fruit and place them in a single layer in the freezer. (I place them on top of a sheet of baking paper on top of a cake cooling rack). They soon freeze solid and then, over the period of about a week the water content reduces and disappears. I read the process is called sublimation, where water evaporates from the frozen state without passing through the liquid state. Do give it a go, the fruit is delicious and it is so nice to be able to tuck into a "delicacy" without paying the price charged at the shops.
- Contributed by Tracy, Cremorne, September 10th 2006
- Contributed by Tracy, Cremorne, September 10th 2006
Freeze Bulk Vegetables
Recently I was lucky enough to pick up a few cauliflowers and some broccoli at a really cheap price. I have a large family but would not be able to get through them all before having to throw them out, I partially boiled them for a few minutes and then plunged them into some cold water to stop the cooking process and them bagged them and placed into the freezer for later when I need them.
- Contributed by Lynda, Hopetoun, 13th September 2006
- Contributed by Lynda, Hopetoun, 13th September 2006
Prepare Vegetables Ahead and Save Time and Money
Buy rectangle takeaway containers and lids ($10 for 50 at wholesaler, microwave safe are better, straight from fridge to microwave and can be reused). I then wash and cut/ dice vegetables (corn cobs, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, carrots julienne style etc) sufficient vegetable is placed in each container for dinner (different container for each vegetable), we usually eat 4-5 different vegetables because they are ready to go straight to the microwave. We eat less takeaway and more healthy food. Keep on top shelf of fridge as you then decide what meat you are having early in the day and dinner is planned. Very little food goes to waste, as it is not hiding in the veggie crisper. In summer we do the same with salad, cube cheese, julienne carrots, washed and dried lettuce, sliced cucumber and capsicum etc. It is important not to mix the vegetables and they will keep fresh for 4 days, we usually have about 20 containers in the fridge, they stack easily and don't waste room in the fridge, unexpected guests are not a problem as there are usually sufficient vegetables prepared in the fridge. The containers are also great if we are going out, much better than taking expensive Tupperware, we find 50 lasts about 6 months as we wash and reuse.
- Contributed by Allison, Hodgson Vale, 13th 16 September 2006
- Contributed by Allison, Hodgson Vale, 13th 16 September 2006
Marking Freezer Items
I write on a small piece of white electrical tape to mark the cut and quantity of meat in the freezer, as it is cheap and easy to see at a glance.
- Contributed by Judy, Boronia Heights, October 26th, 2005
- Contributed by Judy, Boronia Heights, October 26th, 2005
Bug Riddance
To extend the useful life of dry staples such as flour, pastas, rice, etc. pop in a couple of bay leaves. This won't affect the taste, but prevents pesky bugs and weevils from ruining these products before they can be consumed.
Limes
While limes are in season and cheap, I buy up big and squeeze all of them. Then I pour the juice into ice cube trays, freeze, turn out and store in zip lock bags in the freezer until I need them. Easy to grab one or two or more limes for any recipe and great to mix one in amongst regular water ice cubes in drinks. Fantastic for cocktails!
- Contributed by Krissi
- Contributed by Krissi
Sauce for the Freezer
When making sauce for the freezer or bottling, leave the skins on the tomatoes. Simply wash and core the tomatoes, then grind them in the food processor. The taste and texture is the same and the nutrition is improved.
Leftover Easter Treats
With four little boys, the over-abundance of chocolate eggs and bunnies in our house at this time of year is over whelming. I ration out the boy's Easter treats over the weekend and then we use the leftovers in cooking. We make chocolate chip muffins (with broken up Easter eggs), brownies to go in lunch boxes, double choc cake and fudges. The kids get to help cook and then they get to eat the fruits of their labour. As we are cooking from scratch, they are also learning maths, reading and logical thinking too.
- Contributed by Karen, Donvale
- Contributed by Karen, Donvale
Freezer Burn
To prevent freezer
burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Never freeze meat in store packaging, as it is neither airtight nor moisture proof. Re-wrap in cling film and then store in an airtight container.
Correct Freezing Techniques
Store food in a single layer to allow proper air circulation and to speed the freezing process. Set the thermostat at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Make the packages as flat as possible to speed freezing and thawing later on.