MEAT When it comes to freezing meat, opt for freezer bags, and if possible, go for the extra convenience of vacuum-sealed ones. To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible from the bags. If you're serious about freezing, consider getting a vacuum sealer for your home. Oh, and here's a pro tip: avoid freezing meat that's packaged in Styrofoam and cling wrap. Instead, transfer it to a freezer bag, making sure to squeeze out all the air. Your meat will thank you for it!
CHEESE Got some leftover cheese in your fridge? No worries, we've got you covered! Freezing it is a fantastic way to keep it fresh for future cheesy adventures. Just make sure to wrap opened cheese tightly in cling film or pop it into a trusty Ziploc bag. Keep in mind that freezing can alter the texture of cheese, so it's best to use it in dishes where it melts beautifully, like mac 'n cheese, on top of a scrumptious pizza, or in a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich. Embrace the cheesy goodness and let your taste buds rejoice!
EGGS Great news! While whole eggs can't be frozen, separated eggs are freezer-friendly superstars. Egg whites can be easily frozen in a bag or plastic container, ready to be used for delightful meringues, cakes, soufflés, or fluffy omelettes. As for egg yolks, they require a bit more care since they can become a bit unstable after freezing. But fear not! To keep them in tip-top shape, simply beat them with a tablespoon of sugar or a pinch of salt (depending on your sweet or savory plans) and freeze them in a trusty Ziploc bag. Just remember to allow both the whites and yolks to defrost slowly before putting them to use. Get ready to whip up some excellent creations!
DOUGH AND BREAD Guess what? Bread is a freezer's best friend! When sealed properly, bread freezes like a dream and can go straight from the freezer to the toaster for a quick and delicious treat. If you have a whole loaf to freeze, simply slice it up, wrap each slice tightly in cling wrap, then in foil, and finally, pop them into another bag to keep them nice and fresh. This way, you won't have to worry about it drying out. Oh, and here's a sweet tip: portion out your cookie or scone dough, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a freezer bag (remember to squeeze out that air!). When you're ready for a freshly baked delight, simply pop them in the oven straight from frozen. Enjoy the convenience and the mouthwatering results!
PASTA AND RICE Here's a handy tip: cooked pasta and rice can be frozen with ease! Simply portion them out and pop them into freezer bags, so you don't have to defrost the entire batch when you only need a small amount. The same goes for cooked grains like quinoa, barley, and buckwheat. Even fresh pasta can be frozen using the same method. When it's time to cook, no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add a touch more water than usual to prevent the temperature from dropping too much when you add the frozen pasta. Enjoy the convenience of having pre-cooked goodness ready to go whenever you need it!
SOUPS AND STOCK These goodies freeze like a charm, but here's a tip: consider the portion sizes when freezing them. Chances are, you won't need to defrost a whole gallon at once, so it's best to freeze them in smaller quantities for convenience. Another nifty trick is to store stock in ice trays, making it super easy to use whenever you need a little flavor boost. Happy freezing and effortless defrosting!
VEGETABLES AND HERBS Let's make prepping veggies a breeze! Before freezing, give your veggies and herbs a good wash and cut them to your desired size. Chopping them after thawing can lead to a mushy texture, so it's best to do it beforehand. For veggies like beans or broccoli that you want to keep some texture, blanch them before freezing. But don't worry about blanching veggies like baby marrow, tomatoes, and spinach, as they become soft when cooked anyway. Now, onto herbs! Chop them up and place them in ice trays, covering them with water. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a Ziploc bag for easy storage. Hardy herbs will stay fresh for up to two months, but remember, they won't be ideal for garnishing as they may become sad and soggy. Fresh herbs are perfect for that! And here's a bonus tip: keep a bag of veggie scraps and peels in your freezer to add to your homemade stock. Let's minimize waste and make the most of our ingredients!
FRUIT Fruit, especially berries, bananas, and mangoes, freeze like a charm! But here's a tip: don't toss them all into one container, or you'll have a tough time separating them when you're ready to use them. Instead, lay out individual berries or fruit slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a handy freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together, and you can easily grab what you need whenever you want. Now, bananas are a bit special. You can freeze them in their peels, but they'll turn mushy once thawed. No worries, though! They're perfect for smoothies or baking. You can even blend a frozen banana with a can of coconut cream for a quick and delicious ice cream treat. If you prefer slices, freeze them individually and store them in a freezer bag. When it's time to defrost your fruity delights, simply pop them in the fridge or let them thaw at room temperature. Thanks to their high sugar content, they'll thaw quickly and be ready to enjoy!
CAKES Lastly, let's not forget about freezing cakes! The best way to go about it is to bake your cake layers as usual, let them cool completely, and then frost them. Next, make some space in your freezer and place the iced cake on a tray without any wrapping. Allow it to freeze until it becomes solid, which typically takes around four hours or so. Once frozen, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it tightly with cling wrap and a layer of foil. The same method applies to store-bought cakes as well. Moist and dense cakes, like carrot cake, freeze wonderfully. Icings with a higher fat content, such as buttercream and cream cheese icing, also freeze well due to their fat content. So, feel confident in freezing your cake, or what is left over, knowing that it will retain its deliciousness when you're ready to indulge later on!
