TIPS TO FIX AND FREEZE MEALS
Fixing and freezing meals is an easy way to always have scrumptious dishes ready to reheat and serve. To make the most of your “fix it and freeze it” meals,follow these tips from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money-Saving Meals.
1. FREEZE SMART
Separate appetizers, meatballs, cookies, or candy on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer them to a container. Separate layers with parchment paper
to prevent them from clumping together.
2. BAG BROTHS AND SAUCES
Freeze liquids flat in plastic bags, then stand them up sideways for storage. They’ll take up less space and thaw faster.
3. COOL FOODS BEFORE FREEZING
Cooling food first speeds up the freezing process and reduces condensation. The faster food freezes, the fresher it tastes when thawed. Cool initially on the counter then immediately refrigerate to hasten cooling. When completely cool, place in the freezer, properly wrapped.
4. COOK WHEN YOU CAN
Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking, and freeze enough meals to eat all week. Freeze food in individual or meal-size portions – it will thaw quicker and you can pop out the number of servings you need.
5. PACK FOOD TIGHTLY
Squeeze excess air out of bags to prevent freezer burn. Fill containers full, leaving a little space at the top to prevent liquids from expanding and sticking to the lid.
Tips and Ideas for Freezing MealsWhen freezing cooked dishes slightly under cook casseroles or lasagna. Just take from the freezer to the oven and increase cooking time. You can also freeze unbaked casseroles. Cook for about 1 hour.
Sour cream, cooked potatoes, and pasta doesn’t freeze well. Add those to any dishes after taking out of freezer.
Freeze extra rolls, bread dough, French bread or loaves of bread to have on hand for an accompaniment to freezer meals.
Store meals in freezer bags, wrapped up in several layers of tin foil or plastic storage containers.
Freezer meals can be stored individually in containers for easy lunches.
Make extra waffles or pancakes and freeze. Place in toaster and serve for quick breakfast freezer meals. A fun idea for breakfast is to freeze french toast cut in sticks. Warm up and kids can dip them in syrup.
Desserts, cakes, cookies also freeze well.
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