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#Post#: 31416--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: jpcher Date: May 19, 2019, 1:42 pm
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OP -- you're not leaving for a few months so I wouldn't start
freezing things yet.
Maybe a month before your departure start making some favorite
recipes that your family loves in double batches. That way the
family gets to taste your love while you're away.
It might be helpful if you mention a few recipes that you're
thinking about freezing so that we can say "Yes, that freezes
well", or "Nope, don't freeze that."
Another consideration of freezing foods is ease from freezer to
table and the type of container you freeze the food in.
Lasagna, for example, use a tin foil pan to layer the
ingredients and freeze before final cooking. Thaw in the fridge
overnight and put the pan in the oven to heat. You could also
have some bread prepared with butter and garlic seasoning,
wrapped in aluminum foil, frozen and taken out the night before,
to toss in the oven for easy warming (with heating instructions
attached.)
You can bundle things together with colorful notes and
instructions. Tacos, for example. Have the meat tastefully
prepared with all the seasonings and frozen in a freezer bag or
tupperware with a Green note saying "remove from freezer, let
thaw in fridge overnight. When ready for dinner put meat in a
fry pan on medium till heated to taste, stir occasionally (or
microwave instructions.) Use with taco shells and refried beans
that are in the pantry." Then on the (crispy corn, that lasts a
while in the pantry) shells and can of beans, put a Green note
on them saying "Use with taco meat." and have grated cheese and
sour cream in the fridge with likewise Green notes attached.
The above examples may not be to your taste, but do you see
where I'm going? Not everything needs to be frozen. Additional
ingredients and notes might go a long way. For the lasagna
example leave a note for your DH (on the lasagna pan) saying
"Please stop at the grocery store for salad ingredients (or
pre-made salad) to go with this meal" or even the taco example
"maybe chop up some lettuce and fresh tomatoes for this dish."
A meal can be fresh, frozen, and delicious while you're away.
Hopefully your DH is not against stopping at the grocery store
for a few fresh items. ;) And I'm sure there's going to be some
nights where he says "Whoo! Hooo! Who want's pizza!"
It's your thoughtfulness that counts . . . taking care of your
family while you're away. I applaud you for this. Being prepared
before you leave will bring you peace of mind while you're gone.
Good luck on your training!
#Post#: 31641--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: Kimberami Date: May 23, 2019, 5:55 am
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I'm starting early to get in the habit of putting things in the
freezer. I found a really good sale on chicken tenders at Lidl
last weekend. For $7 I was able to put away 4 family dinners.
That's not too shabby. I had the ingredients in my pantry to
make some Thai peanut sauce. We taste tested one of the packs
last night. It was pretty good. It thawed well, and it tasted
good. One pack made enough for the three of us to have dinner
and me to make lunch for today. I'm going to call that a win.
I'd really like to put away casseroles. My daughter loves home
made Mac & cheese. Would that freezer well?
#Post#: 31664--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: jpcher Date: May 23, 2019, 3:19 pm
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Does Mac & cheese freeze well? I do not know, never done it
before.
Since you have time, try freezing a small batch for two weeks
and see what the outcome is.
#Post#: 31667--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: STiG Date: May 23, 2019, 3:48 pm
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It should freeze OK, though the sauce may stay fairly thick. I
find sauces and gravies don't reheat overly well, tomato sauce
being the exception.
#Post#: 31756--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: Winterlight Date: May 25, 2019, 4:02 pm
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I've frozen things that are heavily cheese-based and it's been
fine.
#Post#: 31771--------------------------------------------------
Re: Freezer Cooking
By: Kimberami Date: May 26, 2019, 11:33 am
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My local grocery store had a great sale on chicken today. I
picked up several pounds of BLSL chicken breast and BLSL chicken
thighs. I'm freezing them in pound sized bags with marinades
that are supposed to freeze well.
I'm going to attempt a frozen Mac & cheese tomorrow (I make a
custard based macaroni pie). I'm going to freeze & reheat a
small one before I leave. I think I might try a spaghetti pie,
too. I'll report the results.
Thank you all for the help & suggestions. [emoji173]
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