Meat question - is this a good idea?

[Feelingcrappy2]

Hello,

Last year I really struggled to get the meat I wanted from M&S at Christmas time (only one store near to where I live and too late for me to pre order it now unfortunately).

I went the other day and saw they had the lamb shanks I like (they don’t stock these very often), along with whole chickens (not a turkey fan!).

So I was thinking of going back today, buying what I want and freezing them until xmas eve. Is this a good idea? I don’t really freeze meat so I’m a bit concerned that it wouldn’t be as ‘fresh’ texture wise than if I was to cook it without freezing it first?

In my freezer right now is the huge beef joint we're having for Christmas.

It will be absolutely fine!

Perfect.

I assume you're roasting the chicken and cooking the lamb shanks long and slow
I wouldn't expect freezing and defrosting to be an issue for either of those.

Perfect idea, and just what I’ll be doing.

I regularly freeze meat and I’d defy anyone to tell the difference.

So long as it’s frozen fresh, it will defrost and cook fresh.

I’d only defrost ready for the day you plan to cook them though.

Yes, do it. Freeze immediately and defrost slowly and thoroughly and you won't know the difference.

Our Christmas ducks are in the freezer waiting for the 24th

Brilliant! Thank you all.

it will be fine. but I would take it out of the freezer morning of 24th Dec and put in fridge. thats the safest way to defrost meat. make sure you put them in a large dish, because ice will melt and you don't want meaty water in your f4idge lol

Id Google how long things take to defrost and plan accordingly.

I’ve regularly bought meat and frozen it. The best and safest way is to defrost in the fridge, but it takes longer.