Defrosting

[wellsie]

I'm trying to get organized and intend on cooking lots of food for are little family and then freezing it.
Now the freezing bit I can do, I have a list of how long certain foods can be frozen for but what I'm stuck on is the defrosting bit and reheating.

E.g. If I have a frozen chicken casserole what should I do.

This probably sounds very basic to a lot of you but I am worried about making us all ill if I don't do it properly.

Thanks in advance

I get out things like casseroles the night before and defrost them in the fridge, finishing them off with the microwave's defrost setting if they aren't completely thawed.

Or, if I'm less organised, I defrost them completely in the microwave before heating!

I do like soup dragon says. I take things out the night before and by dinner the next day they are usually thawed.

Thanks guys, but how long would you reheat for?

You ideally need to reheat till all food is piping hot, especially chicken, then wait for it to cool down enough to eat.I'm very unscientific about the timing - just keep heating for 30 seconds or so, stirring and testing then heating for longer if necessary. (I usually stick a clean finger into the middle of the food to check it's hot enough). In theory you shouldn't heat up defrosted food a second time, nor should you delay eating it. This is easier said than done when feeding a baby/toddler. My ds is 11 months old and often has a mini tantrum while I sweetly say 'it's not quite cool enough yet - ready in a minute' I often risk food poisoning with myself and husband by disregarding all these rules, but have never taken a chance with the baby.

Agree about defrosting overnight and I would reheat a casserole in a saucepan - once the sauce has started bubbling, simmer it for maybe 10 minutes - check that the meat is hot in the middle before you turn it off.

Mind you I am a gambler with salmonella too!

Wellsie, agree with the others about timings etc. however if you're defrosting icecubes of baby food they only take a few hours on the side (not fridge), if that, and then either heat to piping hot in a pan or microwave and cool to right temp.