beginners guide to filling the freezer with homemade stuff....

[vict17]

Hi everyone. I've decided I really should make better use of my freezer. I'm a bit of a dimwit (!) in the kitchen. What do people make and then freeze, how long do you keep it for and what do you freeze it in? eg pasta sauces etc

Yes to both daisy.

I freeze full bottles of milk with no problems so sauces are a doddle.

As to casserole, yes you need to be very careful on reheating. Either plan ahead and take out hours before or maybe microwave on a low heat to defrost before reheating thoroughly. I have done it before, but now prefer to use boned chicken as it takes the worry away and also makes it easier to freeze in individual portions.

thanks sg.
i love mn, everyone is so knowledgeable!

me too daisy. i've always got daft questions going round in my head and here i get to have them all answered. . It's amazing and everyones so friendly.

Vict - shame on you. I hope you're going to keep trying now?? What put you off?

btw jangly. What is the purpose of blanching? thanks
love thicko

Mumonamission - the blanching kills off the enzymes which can spoil the veg after time. good article

In answer to the question about freezing frankfurthers, I always put Hertz frankfurters in the freezer straight from the supermarket. You can then take out as many as you need and cook from frozen in the microwave in seconds. Great for kids as superquick lunch/supper.

Just bumping this thread.. cause I'm a beginner too .. any more ideas

can you use frozen fish to make a dish then freeze the dish, i suspect not but im not sure.

Yes you can, so long as the dish is cooked before you freeze it. You can't re-freeze anything that has been frozen without cooking it first but once its been cooked, its fine.

I pick masses of fruit when it's in season (eg blackberries, raspberries etc) then freeze on trays before bagging up. You can also make double quantities of pastry or crumble & freeze that so you always have the makings of a pudding in the freezer.
I also freeze unused egg whites for making meringues & fromage frais just before its' use-by date. Stick a lolly stick in it & it's an instant frozen treat.
And of course I always make Enid's chicken nuggets & freeze half!

Of course, you should cook the dish thoroughly, cool it quickly, and then defrost it in the frig when you use it, before reheating it thoroughly. All the usual precautions, really.

That was an add-on to my previous message. Nothing to do with Bettys'!

hi all

I've just posted a similar message before I saw this thread!

I'm expecting my second in June and thought this ti me around I'd make s ome meals ahead. All that sleep deprivation not particularly conducive to cooking home meals!

Any recipe suggestions?