freezer techniques

[kandemama]

This is related to the idea in earlier post about making large portions and frezing for later...how do I freeze stuff so it wont get freezer burn or start growing those weird ice formations? I opened a container of spaghettie I had frozen two weeks ago last night and it was growing stalagtites (sp?)

This would help me to control my eating as well because I absolutely love to bake, but will eat nothing but treats if I don't get it into the freezer fast.

Thanks!

[qtkitty]

When i freeze i put things into portioned zippy bags and then press as much of the air out as i can. If its going to be in there for a good bit .. like Lots of Meat or something .. wrapping it in Butcher paper helps a LOT .

The Probublem with Freezer burn and the funky ice crystals is all about air getting to the food .. the less the air and moisture can get to the food the better.

I have seen those things that pull all the air out and away form your food .. i want one BAD .. but right now we can't afford one.

When i shop i buy bulk as much as i can and try to store it away .. i buy Blocks of cheese instead of the Shredded and sliced, as much as possible. Then i shred it when i need it. If it gets dry or a little moldy on the outside its fine you just cut the mold and dry peices off. That doesn't work for certain processed cheeses though, because they are not aged. I buy only Mild chedder because over time it will become sharp. You can't freeze cheeses because they will get mushy although my grandmother freezes everything when they go to florida for the winter. Mayonase, milk, juice, everything *LOL* She's a nut

[Little4estKaren]

I think this site has some great info on freezer cooking - organized home

[bear]

I freeze cheese all the time. I haven't had a problem with mushiness. Every now and then I will have a block that will crumble after being frozen, but I can deal with that.

[qtkitty]

Maybe Mushy Cheese is an old wifes tale?

I had never tried it .. so it must be

YAY that means i can freeze a Bigger block of cheese YAY

[byumommy]

Either Ziplock or Glad makes a double-layered freezer bag that the inner layer clings to your food. Its called Freezer Guard, it works well.

HTH!

If I ever get a place where I can have a chest freezer, I will invest in one of those vacuum thingies.

My freezer is always packed (mostly baking stuff since I bake alot .... (4 different kinds of flours, corn meal, vital gluten, buttermilk powder, wheat germ). I also have some quinoa in there till I get the courage to try it LOL

I cook in big batches (well for the 3 of us, a normal-sized batch is big), and freeze some for later meals & also for my BF. I soooo need a chest freezer!!!!

I got Cabot butter for $1.99/lb this week, but I could only fit 4 lbs in my freezer. We go through a ton of butter.

OK, I am rambling now

[naturalmama]

Oh man, don't put off trying quinoa. It is so good. I like it even better than rice. You gotta try it. LOL



Aileen

[qtkitty]

byumommy~ I feel your pain .. I want a Chest Freezer so BAD .. i mean i know i can live without, but boy it would be nice to have the freezer space!

Our Freezer is ALWAYS packed to the gills .. infact i am incharge of packing the freezer HEHE.. because i can pack more food into it then Kevin ( wonder if that means i am a pack rat ) Usually if one thing is moved in the freezer though it's an avalanch!

My grandmother had one of those Fridges with the Freezer Chest bottom I LOVED that thing!! Of course she also has a freezer chest in their basement. Nicest thing was that there was always frozen fruit in there and meat. My grandparents had a small orchard and my grandfather would go deer hunting. When i was really little i thought that Venison was a cut of Beef *LOL*.

BTW what is quinoa ?

[byumommy]

Originally posted by naturalmama
Oh man, don't put off trying quinoa. It is so good. I like it even better than rice. You gotta try it. LOL



Aileen

What do you eat with yours? I was thinking some beans or the like?

qkitty ... its a very health seed .... check this link out ... www.quinoa.com/faq/quinoa.html

[naturalmama]

I use it pretty much anywhere I would normally use rice or pasta. I put it in soups or chilli, stir frys etc...

I also feed it as a first food to my baby.

Aileen