Random Post: Save Money and Flavor By Freezing These Foods

I found this article from All You incredibly interesting, and I just had to share. I even learned a thing or two. Aside from all the items you can freeze listed below, I even freeze butter. A local grocery store had a sale on butter (plus coupons I had to use). I stocked up and threw half my stockpile in the freezer. I won’t have to buy butter for awhile.

I did the same thing with Starbucks 12 oz. coffee. The store was having a sale, plus I had coupons to make the items even less. I stocked up and put all the bags in the freezer.

Freezing food can be a great money saver and keep foods at their most delicious (just be sure to label and date everything!)

Freeze and save

Get the most out of your supermarket dollars by freezing extras strategically―you’ll be amazed by how much you can save! Be sure to label freezer bags carefully with the item, amount, and date frozen.

Cheese

You can freeze many hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, mozzarella, muenster, provolone, Swiss and Parmesan. They may become crumbly after you thaw them, so plan to use them in cooking rather than to slice or place on sandwiches. Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within a day or two of thawing.

 

Milk

Unless you know you’ll use a whole container shortly after thawing, it’s best to freeze milk in smaller portions. One-cup or pint-size portions are convenient. Freeze milk in freezer-safe containers or in well-sealed freezer bags – but be sure to include some extra space, as milk expands when it freezes. Use the frozen milk within 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator, and shake it well before using it. Milk sometimes becomes grainy after it’s been frozen and defrosted – if the texture is too unpleasant to use for drinking or on cereal, use the milk for cooking or baking.

Citrus

The best way to freeze citrus is to freeze the juice in ice-cube trays until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze it in 1- to 2-Tbsp. portions―it should keep indefinitely. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge (or use lemon cubes in iced tea). You can also freeze the zest: Zest the fruit onto a sheet of plastic wrap, wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag.

Eggs

Whisk together whites and yolks until just combined. Measure into an ice-cube tray, using 3 Tbsp. of the mixture per segment (3 Tbsp. is equivalent to 1 large egg). Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Tomato paste

Spoon tomato paste into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to measure how much you’re putting in each compartment (1 Tbsp. is a convenient amount) and label it on the freezer bag.

Ginger

Peel and slice ginger into 1-inch pieces, wrap in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Nuts

Place nuts in an airtight container, or wrap them tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator – or, if using them for baking, toss them into a recipe frozen (though you may need to add a few minutes to your baking time).

Fresh herbs

For whole sprigs, wash, pat dry with paper towels, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 months. Alternatively, chop herbs and place in an ice cube tray. Pour a tablespoon or two of water on top of the herbs and freeze. Transfer cubes to freezer bags; freeze for up to 6 months. To use, simply toss a cube into a skillet when the recipe calls for herbs and let the water cook off.

Again, don’t forget to label freezer bags carefully with the item, amount, and date frozen.

Reader Comment:  A fabulous reader emailed me with another tip about freezing food. "For liquid items that are frozen in ziplocks, you can lay them out flat on an empty corner of the freezer shelf. Make sure they are REALLY flat. Once they are frozen you can stand them upright, like books on a bookcase. It makes them all easy to see and is a good space-saver. It saves having to pull out half the bulky packages from the freezer to get to the back of the pile!" 
Thanks, Sara!

-Susan

http://www.allyou.com/food/family-meals/8-surprising-foods-you-can-freeze-00400000061790/