Tips for Freezing Foods

Here are some helpful tips:

• Use good containers — heavy-duty freezer bags and airtight plastic containers
• Food needs to be well-chilled before stacking in the freezer
• Remove as much air from the bags or container as you can before freezing
• Keep freezer as close to zero degrees F as possible
• Use an inventory sheet to track what foods are still in your freezer

Foods that freeze well

• Baking powder biscuits: These can be flavored with cheese and garlic or cinnamon-sugar, or split and served McMuffin-style.
• Rolls: Mix the dough, cut out the rolls and freeze them individually on a cookie sheet, then store in sealed plastic bags. "These can be pulled out one or 10 at a time," says Teresa Hunsaker.
• Crepes: Layer them between waxed paper and wrap in plastic wrap to freeze.
• Waffles: "You can make all kinds of flavors."
• Chili: "I make up a whole vat and use it for all kinds of things."
• Casseroles: "I freeze them uncooked, then add 1 1/2 times onto the baking time."
• Sticky Chicken: "Take a bottle apricot preserves, a packet of onion soup mix, mix up with chicken tenders and freeze it in a zip-lock bag. When you need it, bake it in the oven."
• Stuffing: "It freezes great."
• Cranberry sauce
• Chutneys and cooked salsa
• Marinades: "The meat is wonderful frozen right in its own marinade."
• Cheesecakes
• Some pies
• Lemon bars
• Most Bundt cakes
• Most quick breads

Steps to making meals ahead

• Set a time for planning, shopping and prepping
• Inventory your pantry, freezer, etc.
• Plan what storage containers you'll use
• Plan work stations or assembly lines
• Make sure you'll have enough freezer space
• Plan for a cool-down location where the food can cool before going into the freezer
• Convert recipes to larger high quantity amounts
• Label all containers with item, date and cooking instructions