Can You Freeze This?

I know it's usually common sense to know what can and cannot be frozen or how to store frozen food but, for some people it isn't that simple, not everyone buys ready frozen goods which have guidelines on the packaging.....so here goes!!

Some recipes do not react well in the freezer, here are a few things that should be avoided;

• Try not to use too many spices, onions, garlic or herbs in dishes, it would be better to add these things when reheating or just put small amounts in the dish. If you do use spices etc in the dish then it should only be in the freezer for no more than 4 weeks.
• Do not put too much sugar in dishes otherwise they will not freeze properly.
• If you use flour in sauces etc they could curdle when reheating. It is better to thicken with cornflour or reduction.
• If you make a stew, soup etc., don't put the potatoes, rice or any starchy foods in until reheating because these sort of foods do not freeze well when put into things.
• Do not freeze custards, mayonnaise, soft meringue or milk puddings even if they should be included in a dish, it is best to add when reheating.

What can you freeze?

• Meat can be frozen, it is a good idea to buy meats when they have an offer or when they are at their cheapest, but always take notice of the instructions for your particular freezer because some things should only be frozen for a short time so take notice of guidelines.
• Vegetables and some fruits can be frozen successfully if they are prepared properly and they will keep their nutrients and vitamins better than being in the fridge for a couple of days.
• Sponge cakes can be frozen, but they tend to be a little dry when thawed so I always think it's better to make these fresh. Pies freeze well, but it is better if they are cooked and cooled before freezing because the sauces tend to separate.
• Fresh yeast freezes well, it is best to cut into 1oz cubes, wrapped in foil or polythene then frozen, 1 cube takes about 30 minutes at room temperature to thaw. I buy my yeast in blocks of 1lb because I can only buy it 20 miles from where I live!
• Fish can be frozen very well, but it should not be more than 24 hours old so you should trust your fishmonger to tell you the truth or go catch it yourself! Remember to check the guidelines of your brand of freezer for the length of time to keep fish in the freezer.
• Eggs can be frozen...sometimes. They cannot be frozen in their shells because the egg expands inside the shell causing it to explode. If a recipe needs just the white or yolk of eggs it is fine to freeze the other part, boiled eggs do not freeze well, in fact I would not bother freezing eggs at all unless they are raw!

These are just a few things you can or can't freeze, but there are other things a freezer is useful for....chewing gum will break off material if frozen first, putting fats into your freezer for a few hours will make it quicker to make pastry, just grate it into your flour and mix!

Thank you for reading and buy a good A - Z of Freezing, you will be surprised what you can do.