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Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 04:45:16 am

Title: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 04:45:16 am
what do you freeze ?

Lasagna, pasta bake, cannelloni, stuffed pasta shells
Veal /chicken schnitzel
Veal /chicken involtini, chicken cacciatore, veal /chicken parmigiana
Meat loaf, meat balls, burger patties
Stews, soups, pies,

will add more later  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: cookie1 on January 19, 2012, 04:53:59 am
All of the above. Plus
Umami paste
icing
cakes
biscuits
pastry (before it is a pie etc)
coulis
egg whites
egg yolks
butter
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 05:00:00 am
cookie, can u tell i am a ***  ;D

Cream
Cheese
Dough
Fruits
Milk
Bread
Stock
Panna cotta
Tiramisu
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: cookie1 on January 19, 2012, 05:00:57 am
Nah. ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 05:01:37 am
 :D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 19, 2012, 05:35:11 am
This (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1942.0) is an old thread but you might find it of interest.

Just checked what is on my lists for the freezers, mostly leftover bits and pieces.
tomato puree
spag bol sauce
napolitana sauce
satay sauce
liquid vegie stock as well as concentrated vegie stock paste
sofritto
pate
tomato paste
garlic butter
buttermilk
cheese sauce
philly icing
coconut cream
garlic sauce for pizza
light & creamy evaporated milk
coconut cream
basil pesto dip
basil leaves
tikka paste
homemade chicken stock cubes
sliced celery for soups
butter
chillies
coriander paste
umami paste
roasted red pepper
mushroom sauce
chicken & leek sauce
mustard sauce
apple sauce
tandoori paste
pizza sauce
red kidney beans
bamboo shoots
egg whites
homemade french onion soup mix
pine nuts
yeast
breadcrumbs
biscuit dough
cottage rolls
lemon juice
knob of ginger
and all the usual -  ice-cream, fruit, veg, meat, bread, flaky pastry & cake items.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: goldfish on January 19, 2012, 06:01:48 am
fundj, cookie and judydawn . .  you are absolute angels!  These lists are invaluable   . well, at least to me!! And I'm sure there are lots of people out there who are welcoming this information as much as I am.   Thanks heaps!!! :D :D :D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 19, 2012, 06:09:04 am
Yes thank you so very very much  :-* :-* :-* :-*

Living so far away from the shops, I now know  I can buy thinks like cream, sour cream etc in bulk and freeze them.

With the egg whites and yolks, do you put them in plastic zip lock bags or ice cube trays? Can you freeze the whole egg cracked in a ziplock bag?

Thanks
DG xxx
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Halex on January 19, 2012, 06:14:03 am
Hally freezes anything that doesnt move.LOL ;D

H :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: cookie1 on January 19, 2012, 06:25:48 am
I put my egg whites in a zip lock bag with the number of egg whites written on the outside. The yolks I freeze in a little container. They go like rubber but are ok.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 19, 2012, 06:32:19 am
I've never frozen yolks Cookie, what do you do with them once they turn into rubber balls  :D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 06:34:16 am
JD if u add just a pinch of salt or sugar they do freez well
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 19, 2012, 06:35:23 am
Found this info at http://fresheggs.com.au/blog/read/freezing-eggs/532/ (http://fresheggs.com.au/blog/read/freezing-eggs/532/)

Eggs can be frozen, but not in their shells.

To freeze whole eggs: Beat eggs until blended, then pour them into a freezer container with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the number of eggs and the date.
 To use: 3 tbsp (45 mL) thawed whole egg = 1 large fresh egg.

To freeze egg whites: Pour white into a freezer container with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the number of whites and the date.
 To use: 2 tbsp (30 mL) thawed egg white = 1 large fresh egg white.

To freeze egg yolks: Yolks will thicken or gel when frozen unless specially treated. Beat in either 1/8 tsp (.5 mL) salt or 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) sugar or corn syrup per 1/4 cup (60 mL) egg yolks (about 4 yolks). Label the container with the number of yolks, the date and what was added (salt for main dishes and sugar for baking).
 To use: 1 tbsp (15 mL) thawed egg yolk = 1 large fresh egg yolk.

Thaw frozen eggs in the refrigerator and use them as soon as they are thawed in dishes that will be thoroughly cooked.


Definately going to give this a go as I have so many duck eggs and I can only use them in cakes and cookies etc. Can't eat them in quiches etc as they may me ill.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 19, 2012, 06:50:24 am
Thanks Uni & DG - that's handy info.

If I have leftover yolks, I usually add more whole eggs and make DH an omelette or scrambled eggs.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: deedub on January 19, 2012, 08:39:16 am
You've all just reminded me to take out the stubbies of beer I put in the freezer an hour ago! Thanks, could have been a disaster  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Cornish Cream on January 19, 2012, 08:59:11 am
You've all just reminded me to take out the stubbies of beer I put in the freezer an hour ago! Thanks, could have been a disaster  ;D
:D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 19, 2012, 10:10:26 am
It could have been deedub, it's hard to drink frozen beer  ;) not to mention the mess if they exploded.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 10:29:42 am
i have heard some ppl make ham and cheese sandwich and freeze them  :-\
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: EmeraldSue on January 19, 2012, 12:02:21 pm
My mum goes above and beyond in freezing meals. I opened her freezer the other day and it was stacked with dinner plates each containing a separate meal. When I asked her about it , she said that she just takes a plate out of the freezer, zaps it in the microwave and dinner is ready!  :-))
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: achookwoman on January 19, 2012, 07:17:41 pm
I do find that vacuum sealing helps protect items for the freezer.  I am about to do my 6 monthly clean out of the big bench freezer today.  I store different items in cardboard boxes as they are easy to lift out.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 19, 2012, 10:13:56 pm
fundj, I have a friend who has 4 kids and she spends Sunday afternoon making all their lunches and then freezes them. Ham and cheese freezes well. She makes all their sandwiches, muffins and even cuts the watermelon for fruit stop and puts it in containers in the freezer. I am not that organised  ;)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 19, 2012, 10:18:13 pm
if you had 4 kids, i think you would be that organised DG
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Halex on January 19, 2012, 10:26:30 pm
I alwas make the sandwiches for ds lunch on a sunday & freeze. Easy, plus in the hit weather its till fresh at lunchtime.

H :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 19, 2012, 10:37:21 pm
If I had 4 kids I would be in the nut house  ;D

DS7 is more than enough at times.

Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on January 19, 2012, 11:37:45 pm
I also freeze leeks for potato and leek soup.
Lime juice, lemon juice, mangos, strawberrys, biscuit dough for when visitors drop in.

Judy your list is fantastic.

Thankyou.

Robyn
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 19, 2012, 11:48:45 pm
Thanks Robyn, you can see why I needed another freezer  :D :D

Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 20, 2012, 12:41:47 am
frank likes  eating his dark chocolate from the frezzer

Lemon peel /zest

ganache
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: medusa on January 20, 2012, 06:09:21 am
fundj,  I may have asked this before (or at least I meant to) how do you freeze your schnitzel?  cooked?

thank you
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: snappy on January 20, 2012, 07:19:14 am
Uni, I haven't seen baby food on your freezing list?

I freeze all the kids meals pre-cooked.  2 very hungry boys means I often need dinner quick smart!
Cooked pasta
Homemade sausage rolls
Herb chicken hors'doerves from the EDC
Pesto sauce
Bolognese sauce
Sausages
Cookie dough
Cupcakes
Pikelets
Casserole

Pretty much anything really!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on January 20, 2012, 10:10:04 am
I think Hally is right ...you can practically freeze anything...exceptions being potatoes, boiled eggs ... What else?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 20, 2012, 10:25:50 am
i have found that soy milk and mascarpone cheese dont freeze well ,there is one more thing i just cant remember right now

snappy, nothing frozen for my GC  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: dede on January 20, 2012, 10:35:58 am
Vanilla slice definitely doesn't freeze well, big sloppy mess lol.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 26, 2012, 10:01:09 pm
fundj,  I may have asked this before (or at least I meant to) how do you freeze your schnitzel?  cooked?

thank you

sorry medusa i have just seen this question :(

uncooked  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 26, 2012, 10:07:47 pm
left over  ristto can be frozen, yum arancini
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: KerrynN on January 26, 2012, 10:10:26 pm
JD I noticed that you had coriander paste in your list. I recently bought a big bunch of coriander to make Morrocan Chicken but the DH did the cooking and just figured we didn't have any so it didn't get used. I want to freeze it so that I can have it on hand but what is the best way?

Would you also freeze parsley as well? And if so, in the same way as the coriander?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on January 26, 2012, 11:00:24 pm
Can you freeze frittata... would be useful for school lunches if it is successful. DD is very fussy.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 26, 2012, 11:20:38 pm
i dont courton, maybe i did try it years ago and it did not freeze well.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 26, 2012, 11:28:17 pm
Kerryn, the coriander paste is the recipe from the Indian book which is very spicy and I have that frozen in tiny plastic medicine cups  but I also did a batch of coriander and oil for general use to replace coriander in a recipe. It's the same as I do with excess basil.

Remove leaves from the plant, wash and shake in a sieve then dry with paper towels (if it needs it, I find my coriander is generally very clean).
Place 3 large handfuls into the TM bowl with 2 - 3 tblspns olive oil.
Press turbo button twice, scrape down sides and repeat.
Place roughly 100g into small ziplock bags, flatten out, express the air and seal or freeze teaspoonsful on a tray then once frozen transfer them to a ziplock bag.
Will last 12 months.
You can snap off the amount required if you have frozen it in a thin slab.
This works well in sauces or curries.

With parsley I would chop, place 1 - 2 tablespoonful into ice trays and top up with water. Just throw a cube or 2 into any dish with a sauce.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: KerrynN on January 27, 2012, 10:39:15 pm
Thanks so much JD! You are a fount of knowledge!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Halex on January 28, 2012, 12:01:07 am
JD, you should post this in recipes somewhere :)

H :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on January 28, 2012, 12:10:46 am
I had posted it here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5893.0) in spices etc Hally but now it's in the freezing section that should cover it pretty well.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 28, 2012, 12:31:58 am
hellooooooooooooo
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 28, 2012, 12:54:31 am
Helo fundj  :-*
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on January 28, 2012, 12:56:45 am
ok this one is working, its a start.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on January 28, 2012, 12:57:50 am
write on the one thats not working and I will see if it is there.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on February 18, 2012, 05:44:24 am
i just defrosted JD's Varoma steamed Corned Beef, just perfect. 
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on February 18, 2012, 06:50:42 am
You froze it in slices Uni?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on February 18, 2012, 01:30:06 pm
yes JD very thin slice, i have an electric slicer which makes it easy to slice.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: meganjane on February 21, 2012, 12:16:16 pm
I buy those foil containers with paper lids in bulk and freeze entire meals for when I'm away so D G can just grab and microwave.

Deedub, DH froze cans of beer recently. Fortunately not stubbies, they make a huge mess when they explode!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on March 22, 2012, 10:50:44 am
Can you freeze smoked salmon. I bought a big packet and it has been in the fridge for a week...how long will it last in the fridge?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on March 22, 2012, 11:00:58 am
I bought some on special with a week or more to go recently and stuck them in the freezer courton. Yours should have a use by date on it.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on March 22, 2012, 11:07:36 am
Does it taste ok when thawed JD?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on March 22, 2012, 11:13:03 am
I'm going to use mine in soup courton - I never eat it as is but I googled the question and they say to wrap it in amounts you would use and it freezes successfully with no noticeable difference.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on March 22, 2012, 11:24:22 am
You are A life saver! Thank you :) :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: CarolineW on March 23, 2012, 10:34:19 am
Yep, I can confirm that.  Whenever it's on special offer I buy several packs and freeze those I won't be using straight away.  Never a problem.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on March 23, 2012, 11:46:45 am
I bought a big packet from Costco (excellent quality) but we are struggling to finish it. Great to know this.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 14, 2012, 04:31:31 am
Has anyone froze tuna Mornay. Wanting to make some meals for mum to freeze as she hates cooking for one now. Any other ideas in great meals to freeze.
Thanks DG xxx
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 14, 2012, 04:56:45 am
i freeze bechamel sauce and thats ok so i think  tuna mornay should be ok .freeze just a tiny bit b4 i see what you think
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on April 14, 2012, 05:04:47 am
I freeze fish mornay, also lasagne .

Both work well.

Robyn
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 14, 2012, 05:05:36 am
Maybe I will just make cheese sauce and freeze into small portions, then mum can just cook pasta and add a small tin if tuna.
Going to make her lasagna too. Will freeze some cheese sauce and lasagna for DS too.

Thanks for your help fundj xxxxxx
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on April 14, 2012, 05:17:18 am
Yes both those meals are available in the frozen dinner section at the supermarket.  
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Cornish Cream on April 14, 2012, 11:39:58 am
Yes both those meals are available in the frozen dinner section at the supermarket. 
What were you doing looking in there :D :D :D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on April 14, 2012, 11:46:58 am
 :D :D  Never buy it CC but wanted to see if you could freeze tuna mornay  ;D  That's one way to find out just what you can and cannot freeze.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: KerrynN on April 14, 2012, 11:48:39 am
I made the tuna mornay from the Budget Busters book (with some tinned tomato added as it wasn't all that nice looking) and have frozen two serves of it. We had since eaten one of the frozen ones and it was fine.

Kerryn
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: kezza on April 14, 2012, 01:16:34 pm
Okay, after reading this thread I am going to start freezing.  I am gob smacked that you can freeze egg whites and yolks.  Also, I had no idea you could freeze lasagne.  Thankyou everyone for all your tips. 
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Halex on April 15, 2012, 12:16:02 am
I freeze anything & everything.

I have 5 egg white frozen atm, just waiting for  more so I can make meringue.

When I make lasagna I make 2. I buy the foil trays from the reject shop. I make one in my lasagna dish & 1 in the foil tray. The foil tray one goes in the freezer. I do this with lots of pasta dishes & stews.

I figure freeze it or throw it out, so freeze it, if it doesnt work you havent lost anything.

Milk, cream, cheese etc  on special are great to freeze.

Beware you freezers will be bursting with food, LOL

H :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Netstar on April 15, 2012, 05:21:40 am

When I make lasagna I make 2. I buy the foil trays from the reject shop.


Hally - Can I ask you what will probably be a silly question, do you make and bake the 2 lasagnes and then freeze in the foil trays or do you freeze them unbaked into the foil trays and then bake them on the day you plan to eat them?

We're going on holidays tomorrow and I was planning to bake a lasagna tonight to take with us.  I was going to bake one, cut it up into individual serves, freeze and then take the frozen serves along.  But now I'm thinking it might be better to make it, freeze it unbaked in the foil trays like you said and then bake in the foil trays while we are away.  Do you just bake it like normal in the foil tray??
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: KerrynN on April 15, 2012, 06:26:07 am
Netstar I do lasagne both ways - that is sometimes I freeze it before I cook it and sometimes after. Depends on the situation but either way works fine. You just need to adjust the cooking time (I cook with foil on top for a while so the cheese doesn't burn).
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Netstar on April 15, 2012, 06:41:49 am
Thanks Kerryn.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on April 15, 2012, 07:45:58 am
I usually make my lasagne and freeze unbaked.
Then bake when you eat it.

Robyn

Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Frozzie on April 15, 2012, 08:17:01 am
I freeze mine unbaked in the dish.. Find it better that way like with most things.. If you can freeze uncooked then cook it straight from the freezer pretty much i find its better 😊
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Halex on April 15, 2012, 10:32:37 am
I am not sure how others do it, but mine is basucally cooked.

The bol sauce is made, the bechamel sauce is made, I layer it with fresh pasta, grate cheese in the top & then freeze it.

Just pop it in the oven to heat it up & the cheese to melt.


H :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Frozzie on April 15, 2012, 08:38:53 pm
Oops yes i do the same .. I meant the constructed lasagna dish is uncooked 😄😄
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Cuilidh on April 15, 2012, 09:05:22 pm
I freeze just about eveything I make - most Sunday mornings I do my weekly cook, separate it into portions then into the freezer to eat during the week.  Unfortunately my freezer is too full at the moment - I think I may have to look at vacuum packing which will take up less room than the plastic containers I current use, then I can cook more!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 15, 2012, 09:29:57 pm
vacuum packing or using zip lock bags is the way to go Cuilidh. i stocked up in vacuum bags in bali so much cheaper over there
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Cuilidh on April 15, 2012, 10:09:02 pm
I used to use the zip lock bags but found they leaked if I recycled them - perhaps I'll give them another go and not recycle them this time, they are certainly more space efficient than the plastic tubs, etc. which I am using now.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on April 16, 2012, 07:49:41 am
Hi there I made Fudgy wedgy cookies and would like to freeze them. Can I?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on April 16, 2012, 08:30:11 am
Can't see why not Courton, I have frozen different cookies before.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on April 16, 2012, 09:43:56 am
Thanks JD. :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 16, 2012, 11:55:14 pm
Bought some of those aluminium trays with lids yesterday. This weekend I will make some lasagna and freeze.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 17, 2012, 12:45:31 am
does anyone remember me saying  if  lemon curd freezes well ?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 17, 2012, 01:04:31 am
Found this for you Uni
The user says "I freeze lemon curd, and it defrosts just fine. i press a layer of plastic wrap onto the surface of the curd to keep it from getting icy."
Hope this helps
DG xxxx
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 17, 2012, 01:08:01 am
thanks bella. :-*
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Deeau on April 17, 2012, 01:29:38 am
For years and years prior to my TM I used to make giant batches of cookie dough and freeze. Now that the TM won't handle the quanity and I no longer have a stand mixer I now make smaller batches and cook them first and then freeze, this for me works much better as you can take out  just what you need, ( great when you get unexpected guest ) they take minutes to thaw and many varieties can be eaten frozen.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 17, 2012, 01:37:02 am
i j gave away my last batch of almond meal biscuits a few days ago,i should really make more today it a perfect day for baking  :-\
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 17, 2012, 01:40:17 am
Is it raining there too Uni?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 17, 2012, 02:38:34 am
raining and cold DG
Title: Re: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 20, 2012, 11:05:11 pm
Can you freeze camembert cheese?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on April 20, 2012, 11:59:24 pm
yes you can DG i was very lucky yesterday bought 5, for 80 cents each  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 21, 2012, 12:15:31 am
Thanks Uni. You buy 3 @ woolworths and get free cookbook.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: mcmich on April 21, 2012, 07:59:40 am
yes you can DG i was very lucky yesterday bought 5, for 80 cents each  ;D
5 for 80c each - you Sydney folk have so much more choice than us Lake people.
We do have The Hunter only 35mins from our door but nothing is ever on special. All tourist prices.
Very good quality though.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 21, 2012, 08:05:43 am
Is that the cheese factory in the vineyards?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: mcmich on April 21, 2012, 08:34:17 am
Yes - we go to the Smelly Cheese Factory and The Hunter Valley Cheese Company.
There is also a smaller boutique one as well - Binnorie Dairy that is on Heritage Road.
Another favourite is The Olive Grove - great olives and chilly sauces, jams and dukka.
Adina Estate is wonderful for its port and olives. It has Jazz and lunch days which are great. On Lovedale Road.
OOHH and the Lovedale long lunch is on in May.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Frozzie on April 21, 2012, 06:12:49 pm
yes you can DG i was very lucky yesterday bought 5, for 80 cents each  ;D

My gosh that is cheap... Its cheap here but not that much...great deal.. Hope it was nice camembert!!

We freeze most cheeses when we have an excess and have never had a problem with it once defrosted..
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: nonomix on April 21, 2012, 06:50:00 pm
Very interesting thread. Fundj, you seem to be an expert es freezing! I do freeze quite a lot of stuff (only limited by the size of my 2 freezers  ;D) and I am surprised that cheese freezes well. I had read that cheese that you will use cooked does freeze well but if they are to be consumed raw, better not freeze them as the texture is changed. So I guess that is not correct if you are freezing camembert. It's interesting because I can cometimes buy bulk of French cheese here in Ireland and it's so much cheaper that way but I always  shun away from certain cheese because I didn't think they froze well.
Not sure if that was mentioned but cooked bread/brioche freeze extremely well once cooked. After the thaw thay are just as fresh as the first day they were made!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on June 02, 2012, 09:54:35 pm
How would I freeze individual pies in ramekins? Thanks DG
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 02, 2012, 10:05:41 pm
DG  individual wrap them. so handy to have pies in the freezzer
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: DizzyGirl on June 02, 2012, 11:47:06 pm
Would This work????

Cook filling and place in ramekins.
Top with pastry.
Put a piece of baking paper on top then cover with al foil.
Thought the baking paper might prevent al foil from sticking to uncooked pastry.
Place in freezer. Defrost then cook pies.

Thanks DG xxx
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on June 03, 2012, 06:35:24 am
what method do you use to tell easily what is in what container. I usually forgot and have to thaw before I find out. Hints anyone?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 03, 2012, 06:44:49 am
Would This work????

Cook filling and place in ramekins.
Top with pastry.
Put a piece of baking paper on top then cover with al foil.
Thought the baking paper might prevent al foil from sticking to uncooked pastry.
Place in freezer. Defrost then cook pies.

Thanks DG xxx

sound good to me DG


i cling wrap, then write what it is on a piece of paper then more cling wrap over the paper

I
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Meagan on June 03, 2012, 07:22:02 am
what method do you use to tell easily what is in what container. I usually forgot and have to thaw before I find out. Hints anyone?

Depends on the container - either label maker. Pre bought labels, masking tape with a sharpie or directly on the container.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on June 03, 2012, 08:26:08 am
masking tape, and use a nico pen
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 03, 2012, 08:36:58 am
masking tape, and use a nico pen

nico pen ???
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Cornish Cream on June 03, 2012, 08:45:33 am
masking tape, and use a nico pen

nico pen ???
Thank goodness you asked Uni I'm stumped as well ???
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on June 03, 2012, 08:48:57 am
Oh Uni, you know, like a black or navy big felt pen. drys super fast.
You buy them in newsagents.  Marking pen.....

Maybee its a Qld term, sorry
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on June 03, 2012, 12:11:59 pm
Like the idea of masking tape and pen. Super easy . Thank you.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 03, 2012, 12:12:59 pm
Oh Uni, you know, like a black or navy big felt pen. drys super fast.
You buy them in newsagents.  Marking pen.....

Maybee its a Qld term, sorry

just like a permanent marker
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: Meagan on June 03, 2012, 12:20:23 pm
Yes we have sharpies they are a brand of permanent marker in WA
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on June 06, 2012, 02:19:47 am
Hi, I have ended up with a lot of roast leg of lamb... can I freeze it like that or will the texture and flavour change when I thaw it eventually? Anyone have experience with this?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on June 06, 2012, 02:27:50 am
Hally freezes her leftover lamb - I never have, I just make a hotpot out of leftovers the next day or use it in sandwiches.  I never buy a huge leg of lamb - I'd have to mortgage the house to do that  ;)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 06, 2012, 03:12:46 am
courton i dont eat lamb sorry, i am no help on this one. surely it would be ok to use in pies or a stir fry
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on June 06, 2012, 03:57:05 am
Nico or Artline are brands of marking pens, sorry.


Lamb freezes well, in freezer bags, or I use snap lock bags alot.

Robyn
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: astarra on June 06, 2012, 03:59:47 am
Hi Courton - I freeze leftover roast meat in meal lots, either in gravy, or in foil in a bag or just a plastic bag, always reheats well for me, also I make toasted sandwiches with leftover roast meat and gravy with cheese etc and freeze them (untoasted) for DH's lunches.

Someone said you can't freeze potatoes (not sure who) but I am about to disagree with that, you CAN freeze potatoes - I do it often... I peel and steam or boil them, then oil or butter them, pop them in the freezer on trays, once frozen I put into bags in meal-size lots... so handy, quick and easy. They can be cooked from frozen or thawed, both work. I also freeze shepherd's / cottage pie with the mashed potato topping, works well too. I agree you can't freeze raw potato, but cooked you can. Also potato bakes freeze well. What about frozen chips/wedges??
I do freeze alot of things in meal size lots, makes my life so much easier. I also freeze sandwiches and salad rolls (without the salad, just the meat, capsicum, red onion etc) and DH/DD take the lettuce, tomato etc seperate.
I love my freezer!!!  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: obbie on June 06, 2012, 04:02:54 am
I freeze cottage pie too.
I freeze milk, yoghurt, cream.

I think chips / wedges are usually blanched a little bit first, then frozen..
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: courton on June 06, 2012, 04:33:04 am
Thank you Astarra!
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: mcmich on June 06, 2012, 07:55:40 am
I freeze left over roast lamb all the time. When my children still lived at home I froze it in meals with veggies.
Always defrosted well.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: mcmich on June 13, 2012, 10:15:09 am
Can I freeze custard? No one seems to have added this to their lists.
JD, how do you freeze your skinny tinny evaporated milk?
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: astarra on June 13, 2012, 10:27:32 am
TM custard - yes, you can freeze it. I do choc custard in small containers and freeze for DDs lunchbox treats. (I found out you could freeze it on the lunchbox challange thread.)  :)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 10:28:38 am
i do freeze a dessert that has lots of custard in it and thats fine.
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 10:30:52 am
mich have you seen this list http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=9778.msg145145
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on June 13, 2012, 10:38:41 am
Michele I just freeze leftover milks (coconut milk, coconut cream, skinny evaporated milk) in small ziplock bags and if I want less than is them I just stab it with a knife and break off chunks until I get the amount I want. Be careful with the knife though  ;)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 10:46:01 am
JD dont forget u can now freeze the whey in the same way  ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: judydawn on June 13, 2012, 10:48:58 am
Whey too easy Uni  ;)
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 10:51:17 am
 ;D
Title: Re: freezing meals and freezing ingredients
Post by: mcmich on June 13, 2012, 04:12:38 pm
Thanks again.