Freezer Meals - Part 4

The Essentials

The Supplies In order to preserve the meals there are some essential items that you should keep stocked in your house. I try to keep a surplus of these supplies;

1. Aluminum Foil.
2. Plastic Wrap.
3. Freezer Bags.
4. Disposable Dishes - I don't generally use these for our own meals. I like to keep something in the freezer just in case a friend is in need, or for Paul at work. Having it in a disposable dish means the friend can just toss the dish when the meal is gone or that Paul doesn't need to worry about keeping track of dishes on the road.
   

You will also need a permanent marker, and labels can come in handy for writing special instructions on, but aren't necessary. When you prepare a meal you have several options to choose from for freezing and storing.

• For individual items, such as cookies or a burrito, consider assembling or forming the item and freezing it on a plate or tray, not touching any of the other like items. Once the items are frozen you can transfer all the like items to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to pull out the desired amount when you are ready to cook.
• If you choose to use a freezer bag make sure you get out as much air as possible from the bag.
• If you use plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil make sure to press it as tightly as you can against the food. A great dish-saving idea is to line a casserole dish with foil and then plastic wrap, making sure to leave plenty hanging over the edgers. Pour your meal into the dish and then secure the plastic wrap and foil tightly around the food. Freeze the meal, and once solid remove the food from the dish. The food will go back in the freezer and your dish will be freed up for other purposes.

You will want to consider portion sizes when you prepare your meals for the freezer. Do you want to freeze in sizes just right for your family? Freeze individual portions? Or freeze enough for company too? I work with all three portion sizes on a regular basis.

Freezer Meals - Part 1; OAMC Why It Isn't For Us
Freezer Meals - Part 2; Freezer Cooking Why It Is For Us
Freezer Meals - Part 3; What's In Our Freezer

Next: Freezer Meals - Part 5; Practical Tips From Mimi Wilson