Eating out of pantry and freezer

[achookwoman]

I use those zip bags that you write on with a black pen,  for short storage. 

[djinni373]

I find this thread intriguing. Having ready to eat meals or leftovers in the freezer is something I dream about My pantry and freezer are usually chokka - not with leftovers or meals but with staples that I buy in bulk. Nuts, seeds, flours, grains and a smattering of what DH regards as "real food"  I have clearly defined areas to make sure oldest gets used first and I write on containers with Sharpie pens. Family knows not to mess with the system. DH got yelled at for messing up the freezer when I was away in Adelaide last year

[obbie]

I like to cook heaps on the weekends, and freeze meals, so during the week, i just defrost and heat up, and steam veges.

[Halex]

Well I am happy that we are going through the freezer meals. Dh even commented about all the tupperware, he obviously tried to put them all away and couldnt.

I am going to make some curry pastes/rubs for the freezer, but will put them in ziplock bags, easy to store as JD said & easy to label as chookie said.

Still a few freezer meals to go, plus the lasagnas I added which are for cps school lunches.

 

Found 2 pieces of tandoori chicken & 2 wagyu burgers, both cooked, so having them tonight wirh salad & JDs mashed potato bites.

[achookwoman]

Very frustrated.  Have been going great with eating out of fridge, freezer and pantry.  Even got a couple of spaces. !  But have had 2 days away from home and out for lunch today.  Farmers market tomorrow so will come home with lots of free goodies.  Must take lots of stuff.  Hot scones for stall ladies and jams , marmalade and pickles.  Bunches of herbs. 

[mcmich]

I love hearing about your farmers markets Chookie. Sounds like such fun and a wonderful way to share and receive produce.

[gertbysea]

Having to buy a ham and cheese for visitors slowed me down a bit but removed some chicken breasts and now looking in the pantry of sauce making something or other.

Gert

[achookwoman]

Michele,  it really is good fun and people are so generous with their donations. One man brings a wheel barrow ,  full of chook and pony poo. He fill plastic bags.  The garden loves it. 

[Halex]

Chookie, I would love to go to a farmers market.

[judydawn]

Michele,  it really is good fun and people are so generous with their donations. One man brings a wheel barrow ,  full of chook and pony poo. He fill plastic bags.  The garden loves it. 

It sounds like nothing goes to waste in your part of the country Chookie    I hope he's away from the fresh food though 

[jeninwa]

I've been feeding 6 every night for the last 10 days, out of the freezer and pantry, it's amazing what you find hiding at the bottom of the freezer, a kg bag of frozen raspberries, chirrizo sausage, and lots of labels lol.
Last night it was leftovers out of the fridge, I'm just buying what we have run out of, like milk, cheese and bathroom stuff. Sunday I'll  stock up on fresh fruit and veg from the farmers markets.

[sue_purrb]

When I got my freezer, I asked Mr Google the best way to label things, and he gave very good advice........just use a roll of cheap masking tape and a permanent marker. The ink doesn't smudge, and the label sticks well, but then comes off easily and you don't need to mark your containers. If you fold one end over slightly it is easy to find your place on the roll, and also makes it simple to remove from the container.
I have been buying the cheap takeaway type containers from the supermarket, and freezing all our leftovers in meal portions so we have something quick and easy but still home made if there's no time to cook.
I have only had the freezer for a few months, but already wish I had bought the bigger model! 

[judydawn]

Thanks for sharing a great tip Sue.

[cookie1]

I like the masking tape idea. I'm another one who finds labels in the bottom of the freezer. 

[Cornish Cream]

My problem is remembering these great ideas  Thanks Sue