The Freezer Is My Friend

During the summer, Adam and I tend to use fresh ingredients and make our food from scratch each day. For lighter meals, we have salads or soups, but do not generally utilize leftovers as much as we normally would. This is mainly due to the abundance of fresh produce we want to take advantage of, as well as the higher temperatures which tend to curb our appetites for warm foods.

With fall approaching, it is time to re-discover the most useful appliance in our kitchen: the freezer. Nine months out of the year, our freezer plays a prominent role in our daily food lives. We make large batches of soups, stews, chilis and various bean dishes, amongst other things, only to freeze the leftovers for another day. This is a great way to save time and money, since making a large batch of any type of food is generally less costly than making multiple smaller batches.

Freezing is also useful for those of us who eat meat and fish. We usually buy meats in larger quantities and freeze portions. This way, we can take advantage of specials and family-packs offered at the grocery store. Buying meat in this way, as opposed to just enough for one meal at a time, is another great money saver.

Lastly, I like to buy summer produce to freeze for later use at times when it's not possible to buy locally. For instance, this is a great idea for berries of all kinds. Buy a large flat of berries from your local farmer's market, wash, dry, and spread out on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, allowing the berries to begin freezing individually. Once the berries are slightly frozen, you can store them in a freezer-proof plastic bag, and enjoy fresh, local produce for the rest of the winter. To defrost, put the berries in the refrigerator to thaw and then use in baking, or to make compotes. Defrosted berries will even do well plain in yogurt, with a slightly mushier consistency.

Freezing foods provides a fast, easy way to have homemade meals when you are short on time and energy. Making larger batches with the intention of freezing leftovers can set you up for great fare later when you have evening activities, are tired from work, or just don't feel like cooking. The benefits are enormous since you will save money on take-out dinners, and probably be eating healthier homemade foods.