Containers for freezing small food portions?

[mrsklamc]

Since you guys are the best shoppers I know, can you help?

I'd like to freeze individual portion sizes of things like chili...I don't know if I should just use ziplock bags? What would be ideal is a small container w/ a lid that could be both frozen and microwaved, like tiny pyrex. I have no idea if such a think even exists!

 

[prncess674]

I love the Ziploc twist-n-loc containers for soups and stews. The small is perfect for a single serving lunch portion.
http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/TwistLocContainers.aspx?SizeName=Small

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

I used to do this for both DS's lunches for pre-school.

The only advise I have is not to use something super cheap. I had a whole bacth of food get freezer burn, because when the platic containers frooze, the platic became rigid and cracked.

The were the Gladware ones.

 

[tapplebapple]

I used to sell Tupperware many years ago and they made a product called Rock n Serve that is exactly what you are seeking. The new version is called Vent n Serve (all they did was change the cover). Below is a link directly to the new product on the Tupperware site.

http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_category_code=20001&fv_item_number=P10059651000

It is great because it can go directly from the freezer to the microwave and they are virtually indestructible. I have many of the older version and I frequently make large batches of soups, stews and casseroles and serve some to my plate and then put the rest in individual Rock n Serve containers and put it right in the freezer. Then I have a great selection of ready to go lunches and even easy dinners on a busy night. This is absolutely a product I couldn't live without. Not a surprise that when I sold Tupperware - I sold a lot of this product

But I will mention again - I don't sell it now. There is absolutely no self promotion here.

 

[mrsklamc]

I used to sell Tupperware many years ago and they made a product called Rock n Serve that is exactly what you are seeking. The new version is called Vent n Serve (all they did was change the cover). Below is a link directly to the new product on the Tupperware site.

http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_category_code=20001&fv_item_number=P10059651000

It is great because it can go directly from the freezer to the microwave and they are virtually indestructible. I have many of the older version and I frequently make large batches of soups, stews and casseroles and serve some to my plate and then put the rest in individual Rock n Serve containers and put it right in the freezer. Then I have a great selection of ready to go lunches and even easy dinners on a busy night. This is absolutely a product I couldn't live without. Not a surprise that when I sold Tupperware - I sold a lot of this product

But I will mention again - I don't sell it now. There is absolutely no self promotion here.

They look very nice- but I just don't think I could ever spend $130 on 7 containers.

 

[espana94]

First thing, you don't want to use Pyrex. It can not go from the freezer to the oven or microwave. It will shatter.

With that said, I highly recommend Corningware's french white 15 oz oval dish with plastic cover. It is a little pricey, but, if you take care of it...it will last forever. I have corningware that my grandmother gave me when DH and I got married 24 years ago that I still use almost daily!

We use the smaller pieces to make individual meatloafs, sides, etc. They go straight from the freezer to the oven with no problem whatsoever.

Here's the link from the Corningware site:

http://www.shopworldkitchen.com/corningware/french-white-oval-dish-1040736#BVRRWidgetID

If you have a Corning outlet store anywhere close by, you can usually find pretty good deals on the smaller pieces.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I think you are looking for smaller than this, I just wanted to link this for an example: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14283560&RN=204&

But my point is, I have seen smaller ones sold individually at Publix; they're probably at other grocery stores and maybe Walmart. They're kinda pricey for me, the skinflint.

I would suggest regular old freezer containers, but microwaving plastic is evil now, right? That really has cramped my style.

HTH!

 

[tapplebapple]

I didn't look at the price - WOW that is way more that what it was when I was selling it. I was really just trying to find a picture to show you what I was trying to describe. That definitely isn't budget

Here are a couple of ideas to try to find it cheaper. If you know a Tupperware person, she probably has discontinued colors (because they change the colors all the time - so frustrating) that she would be willing to part with for cheap. Also, you can check ebay, craigslist and even amazon for individual pieces, sometimes old colors, many are usually brand new still in the packaging. This way you could focus on just getting the small pieces.

Or lastly, ask around to your family and friends, chances are someone went to a Tupperware party sometime in the last 10 years and bought something that they aren't using. Maybe you could make a deal with your friend. I know that I personally have tons of things in my kitchen that I thought I HAD to have that really just collect dust. Like my cupcake taker - I get so excited every year when my neighbor asks to borrow it for her daughters birthday.

 

[DSNY4ever]

I use Glasslock containers (they aren't the cheapest!), but they are glass so if you need to speed up the defrosting process they can go right in the microwave (we don't eat anything heated in plastic even if it says microwave safe). I like the connivence of popping it in the microwave if necessary and the lids stay on tight and don't leak if it it is something liquidy like applesauce or chili. We had some glass pyrex containers and over time the lids just became less and less tight.

 

[prncess674]

Another option if you don't want to invest in separate containers is to

• let the chili come to temp
• add the chili to an appropriate sized ziploc baggie
• then put the baggie in the container you would like
• sit the whole contraption in the freezer
• once frozen solid you just leave the baggied frozen portion in the freeezer (remove serving dish)
• when ready to heat/eat then just pop the chili "cube" out of the baggie and into the appropriate container and heat/eat

 

[DSNY4ever]

I use Glasslock containers (they aren't the cheapest!), but they are glass so if you need to speed up the defrosting process they can go right in the microwave (we don't eat anything heated in plastic even if it says microwave safe). I like the convenience of popping it in the microwave if necessary and the lids stay on tight and don't leak if it it is something liquidy like applesauce or chili. We had some glass pyrex containers and over time the lids just became less and less tight.

ETA: they sell them at bed bath and beyond and we go in every time they send out a 20% off one item coupon and we get a new container to add to our collection, helps make them cheaper. I heard Costco sold some sort of group package of them for cheaper.

 

[SamSam]

I always make extra food and then freeze it for future meals. I use a foodsaver, my dh always says 'this tastes like you just made it'. Here's what I do:
For whatever is leftover...coudl be Chili, thai stir fry, whatever...I put a serving size in an appropriate size container (save them from Lean Cuisine frozen meals, etc.), put in the freezer (before sealing), once frozen (not more than 12 hours), I put the serving size container in a foodsaver bag and seal it. Pop it in the freezer and it's good for 12 months!

I put the food in the freezer before sealing because the juices will tend to be 'sucked out' during the sealing process if it's nto frozen first.

 

[gudrench3]

Hm, would Lock and Lock's work? They can be fairly cheap and have a set on QVC that offers 1 cup, 2 cups, and 3 cups bowls. I love them, but I've never tried them in the freezer though. Anyone else ever tried them? I know they can be microwaved...just not much help on the freezer side!

 

[Judique]

Another option if you don't want to invest in separate containers is to

• let the chili come to temp
• add the chili to an appropriate sized ziploc baggie
• then put the baggie in the container you would like
• sit the whole contraption in the freezer
• once frozen solid you just leave the baggied frozen portion in the freeezer (remove serving dish)
• when ready to heat/eat then just pop the chili "cube" out of the baggie and into the appropriate container and heat/eat

Aww...I was going to say this! But you said it so much better!

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

When I did the meals for my 2 LO's,

After I found out the Galdware would crack when frozen, I switched to RubberMaid take n toss and never had a problem with them .

I think because the platic was a softer platic, and more well rubbery, and not a stiff rigid platic, it just seemed more malliable and I never had any probems there on out.

 

[pannm]

Be carefull with any plastic storage, I've tried Ziplock and a few different brands. I made up a bunch of chili- we ate it for dinner one night and I had a lot left over. Put it all in those dang twist top ziplock bowls and stacked them on top of eachother in my freezer for an easy thing to take out quickly and warm up.

I wasted 1/2 of the stuff I froze that way, because the ziplock plastic would crack or even split in half. I was so mad. One morning, one container fell out and busted all over the floor. I stepped on a chunk of the plastic and it was as bad as getting a big glass chunk in my foot.

I really like to use ziplock baggies. I fill them with the food that has cooled, lay them FLAT to freeze, then stand them up on their side and the storage of it is super easy and doesn't take up much room.

ALSO, check rummage sales, second hand stores and where ever else for Tupperware!!! They've mastered the freezer storage sets! YES, they are EXPENSIVE new...but even if you end up going that route, THEY WORK and you won't be throwing your money away on things that bust or break! and they last FOREVER!!!

I got a BUNCH of tupperware sets and single items from a rummage sale about 3 years ago and still use ALL of it.