Freezing bulk foods

[Tygerlilly]

Okay, so I'm 25 and the object of spending money never really bothered me, until recently. I've never really given thought to buying foods in bulk and freezing them.

What are some of the best foods to buy in bulk and freeze? How long does it stay good frozen?

Thanks for the help! Gotta get better at saving so I can fund my trip in November!

 

[chris31997]

Stick butter, meat(repackage in ziplock type bags), strawberries(although does not look so pretty when dethawed best if cooking with or smoothies), grapes are great for a summer treat, corn on the cob(shuck it and throw it on the grill)

I have also heard you can freeze milk just get a % higher than you like to drink.

If you cook, you can look up freezer meals and make those. I make spaghitti (sp) sauce huge batch of it. I end up freezing about 6 half gallon of those.

My rule of thumb is 6 months. I do date everything and use the oldest stuff first.

 

[mb_uh]

Shredded cheese- buy a 5lb bag at sams put in freezer bags (1lb size) last several months

Meat- buy in bulk (whatever is on sale) separate repackage (steaks, hamburger, pork chops, chicken)

butter- just leave in box

If you are eating processed foods anyway- buy in bulk and use as needed (fries, chicken nuggets)

Hotdogs freeze well

I do not like frozen bread but some do.

Also if you make chili, casseroles, taco meat, chopped vegtables, it makes meals much eaiser.

Tamales freeze wonderfully. If you are using celery for a meal and have some left that would be wasted- chop it freeze it and it is ready to go for a soup later on.

It takes some time but once you get the hang of it you will save time and money.

 

[seashoreCM]

Separate it into portions before freezing it.

Do not freeze the whole thing, then thaw it all so you can cut off a portion, then freeze what is left, then thaw it all so you can cut off a portion, etc. This will degrade the flavor and texture.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[ShariVT]

I would buy a foodsaver. It more then pays for itself. Then I like to check the sales flyers make my list get out my coupons and go shopping. The next day is cooking day bulk hamburger cooked with onions and frozen in smaller portions for soup or caseroles or chili. Makes life so easy and the bags can be placed in boiling water to thaw.

 

[pampam]

It might help us make better suggestions if you told us what kind of meals you prefer. Do you eat a lot of processed foods, or would you rather freeze your veggies to prepare your own meals. Are you looking for make ahead meals and casseroles?