Freezing for space

 When you are doing freezer cooking, Space is a big key..When you freeze a meal or what ever your freezing, you should freeze flat. If I have the space I use a cookie sheet to make sure they stay flat. You want to push out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. I try to flatten as much as I can till the product is right at the lip of the ziplock seal.that way there ain't really much air to worry about.

LABELING: obviously you should label the bags to know whats in it.make sure you right the date and if the meal has special instructions, like heating instructions. Write that down to.especially if your partner also prepares meals when you cant be home. you know Men. They will look at the bag and ask what the hell are they suppose to do with it.

Casseroles are really great to have on hand and they freeze well. It's definitely a great winter and holiday meal to have on hand.

Hamburger: I make alot of hamburger helpers, cause there always on sale and easy to make. So I make sure I always have 1 lb. increments so I can just grab a pound the night before and put it in the fridge to thaw. If the stores meat counter has a great sale on hamburger I always ask for about 10-20 1 lb. increments.

Chicken: Chicken is a great staple and usually at cheap prices..If you find whole chickens or any chicken at reduced price because it needs to be used soon.I throw it my crockpot and it becomes chicken for quesadillas,chicken and dumplings,chicken soup,etc. which are all great winter meals and easy to freeze.If there is broth you want to keep. I freeze it in ice cube trays and bag the cubes to drop in soups and any meal I want to add flavor to.

Marinating: This is a great summer freezer meal to prepare. Steaks,Chicken, Pork Chops, anything...You can make your marinades in ziplock bags with the meat of choice, Take them out the night before and it will thaw in the fridge all day and marinade itself..then when its time to grill or cook. your all ready to go.