{"id":85419,"date":"2023-12-10T12:04:42","date_gmt":"2023-12-10T12:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/?p=85419"},"modified":"2023-12-10T12:04:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-10T12:04:42","slug":"make-the-most-of-your-freezer-with-these-four-savvy-food-prep-hacks-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/lifestyle\/make-the-most-of-your-freezer-with-these-four-savvy-food-prep-hacks-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Make the most of your freezer with these four savvy food prep hacks | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

MAKING the most of your freezer now will help you stay chilled through the busiest month of the year.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s prezzie shopping or Christmas dos, the social calendar is cranking up a gear.<\/p>\n

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But you can take some of the heat off by filling your freezer with quick food options.<\/p>\n

MAKE A MEAL OF IT: <\/strong>Pack your freezer with ready meals, easy-to-cook basics and fruit and veg, often cheaper than fresh options.<\/p>\n

And load up with healthier foods too, such as fish, frozen rice and frozen chopped peppers, to make up for over-indulging.<\/p>\n

These won\u2019t go off, so you can keep them long after Christmas.<\/p>\n

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BAG A BARGAIN:<\/strong> Look out for yellow sticker items or other great deals at the shops and pop them in your freezer.<\/p>\n

Grab Christmas grub or items that will be handy for unexpected guests.<\/p>\n

You will also need to cook your usual meals, so make freezer space for things like reduced chicken, meatballs or pizza.<\/p>\n

LOTS OF LEFTOVERS: <\/strong>Freezer expert Kate Hall says: \u201cYou can buy ready prepared frozen food, such as roast potatoes, parsnips and stuffing.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis might not be cheaper than cooking from scratch, but you can just use what you need and save the rest reducing waste.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget frozen peas. Supermarkets\u2019 own brands are great value.\u201d<\/p>\n

ICE AND EASY:<\/strong> You can prepare much of your Christmas meal in advance and freeze it for the big day.<\/p>\n

Potatoes can be part-boiled, cooled and then frozen flat on baking trays.<\/p>\n

Tip them into freezer bags to store.<\/p>\n

When you need them, heat a baking tray with oil or goose fat and cook them from frozen.<\/p>\n

Give them ten minutes longer than usual in the oven.<\/p>\n

This method also works for other root veg such as carrots and parsnips.<\/p>\n

You can even make and freeze gravy and stuffing.<\/p>\n

Have a batch of frozen breadcrumbs ready for bread sauce and toppings, and cranberries for a festive sauce.<\/p>\n