MAKING the most of your freezer now will help you stay chilled through the busiest month of the year.
Whether it’s prezzie shopping or Christmas dos, the social calendar is cranking up a gear.
But you can take some of the heat off by filling your freezer with quick food options.
MAKE A MEAL OF IT: Pack your freezer with ready meals, easy-to-cook basics and fruit and veg, often cheaper than fresh options.
And load up with healthier foods too, such as fish, frozen rice and frozen chopped peppers, to make up for over-indulging.
These won’t go off, so you can keep them long after Christmas.
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BAG A BARGAIN: Look out for yellow sticker items or other great deals at the shops and pop them in your freezer.
Grab Christmas grub or items that will be handy for unexpected guests.
You will also need to cook your usual meals, so make freezer space for things like reduced chicken, meatballs or pizza.
LOTS OF LEFTOVERS: Freezer expert Kate Hall says: “You can buy ready prepared frozen food, such as roast potatoes, parsnips and stuffing.
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“This might not be cheaper than cooking from scratch, but you can just use what you need and save the rest reducing waste.
“Don’t forget frozen peas. Supermarkets’ own brands are great value.”
ICE AND EASY: You can prepare much of your Christmas meal in advance and freeze it for the big day.
Potatoes can be part-boiled, cooled and then frozen flat on baking trays.
Tip them into freezer bags to store.
When you need them, heat a baking tray with oil or goose fat and cook them from frozen.
Give them ten minutes longer than usual in the oven.
This method also works for other root veg such as carrots and parsnips.
You can even make and freeze gravy and stuffing.
Have a batch of frozen breadcrumbs ready for bread sauce and toppings, and cranberries for a festive sauce.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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