Freezer containers (merged threads)

JulieGeorgiana

You guys have been such a big help!!!!

I slid all my frozen food from their containers and bagged them... they are now it square shapes and I got all my freezer tubs back!!

Thank you... I will now make some Ham and Lentil Soup to fill them back up again!

Thank you!

Becksies

Hi, I'm very much a lurker on MSE but I have a question about batch cooking.

I'm looking to start doing the same for my family, and wanted to know what sort of containers you use and how big should they be for one person (I'm terrible at portion control).

Also where do you get these from?

I realize I'm a tard and put cooker instead of cooking - been one of those days.

Thanks in advance
Bex

Pink.

Hi Becksies,

I usually batch cook in portions of four or five but if I have leftovers that I want to freeze in single portions I use margarine cartons or re-usable plastic cartons that I've saved from previous takeaways.

Portion sizes will differ from person to person, just imagine what you or other members of your family eat and size your portions accordingly.

This thread has more advice on containers for the freezer:

Freezer containers (merged threads)

And this thread has some advice on portion control:

Portion Sizes !!!

I'll add your thread to the first link later to keep the ideas together.

Pink

tiredwithtwins

when i batch cook chilli or make soup, i just use a large square juice carton with the top cut off and a sandwich bag in it - pour whatever it is in the bag in the carton, tie bag off and bung it in an upright position in freezer. when its frozen take it out of the carton and you can re-use. easy to see whats in the bag too.
same with soup, except i use a pop bottle with the top chopped off and a sandwich bag inside; the bottle is removed when its frozen and again its easy to figure out what it is (cos the kids usually nick the labels i put to one side for labelling things!).
as for batch making things like lasagne, i bought a dozen of those tin trays (they were about 60p for 6 in homebargains) and just re-use them. instead of a cardboard lid i wrap it in clingfilm or foil, does the job just as good.

my only problem is stacking everything in the freezer ... :rotfl: ... when the kids are ferreting around for a lolly, my carefully stacked blocks can sometimes end up a bit squiffy!!

Becksies

Wow what an amazingly fast reply, you are great!

Becksies

I have a pretty big freezer and was hoping to cook for 6/7 days once a month and just stack the freezer up.

Its more things like lasagne and pasta i was thinking about, as the OH is a pain in the bum and quite often wants something else.

Knonie

Hi

I've been away for a while and am now back to OS'ing with the intention of starting back properly from 1st Feb and so am spending January getting myself fully organised and getting my head back around to it all..!! I gave birth to a little boy 6 weeks ago so have had full on pregnancy head!!! So far I've found answers to most of my questions by just reading all your wonderful posts..!

Anyway, I have 2 questions I need answering. The first is quite a quick one to answer for those that know....I want to get into bulk cooking and freezing etc and wondered what you guys use for storing all your various bits n bobs in when in the freezer?

The second question could take a little longer - at least I'm hoping for a longer reply anyway!! My husband absolutely adores spicey food, REALLY spicey...! So apart from the obvious ones like chilli and curry do you ladies and gents have any OS recipes that are HOT HOT HOT!!!

Many thanks and Happy New Year to you all... Knonie:D xxxx

McKneff

Ice cream cartons and packs of 3 plastic cartons from the pound shop do it for me.

I'm a meat and veg person so cant help with the second.

Linda32

I'm another one that uses plastic boxes. Can't help with spicy food though, sorry.

LondonDreamer

I see marg and ice cream containers recommended a lot but I don't go through enough, so I use the value 1L storage tubs from Mr T. Great size for us and stack really well. Another option would be the takeaway style containers if you have a local oriental supplier or order online. I also use the small food storage bags (the ones with the snap lock) for smaller quantities. They will also stack if you push the contents flat before freezing. Strong, so can be reused although I don't tend to reuse those which have had raw meat in them.

My DH loves spicy food as well and apart from what you already mentioned, he loves the piri piri chicken recipe from Jamie's 30 minute meals. You could make the sauce in bulk and freeze it to add to fresh chicken, or batch cook the chicken. Works either way. Otherwise, he's pretty happy to just add chilli flakes (I buy in the large packs in the oriental ailse) or jalapenos to anything where it will suit - kedgeree, pizza, etc.