Freezer containers (merged threads)

lilrahi

I use 1kg packs of butter (after I've finished and washed them 2/3 times) for a 2 portions. And also takeaway packs.

I have been meaning to ask, is this OK? I know there was an article about reusing water bottles but not sure about this.

I have been doing this for about 3 years and so far not noticed anything and they can go straight in the microwave.

Linda32

Most of ours are from the £ shop, I think you get something like 5 for £. If they are not big enough to store two portions of whatever, then I just store one portion and write on accordingly. So if you want two portions of casserole, then you just take out two batches.

Linda32

lilrahi wrote: »

I use 1kg packs of butter (after I've finished and washed them 2/3 times) for a 2 portions. And also takeaway packs.

I have been meaning to ask, is this OK? I know there was an article about reusing water bottles but not sure about this.

I have been doing this for about 3 years and so far not noticed anything and they can go straight in the microwave.

Hi, yes its fine to do this, I'm guessing the issue with water bottles, is that its not so easy to wash out a water bottle. Lots of friddly bits IYSWIM

lizzyb1812

Portion sizes - say you make a batch of bolognese sauce that you know will feed 4. Divide it into 2 and freeze each 2 portion serving. I put mine into a plastic bag inside a plastic box. When it's frozen I take the bag out of the box and store the frozen block - the box can be reused. Saves having gazillions of boxes.

Masking tape and felt pen are good for labelling - keep them where you keep the plastic bags.

Well done on getting a freebie chest freezer - mine has saved me loads, not just in cost but in time too.

Pink.

Hi niksyg,

I keep butter/marg/ice-cream/takeaway containers or freezer bags for bits and pieces or single portions I want to freeze.

For dishes like lasagne, cottage pie, shepherd's pie etc I line the dish I intend to reheat it in with cling film or tin foil, freeze in the dish and once frozen, remove from the dish and wrap it well to stop freezer burn. Doing this means I can re-use the original dish as much as I want and when I am ready to defrost the meal it will easily fit into the dish.

This thread has lots of advice on what containers to use in the freezer:

Freezer containers (merged threads)

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

Pink

babyblooz

I am stocked up with good bread, the brown stuff with grains and seeds! It cost 15p a loaf and was on the use-by date, so I took it home and popped it in the freezer. The five loaves I got would have cost me around £1.60 a loaf at full price so I saved myself well over a six quid. I had more or less emptied the freezer of all the Christmas food so I had the space. I like to have some bread in the freezer at this time of year, just in case the weather turns nasty and we can't get out to the shops.

I also made a huge batch of chicken soup from the remains of our last chicken and some single cream so it will go nicely with the bargain bread.

I would be lost without my freezer! I use old margarine tubs, well washed out for single portions of bolognaise sauces, fruit crumbles, portions of home made mushy peas and my lovely home made gravy. It is just as easy to make a huge pot of it and store it away for when I don't have much time. I made a gorgeous gravy with some mushrooms, onions and little bit of chilli sauce, It was lovely with toad in the hole, so I marked it up with masking tape ' especially good with toad in the hole' just so I don't forget what it is next time I'm having a root around for something for tea. I find the key to it is to always mark it up - just masking tape with felt pen or pencil. The masking tape doesn't come off in the freezer and it is cheap and easy.

Just start slowly and before you know it you will be squirrelling away al sorts of tasty goodies!

deb68_2

Hi
we get pack of plastic containers with lids from wilkinsons £1 for 6 they r like take away containers
found them really good
hope that helps

Aarons_mummy

I use margarine tubs along with those containers you get from a chinese. The poundshop do similar ones both 500ml and 1 litre. I have both sizes and throw them in the freezer, they stack neatly and nicely so it works out well. Once frozen however I take them out the tubs and double bag them in food bags with labels to know what they are. I find this takes up a lot less space and also means you need less tubs since you don't have a ton of them in the freezer

niksyg

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, appreciate it!

lucystardust

I want to start bulk-buying fresh ingredients and freezing individual portions of leftovers, because I used to waste a lot of food by not using it all up.

What do you find is best for freezing portions (I'm thinking things like bolognese etc) eg tupperware, aluminum foil cartons, freezer bags?