defrosting?

hotcookie101

Hi everyone, I am just wondering if you all follow the recommendations for defrosting food-ie defrost overnight in fridge? I always try to, but if I put something in fridge at 7-8 pm, the following night, when I go to cook it its always frozen still. Now this isnt a whole bird or anything-pork chops, mince etc, all stays frozen
My fridge is set at 4degrees, (and is that, or 5) and I defrost on the bottom shelf (american FF so pretty tall)
I now defrost stuff over the day on the counter, unless I am prepared enough to take stuff out 2 days in advance.
So can anyone tell me how long it would take to defrost large (2kg) chicken in the fridge-I want it for sunday lunch, should I take it out now?
Thanks

CCP

I can't answer your question on defrosting a chicken, but I can reassure you that I defrost things exactly the same way - I've had too many experiences of trying to cook chicken or mince ice pops after 24 hours in the fridge, and now leave them on the side for a few hours instead. I know it's not a recommended strategy but my parents did this when I was growing up and I'm not dead yet.

The only time I've ever had a problem with this was when I tried it with prawns, and only covered them with some kitchen paper. Well, the cat enjoyed them, anyway! :rolleyes:

merlin1

i have this very same issue, so with whole birds i usually take mine out of an evening, pop it in the microwave (not to do anything you understand just so its out of the way) then just before i go to bed i pop it in the fridge, this works for me

sometimes i forget so i'll take the bird/joint out of the freezer just before i go to bed. it goes in the micro, then when i get up its still very cold so it goes in the fridge til i'm ready to cook it.

with stuff like mince or meat portions generally, i do the same - in the microwave but i take it out in the morning, pop in micro, and when i come home its defrosted but still very cold as if fridged. do take note that my house is empty for the day, and we dont have heating on at night unless -degree temps.

thriftlady_2

Definitely take your chicken out of the freezer now. I've just taken mine out -we're having it Sunday evening.;)

I would take it out of the fridge on Sunday morning as soon as you get up if you want it for lunch to make sure it is thoroughly defrosted and to get it to room temperature (it's always best to let meat get to room temp before cooking).

I often defrost things on the counter rather than the fridge -not big things but fish, a lb of mince, chops, leftovers etc.

hotcookie101

Ah thats ok then i kept reading that I was going to die a horrendous death if I defrosted things at room temp! (have been doing it for 13 odd years since I left home and before that too and its never harmed me so I probably should have just trusted my own judgement really :D)

Oh and I much prefer to cook my meat from room temperature anyway (especially steak/roast beef-nothing worse than the middle still being cold when you cook it perfectly rare )

CCP

merlin1 wrote: »

i have this very same issue, so with whole birds i usually take mine out of an evening, pop it in the microwave (not to do anything you understand just so its out of the way)...

Yes, me too. I generally refer to my microwave as 'the meat safe' - i.e. safe from the cat! :rolleyes::D

merlin1

:rotfl: yep thats the one! only mine is meatsafe from the dog! :cool:

i find its good for defrosting without actually using it becuase it really does behave like a 'cabinet', i cant explain it very well

valk_scot

CCP wrote: »

Yes, me too. I generally refer to my microwave as 'the meat safe' - i.e. safe from the cat! :rolleyes::D

Yes, me too!