Quick questions on ANYTHING (see first post for Freezing, Reheating, Slow Cooker, +)

Clutterfree

Hi,
I am just making a lasagne for dinner tonight and for the first time ever I am making an extra one to freeze.
After I have made it and put the cheese sauce on top I usually bake it in the oven for 30 mins.

Now my question is: when do I bake the extra one?

Do I bake it now so that when I remove it from the freezer, and defrost it, all I need to to is reheat it?
Just seems more economical to cook now with the other one.

Or do I wait for it to cool and then pop it in the freezer as it is and then when it is time for it to be eaten, defrost and then bake in the oven as usual?

Also, once frozen, before eating do I need to defrost it first (I think I do!) or can I cook/reheat from frozen like you can ready meals?
Although it is in a foil dish, if previously baked, could I remove it from the dish when it is frozen and reheat in the microwave rather than the oven?

Sorry for all these questions but I don't want my new OS ways to give my family food poisoning!

Thanks for any help!

Nova5

I would bake it at the same time but take out of the oven 10 or 15 mins before end of cooking time. Allow to cool and then freeze. Defrost completely before cooking - take out night before and defrost in the fridge.

When you go to reheat it, you are also finishing off cooking - IYSWIM?

HTH x

Clutterfree

Thanks Nova, that makes sense to me!

icka

Hi Guys

Innocent smoothies 1lr are on sale in my local tesco (they are gorgeous just can't afford them when they are normal price). Do you know if I can buy them and freeze them. take them out to thaw when I need a new one.

Thank you:j

Pink.

Hi Clutterfree,

I never cook lasagne before freezing.....just layer it up as usual, allow it to cool and pop it into the freezer.

I have found in the past that even part cooking it means that the top is over cooked before the middle is piping hot. Saying that, I cook mine in the oven. If you're reheating it in the microwave then that wouldn't be an issue.

These older threads might help:

Freezing lasagne

h/m frozen lasagne. defrost help

Pink

Nova5

Any tips on yorkshire puddings? I have searched recipe threads but can't find any. We usually use Aunt Bessies but since trying to live OS, want to try to make from scatch

Pink.

Hi Nova,

This older thread has lots of recipes, hints and tips:

Yorkshire Puddings

Pink

Pink.

icka wrote: »

Hi Guys

Innocent smoothies 1lr are on sale in my local tesco (they are gorgeous just can't afford them when they are normal price). Do you know if I can buy them and freeze them. take them out to thaw when I need a new one.

Thank you:j

Hi icka,

I'm not sure about the Innocent smoothies as I've never tried them, but I imagine it would depend on the ingredients. Does it say anything on the packaging about freezing?

This older thread is about homemade smoothies but might help:

Smoothies: can you freeze them?

If you fancy making your own, there are lots of recipes on this thread:

smoothie recipes

Pink

juno

Pink-winged wrote: »

Hi Juno,

Have a look at this link (with pics): Fresh Egg Test

Pink

Thanks!

After kicking my boyfriend and saying "Ha!" a few times (he didn't believe me) I made them into very nice scrambled eggs. I added some mustard at the end for extra flavour and it was yummy.

npsmama

Please could I ask 2 questions:

1. I made some coffee buttercream (butter, icing sugar, instant coffee granules dissolved in water) 10 days ago. I didn't need all of it so put it in the fridge in a Tupperware. Is it still OK? It smells and looks normal.

2. I marinated some chicken strips in peanut butter, vinegar and sweet soya sauce. It's been in the fridge since Friday afternoon. Is it still OK?


Thanks very much in advance