Growing up surrounded by the rolling country life in Virginia- I learned good techniques to stretch a meal and preserve the garden bounty. I have always enjoyed these learned lessons with my canning and preserves. I admired the techniques and awed the beauty of the country pantry stocked with a rainbow of jared loving work. But this simple trick of freezing is something Ive always done. Especially if I fine good deals in the produce isle. ( yes I am that woman that buys the dollar mark downs.) My favorite deal was bulk mushrooms by the jumbo bags on the mark down dollar shelf. (That story is in my mushroom soup recipe.) I am-friends with the produce guy- for getting me the big box of tomatoes going off the line that are mushy or bruised. Marked down for cost saving. Best salsa ever! (Salsa recipe) And Ill take a jar or two to share as a thank you next visit to the store.
Freezing vegetables and fresh fruit is so easy! Dont toss the wilting pepper- freeze the asparagus before it withers – onions and potatoes before they sprout are so easy if you prep a bit.
So many instructions on the internet but here are a few of my typical staples in the freezer.
Veggies-
Clean and prep cut the size you want in finished product. Bring a pot of water large enough to cover vegetables once dropped in. I use my larger stock pot. Bring water to a full rolling boil snd drop prepped vegetables in for two minutes. Strain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. A ice water bath is the best but I don’t have an ice maker so Ice is hard to get in my house right now. I do cold tap.
Spread out veggies on a plate or cookie sheet and pat dry with clean towel. Bag in clean dry freezer bag pushing as much air out as possible. If you have a vacuum sealer even better! Freeze.
Broccoli, onions, peppers, beans, carrots, potatoes, peas, corn … think frozen veggies you buy. You can make yourself easily!
DO Not Freeze- lettuce
Spinach and kale I have frozen right in the fresh bags. You can precook as well.
Fruit! Even easier!!! DO NOT BLANCH freeze fresh direct
Clean stems dirt and pick out bad berries
Pat dry- spread out on cookie sheet freeze for two hours. This keeps berries from sticking together in freezer bag. Place in airtight bag or container. Yummy snack frozen right out of the freezer. Great for smoothies and baking! Berries are best! Apples and peaches a like to cook first but you can toss slices in lemon juice to preserve color and freeze.
Fun home project with kids!! Eat healthy and put love in your cooking. ❤️❤️
Grit Cooking- A Southern Girls Taste 