Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Not at convenient as you may think.

Ever considered the actual cost of ingredients in some bought ready-meals? Fact is, it could be around 25% of the price paid, sometimes even less. Which means that at least 75% is spent on something we can't eat and often can't be recycled. So it makes financial sense to cook in bulk and freeze away our own home-made meals. Here's a great money-saving tip : when freezing meals line a foil tin (or other container) with layering tissue (or clingfilm) before putting in the cooled food. Fold over this lining to protect the top before putting on the lid. (Do this anyway when tomatoes are an ingredient as the acid can eat into the foil).
Once frozen the wrapped package can be removed and put into a bag (remember to label) so that the container can be used over and over again. Just remember to discard the wrapping before thoroughly re-heating the food.
Good dishes to make in bulk and to freeze in single portions are: meat sauces, chili con carne, cottage pie, curries, sticky toffee pudding, fruit crumbles.