If you’re anything like me then you have great intentions to be organised and ready for anything over the holidays but then somehow end up frazzled (I see you nodding your head).
I have a few tricks to stay on top of things but one is keeping the freezer well-stocked.
These are my top 5 must have freezer items to help you survive the holidays. With these you will be prepared for easy entertaining and whipping up something amazing at any time of the day:
1. Frozen berries
I have these in my freezer all year round. They’re not only super healthy but great for baking, making smoothies and whipping up a quick dessert.
2. Gingerbread (or your favourite biscuit) dough
Usually when I make biscuits I double the recipe and freeze some dough. Just flatten it into a disc (for easy and even defrosting), wrap in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag
3. Mince
If you open my freezer you are almost always guaranteed to find beef mince and usually chicken and or lamb/pork. It is so very versatile and great for entertaining. Search for ‘mince’ and you will find lots of goodies including the ones pictured.
4. Puff pastry
Did someone say sausage rolls? Need I say more? It’s also great for sweet things too. Cut into triangles and roll up a piece of dark chocolate for quick chocolate croissants. Or twist squares, brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon then bake for a sweet snack with after dinner coffee.
5. Mum’s chicken sandwich filling
Mum’s freezer always has some of this. Yes the photo is terrible (early blogging days - must update!) but this filling makes THE BEST chicken sandwiches. Make it up, pop into zip-lock bags and flatten. Defrost it in the fridge then use it on bread, in wraps or even in little savoury pastry cups.
I hope this helps you out just a little bit this holiday season. What about you? What do you always have in your freezer?
Merle says
I always have cooked rice both brown and white. Cooked oats porridge divided between patty pans which are good heated in the microwave for a speedy breakfast topped with yoghurt and berries. In addition I always have frozen berries, frozen blue grenadier, salmon and cod fillets. I can get a Kedgeree on the table in 15 minutes by sautéing a chopped onion in oil/butter with curry powder adding frozen peas and then rice, cod which was simmered in milk and water for 5 minutes and lemon juice. The final touch is a few hard boiled eggs and chopped tomato and cucumber salad.
Hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas and that we all receive the best present of all - Rain!
Claire says
Merle that sounds like such a delicious meal what a great idea! Have a wonderful Christmas. Yes rain would be incredible!
Elizabeth says
These are great tips... I love the chicken filling idea... I will have to do that :) thanks for sharing! Liz xx
Claire says
Thanks Liz! The chicken filling really is amazing!
erin @ she cooks, she gardens says
I love the sound of those chicken sandwiches! My freezer needs a serious clean out, but I've always got homemade stock cubes, frozen peas and soy beans on the go in there.
Claire says
It seems frozen peas are another staple in most freezers. I need to clean mine too!
Hotly Spiced says
I always have frozen berries too. And some pastry. And leftover egg whites. And a bag of peas - with Ollie now running around, you're going to need a bag of peas - best addition to any medical kit xx
Claire says
I always forget you can freeze egg whites. Or if I freeze them I forget I have them!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I always have chicken and beef stock, puff pastry, flour (to keep the bugs out), frozen mango cheeks and mixed berries. The rest changes with what I've parked in there to eat later.
Claire says
I'd like to add frozen mango to my stores!