How to Save Time and Money Using Your Freezer

As a time and money saving device, the freezer is underrated. From stocking up on freezable on-sale items, to storing pre-chopped vegetables, your freezer can help a lot when it comes to saving time and money in the kitchen. In this article you'll find many tips for making the most out of your freezer's money and time saving potential.

Freezing Fresh Vegetables. A great way to save time in the kitchen is to keep fresh vegetables ready to use in the freezer. Rather than digging out a knife and cutting board each time you need to chop up an onion for a recipe, chop up several onions and put them in a labeled zip-top freezer bag. When you need to use onion in a recipe, pour out the necessary amount and either thaw, or throw frozen directly into the pan. This also works well with bell peppers, celery and many other vegetables.

Chopping up vegetables and keeping them in the freezer not only saves you time, but can save you money. For example, recipes rarely call for an entire bunch of chopped celery - usually just a few stalks. Keeping some chopped celery in the freezer will keep you from having to buy an entire bunch of celery, just to have most of it go to waste. You can also buy items such as onions in bulk bags for less money per pound.

Stock Up Sweet Stuff When on Sale. Many items keep very well in the freezer and are great to stock up on. When baking items such as chocolate chips, nuts and shredded coconut go on sale, stock up and keep them in your freezer. These items can be used straight from the freezer. You can also chop up the nuts ahead of time to save time in the kitchen.

Rules for Freezing Dairy. Not all dairy products freeze well. Butter is the best example of a dairy product that is great for freezing. Since butter can be very costly, buying it on sale and freezing it is a great way to save money. Margarine freezes well also. Sour cream, cream cheese and cheese separate and crumble when frozen. Grating cheese before freezing avoids this. Buy cheese in bulk for a discount, grate, and keep in freezer bags. For many dishes cheese can be used straight from the freezer.

Buy Meat in Bulk. Buying meat in bulk is usually much cheaper per pound, but only if it won't go to waste. Separate a bulk package of steaks, roasts, ground meat or chicken pieces into freezer bags. Be sure to label the bag with the cut of meat and the date. Keep these in the freezer and put in the refrigerator to thaw the night before you will need it. You can also freeze meat in a prepared marinade as mentioned above. Buying meat in bulk and keeping it in the freezer is a great way to save money.

Prolong the Life of Your Spices. Putting spices and herbs in the freezer in airtight containers will prolong their life. Most cooks rarely use an entire jar of spices within the recommended time period (six months to one year usually). Keeping extra spices and herbs in the freezer will save you money because you won't have to replace them as often; you can just refill your jar with fresh spices straight from the freezer.

For more time and money saving kitchen tips, check out my articles titled, "How to Save Time and Money Using a Crock Pot" and "Saving Time and Money by Stocking Your Freezer with Prepared Items."