The one thing that could ruin Christmas dinner? A freezer that’s not ready. Here’s how to fix it
As Christmas approaches, the kitchen ceases to be just a place for preparation and becomes the nerve center of the house.
There are ingredients arriving, recipes being tested, dishes that need to be made in advance and that inevitable accumulation of leftovers. In the midst of this whirlwind, the freezer can be both a savior and a villain - it all depends on how you organize it.
When used strategically, the freezer becomes a true ally for a smooth supper. Freeing up space, planning what can be frozen, storing correctly and labeling everything are simple things that make a huge difference. In this article, you'll learn how to prepare this essential space to avoid rush, waste and frustration when the time comes.
1. Start by emptying
Before you do anything else, clean up. Remove forgotten food, expired products or those you know you won't use. This frees up space and avoids confusion when it comes to storing dinner preparations.
2. Plan what you're going to freeze
Think ahead: what can be prepared days in advance and frozen without losing quality? Pasta, sauces, seasoned meats, broths and desserts are great candidates. Have a clear list to avoid improvising.
3. Use jars and bags that optimize space
Avoid large containers or irregular shapes. Prefer well-sealed plastic freezer bags and stackable jars. Label everything with the name and date so as not to open any "mysteries" on the day of supper.
4. Organize by category
Separate the freezer into zones: meats on one side, sweets on the other, ready-made ingredients on the top, broths on the bottom. This way you can find everything quickly and avoid last-minute messes.
5. Freeze ready-made portions
If you are preparing dishes for more than one occasion (Christmas, New Year, leftover lunch), freeze them in separate portions. This avoids defrosting more than necessary and reduces waste.
6. Leave room for what's left over
Set aside a free space to store leftovers with peace of mind. After all, the 25th is also about reuse and a full freezer can become a headache.
Organizing the freezer is a small gesture that brings enormous relief on the day of supper.
By cleaning, planning and categorizing, you save time, space and sanity. And you turn Christmas chaos into a real celebration
Mirella Mendonça
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