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Volume III
March 25, 2011


Weekly Home / Cook'n & Eat'n

Did You Know

You Could Freeze...

By Patty Liston

One of my favorite new sites is Still Tasty. Anything you would want to know about your foods - what is safe, what is fresh, how to freeze, how to store, etc., can be found on this site. It is chock full of information that most of us may have wondered about at one time or another, but had no idea where to go to get the answers.

I was on the site again this week when I read this little article on what one can freeze - and for how long. I thought I would share it with you as I do believe that this information is not only interesting, but helpful as well.

EGGS: 1 year
Crack open and mix in a touch of salt (if using for savory dishes) or sugar (for baking or desserts); place in freezer bags or airtight containers.

BROWN RICE (UNCOOKED): 1 year
Brown rice has a higher oil content than white rice, so its shelf life isn't nearly as long. But it'll keep for several months longer if you freeze it.

BUTTER: 6 months
Butter freezes well, so stash a stick or two in the freezer (leave in the original wrapping and place in a freezer bag) and you'll always have some on hand when you need it.

MILK: 3 months
If you're constantly running out, freeze a backup supply in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using - the texture may be a little grainy, but it's fine for cooking and usually okay for drinking.

NUTS - INCLUDING PECANS, ALMONDS, WALNUTS: 1-2 years (depending on the type)
Thanks to their high oil content, nuts are especially prone to going rancid. Freeze them and they'll stay fresher longer.

FRESH HERBS - INCLUDING�BASIL, CILANTRO, PARSLEY: 6 months
Most recipes call for only a sprig of herbs, but you have to buy the whole bunch. Freeze what you don't use in ice cube trays, covered with a bit of water, and then transfer to freezer bags.

TOMATO PASTE: 3 months
Rarely do you need to use the whole can at once. Freeze dollops of leftover tomato paste on a cookie sheet or in ice cube trays and transfer to freezer bags for use in future recipes.

BREAD: 3 months
If you can never seem to finish a whole loaf before it gets rock-hard or moldy, freeze it. Bread toasts just fine, straight out of the freezer.

MAPLE SYRUP (100% PURE): Keeps Indefinitely
Sure, it's more expensive than the imitation stuff. But pure maple syrup keeps forever in the freezer - so you'll never have to waste a delicious drop.






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