Things You Can Freeze

Okay, this isn't a recipe, but my neighbors and I have been discussing of late all the things that you can stick in your freezer. Please add to it if you have a trick up your chilly sleeve!

1. Gallons of milk can be frozen. Just pour a little off the top to allow for expansion while freezing. Thaw when you're ready to use it. I've had gallons last three months in the freezer this way. They probably could last longer, I just haven't tried it. When milk goes on sale, I buy several gallons to freeze.

2. Olive and Canola oils. These are convenient to buy in bulk, but don't have the longest shelf life. Stick them in the freezer until you are ready to use.

3. Bread! The day old baked goods at the grocery store, and the Pepperidge Farm outlet on Kenny are two of my favorite spots to visit. I buy a month's worth of bread, bagels, and buns at a time and store them all in the freezer until ready to use. You can toast them for immediate thawing, or just let a loaf sit on your counter for a few hours until its thawed.

4. Fresh herbs. You know all those times you make a recipe that calls for a tablespoon of fresh basil or parsley or whatever? The leftover fresh herbs can be finally chopped and put in your ice cube tray with just a tiny bit of water. As soon as they are frozen, empty the cubes into a freezer ziploc, label and then you just pull out a cube to thaw the next time you need fresh herbs. It works particularly well with soups, sauces, and stews, since you can just throw the cube in without thawing it. For salads, defrost in a separate dish before adding.