Freezer Storage

I put leftovers in the freezer, even if it's just a small amount. I use them for my lunch (I'm a SAHM) or for the kid's snack time. Those small portions really come in handy sometimes.
Sometimes I also intentionally cook double the amount I need and freeze the rest for a dinner later. When I'm in a rush or don't feel like cooking I can get something from the freezer. Pasta sauces are great for that. They freeze well and they are inexpensive to make in the first place.

How do you freeze the meat? Do you leave it in the store package and just toss it in the freezer? If so, stop doing that!!!!!! Those packages are not made for freezer storage. Get some good freezer bags. Take the meat and portion it out. So, if you buy your hamburger in bulk (it's often cheaper that way) portion it into 1 lb packages. Take the burger and smush it flat in the bag. Then roll the bag to squeeze all the air out. It's kind of hard to explain! The trick is to get all of the air out. It should look like it's been vacuum sealed. That's the big trick to freezing. NO AIR. Air=freezer burn! Fruits aren't so difficult to freeze. My stepmom adds a tiny bit of water to the bag before she freezes her fruits. I've never tried it, but she swears by it.
This looks like a website that will answer your questions! Good luck and happy freezing!
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/questions/FAQ_freezing.html

If you google freezer meals - you could start using your freezer to pre-prepare the meat and freeze in an appropriate way. This way your meal is ready, if you get a good deal on meat or veggies those meals cooked and frozen - well they can freeze better.

Good luck

Lay fruit pieces on a sheet pan (cookie sheet), freeze the fruit and then place it in a bag or container. You can now just take out as much as you need in individual pieces. If you don't already have one then buy a Foodsaver vacuum sealer. This works great for bulk meat, fish veggies that you have purchased. You can write on the bags with a permanent marker for dates and contents.

I usually buy meat in bulk. I cut up or divide the meat. Wrap it in plastic wrap, foil and freezer bags. I write what is in the bag with a sharpie on the outside. You can write the date as well. I don't keep things in the freezer too long. You can store it for up to 3 months. Take out the meat 2-3 days before depending on your freezer setting. I try to keep the meat on one shelf area. Fruit, I would slice the strawberries. You can dice them to put in muffins (you don't need to thaw them to bake). Sliced strawberries are good for putting on top of pancakes. It takes about 30 seconds in the microwave to un-thaw. You can also use the fruit in smoothies. It is a good idea to keep some arm & hammer in the freezer. Good luck!

Try the book Don't Panic, Dinners in the Freezer and http://onceamonthmom.com/ My friend bulk cooks using once a month mom. Last time she did it, she spent 150 bucks and made 28 meals!!!

BTW, for couponing, I use http://happyhomemakercindy.com/

Hope that helps!

Another tip, put things in areas in the freezer.......like all the meat is on the right, fruit in the middle, etc.....I have found that it is much easier to find stuff when I do that............we have a big freezer as well as one on the fridge......of course, it doesn't always stay where it's supposed to......but it's a start and it's in the general area....

Good Luck and take care.

Can the fruit, it will store better in jars.
When you buy extra meat, plan on using it in about 2 weeks. If you make a plan on when to use it you are more likely to actually use it.
Ball guide to Canning and Freezing is a good book to keep and use forever.