What's In The Freezer?

This question used to come to me quite often. You see, I often freeze baked goods for the sake of convenience, leftovers, or long-term storage. I also freeze other food items, such as meat, produce, butter, bread, and whole wheat flour to prevent spoilage. However, if you have a deep freeze, it can be difficult to keep track of what is in it, where the items are, how much, and how old the items are. This can cause spoilage, squished foods, freezer burn, and headaches (not to mention frozen fingers). Many recommend keeping  a list posted to the freezer door to keep track, and to label each item carefully. This method still has loopholes though. Whether you fail to record an item either due to laziness, or the old "I'll remember", these items can easily be forgotten. In my household, I have been trying a new system for the past few months, and it has been working quite well thus far. Here is how it works:

1. Package - Package items appropriately (well sealed, in a container or bag large enough to contain the food without too much excess space).
2. Label - Label the items with the name, quantity, date, and any other important information.
3. Location - Find a spot in the freezer where you will be able to locate the item, and it will not be squished or succumb to freezer burn. For example, you may wish to divide the freezer into separate sections for meat, baked goods, etc. Place delicate items or items you will be using soon near the top of the freezer.
4. Record - I use a scribbler arranged by category to record every item I put in the freezer, the quantity, the packaging it is in, and the date. When I take the item out of the freezer, I cross it off the list. This way I always know what and how much is in the freezer.
5. Enjoy - Most items must be thawed in the refrigerator for safety reasons (or under cold running water). Allow plenty of time for thorough thawing. Most cookies, breads, muffins, cakes, squares, etc. can safely be thawed at room temperature and usually only require 30 minutes to 2 hours.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Adjustable Temperature Control: Lift Out Storage Baskets." http://www.refrigerator-select.com/frigidaire-ffc0923dw-white-chest-freezer-88-cu-ft-manual-defrost.html. Frigidaire, n.d. Thursday, September 29, 2011