Kitchen Tips: Freezer Essentials for Kids
Even though it's typically small (about one-third the size of your fridge), your freezer proves the adage that size doesn't matter. It can be your big little helper, especially if you stock it with the right stuff. Everything from extra pancakes to fruit cubes will save you time, lower your stress level and keep your family full. It's almost as efficient as you!
- Ice cube trays: (Full of ice, of course!) You can be as basic or as creative as you'd like, ranging from nonstick cube trays to animal-shaped and even minis. Fill with juice for fruity cube treats.
- Ice packs for injuries: A must-have for parents with sports-loving kids. These come in handy for little boo-boos as well as the strains, sprains and sore muscles of childhood. In a pinch, a bag of frozen peas works just as well.
- Ground beef, chicken or turkey
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You'll be surprised by its many uses.
- Vegetables: There's nothing like having a taste of summer in December, especially if you freeze your veggies shortly after they're picked. Veggies stay fresh in the freezer for about eight months.
- Vegetable packets: (Like chopped spinach, broccoli florets, peas, carrots, etc.) Frozen vegetables tend to contain less salt than canned.
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Popsicles: Fruit varieties tend to have less sugar, but no matter what, these are great quick, low-fat desserts.
- Pies or cobblers: Great for holidays and entertaining large groups or for dessert for unexpected guests.
- Fruit juice concentrate: Flavors like lemon, berry and orange go over well with the kids during the summer months. And they cost a whole lot less than the stuff in the container!
- Berries: Great for quick smoothies or for toppings on dessert, pancakes or even salads.
- Tea bags and coffee: Freezing these will keep them fresh.
- Sauces: Keep extras on hand for quick add-ins, especially if you took the trouble to make the homemade version. Freeze pesto in ice cube trays to make individual servings.
- Leftovers: Make it a point to cook and keep the extras, saving you time and effort later.
- Frozen dinners: For those days when you're just not in the mood. They're cheaper and usually more nutritious than take-out.
- Bread: Keep an extra loaf of sandwich bread, as well as pita bread or English muffins.
- Pancakes and waffles: When you're making breakfast make sure you cook a bunch of extra pancakes—they freeze well and will save you some time on busy mornings.
- Breast milk: If you're nursing, of course. It can't hurt—and the babysitter will love you—if you keep "magic liquid" around.
- Formula: If you have an infant. It keeps well and stays fresh.
- Teething rings: A soothing relief for your baby, a godsend for you!
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