We just got our first upright…and I can’t wait to organize it…and my regular freezer, too!

I only repackage purchased meat if I buy it in bulk, then I will put more manageable servings into gallon-size freezer bags. Otherwise, I just keep it in the original packaging. Hope that helps!

Frozen foods aren’t safe indefinitely, particularly if the food harbours bacterium prior to it being frozen. This is a really common mistake that catches people out. Thawing it out means that it reactivates (unless you cook it above 140F prior to eating it). Additionally, while the food keeps, the quality diminishes – something that should be mentioned.

Likewise, thawing an item out ‘for an hour or so’ at room temp encourages bacterial formation and growth (again, unless you subsequently cook it over 140F). It’s better to defrost and then cook in the microwave or on a stove.

One can never be too careful with food safety.

That’s a great question, and I’m going to add it into the post. I defrost either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. For instance, if I want cheesecake for dessert, I may take it out of the freezer in the morning and stick it in the fridge. For cookies or brownies, I’ll take one out and leave it at room temperature for an hour or so. If I’m really craving one, I’ll throw it in the microwave Hope that helps!

I would say 1-2 months, leaning toward the latter if you wrap them really well. Admittedly, I’ve never had anything last longer than about a month because I eat it

My freezer used to make the first picture look neat. But as I am baking more and doing home cooking to keep from going to fast food or chain restaurants, I have experimented with some other freezing containers. They are very inexpensive and available at restaurant supply stores. I have been using Chinese food containers and round waxed type soup containers with lids. When I put the food in the Chinese food containers, I place a small piece of waxed paper on top of the food, close, mark the ingredients and date on the outside and freeze. I just defrosted some chicken and rice and it was excellent, no freezer burns. As an aside, I am trying to phase out plastic from my life…too many chemicals.

All food safety websites that I have read recommend these methods for keeping foods the freshest for the longest.

Do you have any alternatives that you could recommend?

I would assemble it, freeze it, and then bake it (adding some time to make sure it’s warmed through).

I bought baskets to put in the freezer for special things – butter, twd leftovers, etc. but then they would just fill up with stuff. Ah, well.

Need to reorganize it again. THanks for the motiviation.