I’ve gotten alot of good feedback from my Family Food Fund Idea and many people have asked for more information about freezing foods. Check out Last minute Lady’s blog about certain foods, especially those I don’t eat like cookies, but for meats and fishes, here are some more tips:
- To freeze chicken breasts, place one in each freezer bag, pound it flat, add a splash of water so it doesn’t stick and toss it in the freezer. A bunch of these will stack nicely and then you have single servings.
- If you can get your hands on a filet mignon, slice it into individual 1 inch steaks, wrap them in parchment paper and then place them into freezer bags and you’ve got single servings of those to freeze.
- You can do the same with fish and if something pricey like salmon or tuna goes on sale, buy a side of it, slice them into individual steaks and freeze the single servings.
These single servings defrost quicker too so you can pull the out of the freezer the morning you want to cook them and you’ll be good to go by dinner time.
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Ciao!
Rach
10.29.07 @ 9:48 pm
Hi Rach ~
an update on my search for No Salt added stock in a box- I have found very low sodium Chicken and Veg broth- which is great- however I would love a stock which has more flavor then broth. Please still consider creating a NO SALT ADDED stock in a box!
You will make so many people so very happy!
Love Ya !
10.30.07 @ 7:37 am
Have you ever frozen stuffed grape leaves? (I don’t want to can them because it requires purchasing a pressure canner.)I freeze cabbage rolls in sauce. Could I freeze stuffed grape leaves in chicken broth?
10.30.07 @ 10:35 am
Rach - can you give me some tips on freezing fresh herbs? I hate buying a bunch for a recipe and throwing away the extras.
Thanks!
10.30.07 @ 2:41 pm
A friend told me that you prepared a “Philly Cheese Pizza” on your Oct. 29,2007 program on TV and I have been trying to pull up the recipe but have not been able to do so. can you please help me? Gerda Taylor…
10.30.07 @ 2:45 pm
I had a dream about a filet mignon the ohter night…I was cutting it, and adding EVOO
Great tips, I just adore you and your fantabulous ideas!!
Colleen
10.30.07 @ 5:11 pm
Gerda, here’s the recipe link:
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1009&r=1009,1010,39
10.31.07 @ 11:34 am
I am having the same trouble pulling up the philly pizza and my 16 yr old son keeps begging me to make it for him! HELP??
10.31.07 @ 2:23 pm
Here’s the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza recipe again:
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1009&r=1009,1010,39
11.01.07 @ 3:03 pm
My husband deep sea fishes. What I do is freeze the fish in water. It doesn’t get freezer burn and stays twice as long. Even better that vacume sealing. When I thaw it, it’s like fresh.
11.01.07 @ 3:15 pm
Rachel Looking for the recipie to Gumbo that was Valerie Bertonelli made on your show. Thanks!
Irene
11.01.07 @ 5:29 pm
Hey i have a question. I am a young mom, and I love to cook. I’m an aspiring chef and I watch Rachael Ray everyday. I dont have the time or money to go to school right now, but I don’t want that to stop me from being a good chef. I was wondering if someone could tell me what starter things I should buy to help me make some great food for my familiy. I only have a little bit of money to work with so I need some of the general ingredients I will need to make some quality food rather than the microwave meals I’m used to. Help!!!
11.02.07 @ 3:04 am
Rach- You are Awesome! Thank you for all you do for us ALL! and having John on the show with you at times! I can never miss your show! and it’s good to see the happiness in you and John! Warmest Blessings and throughout your Holidays may Love Bless you all!
I have all your books and I make your recipes often… Love your added tips and from others! Sweet idea! STay STrong and Beautiful from the inside OUT!
Hugs, Sheila
11.02.07 @ 8:54 am
Rosemary, read out Master Shopping List for a good list of ingredients to keep handy:
http://www.rachaelray.com/article.php?article_id=44
11.02.07 @ 8:55 am
Here’s the link to Val’s Gumbo:
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/vals-gumbo/
11.05.07 @ 11:20 pm
Rach,
I have a problem… I have a 8yr old son and he is a very picky eater. He will not try anything new!! He has lost 10 pounds since August. He is on medicine for ADD but he will not try anything. Do you have any suggestions on how to make him gain weight?? All your advice would be great!!
Thanks
Angela
11.06.07 @ 2:23 pm
To maximize the money available to spend on fresh and healthy foods we take advantage of the coupons in the Sunday paper to save money on other items such as paper products and cleaning supplies. Also, I try to hit farmers markets in the summer and buy items to freeze when they are in season.
11.07.07 @ 1:10 am
rach ilove your show. your so cute… im a home bound 75 year old lady i love your BIG DEEP FRYING PAN & THE BIG SOUP OR KETTLE POT
MY PANS ARE 50 YEARS OLD. AS I AM HOUSE BOUND I MUST COOK EVERY DAY.. IS THERE SOME PLACE I CAN BUY THEM CHEAPER AS I DONT HAVE MUCH MONEY…..I WATCH YOUR SHOW EVERY DAY LUV YA ELLEN..
11.14.07 @ 2:36 pm
Rach,
I am a part time first grade teacher and a mother of an adorable 4 month old. I want to know what kind of food processor you have. I want to be able to make organic baby food.
Also, if you want an idea of who to have on the show, I would like to see Jamie Lee Curtis promoting her book, I’m Gonna Like Me!…Blowing Off a Little Self-Esteem. I love your show! It’s the only TV show Abigail and I have on every day!
Thank you!
Susan
11.14.07 @ 3:18 pm
Rach…….You rock!!!I watch you every day more than once a day.I can’t grt enough!!Keep up with the great ideas you always have.Thank-you so much for all you’ve taught me!
11.18.07 @ 7:59 pm
Question, can you freeze peeled garlic cloves?
11.28.07 @ 5:49 pm
Hey, Rach! I absolutely love your show. I just recently found my love for cilantro. I can eat it by itself I love the flavor. I was wondering if you can freeze it or how to preserve it from time to time. My husband loves Asada Tacos with the Fajita meat and onions and cilantro on a soft corn tortilla. Do you have any similar recipes or a recipe for Tomatillo salsa.
Thanks,
Linda
11.28.07 @ 10:21 pm
Hi Rachael,
First I have to say Thank You for inspiring so many people and getting people back to the kitchen, and eating together again as a family!
I have been searching the net for an answer and cant find one that is the same ever.
So here is my question? Can you freeze Brie Cheese? Our local store is having a huge sale and many of them have an expiration of 12/9/07. I am wondering if I freeze it will it be ok until Christmas?
Thanks
De
12.06.07 @ 8:59 am
Hi Rach,
This is my first email to you and I am so excited! How queer is that, but I love ya! Anyways, I was wondering how I would(or could) freeze soups, like your minnestrone? I have a family of 5 but not all eat it and it’s soo good I hate to let it go to waste!
Thanks, Alanna
01.01.08 @ 9:15 pm
i need help i just found out my older kids has high cholesterol and i need good recipes that are low in cholestrol and cheap to make on a budget my kids eat anything thats why the high chol thank you
01.03.08 @ 1:35 am
I am a college student and love to cook! I like to have friends over for dinner but sometimes its hard to find cheap but differant meals to serve…Any Ideas??
I Love 30 min. Meals and have been watching it since i was 15. I guess you could say i am a “Die-Hard” Rachel Ray Fan!!!
Amy
01.17.08 @ 6:57 pm
Hey Rach, I just wanted to tell you that I admire the fact that you take criticism so well. You are amazing. I am 20 and I have a baby and a husband already. The 15 and 30 minute meals are amazing. Most of the ingredients aren’t expensive either so that helps a lot. I don’t believe half the crap that people say about you. I bet you’re a complete sweetheart. You’re awesome miss lady.
~Love~
Lala
01.22.08 @ 8:43 pm
Hi Rachel,I bought shrimp the other day to put into one of your recipes. Well when I got home from the store something came up and I had to run out real quick. My husband then put away the groceries and placed the shrimp in the freezer. I took the package out today to try your recipe Limed-Up Shrimp and noticed that the package read that the shrimp had been previously frozen. Can I still defrost and use this shrimp or should I throw it away. I look forward to hear from you. Diane Dean
01.23.08 @ 11:26 am
Hi Rachael
I watch your and I watch your cooking segments and I would like to know if you would convert some of those recipes as a diabetic friendly meal. I know many Americans may have Type 2 Diabeties (I’m one of them) and don’t realize it. Can your recipes become heart conscience as well?
Thanks!
01.24.08 @ 3:37 pm
Hey Rachael…
Im 16 and I live in New Zealand. My mum and I watch your show everyday and also when Im at home and when Im not studying =]
I just want to say that I love your show and I love all the food you make… I love the fashion tips aswell.
You are a beautiful woman and I look up to you…
Well I had better go and do some house work for my mum before she comes home from work..
Bye Rachael Im really looking forward to hearing from you
Lots of love
God Bless
Kathleen
Care of New Zealand
01.29.08 @ 5:18 am
Question, I was wondering how I would freeze Ham. I usually get a full size ham and then we have leftovers and I don’t want to waste it. Ham can get expensive. If you have some ideas I would appreciate the input.
Thank you.
Melanie
Ada, MI
02.13.08 @ 12:21 pm
I know its not safe to eat green potatoes, but what do we do with them? Do we have to throw them out or will the green go away with time?What is the green? Is the potato unripe? Will it ripen? I love potatoes in many, many ways but I don’t know what to do when they are green? Can you help me?
02.21.08 @ 9:25 am
Hi rachel
I am baking for my daughter ’s bridal shower,Can I make mini cheesecakes and freeze them?Will they be ok?
02.22.08 @ 8:29 am
hey Rach,
i love your show very much. most of all i love your personality. you are yourself and honest.that is what i love most about you.
Nebyat from Ethiopia
02.22.08 @ 11:57 am
Hi Rachael!
I was wondering if there was a recipe for Julia Louis Dreyfus’ orange cake?
02.22.08 @ 2:46 pm
I have tried so often to find the recipe for the orange cake that Julia Louie-Dreyfus made on the show and also when they had 3 or 4 athletes compete for the best dish and a football player won for the fried chicken and I can’t find that either. Help!
03.08.08 @ 2:47 am
Tried to find tomato paste in a tube. Cannot find in regular stores. Can you tell me where to look. Great idea and saves waste of product.
03.11.08 @ 11:31 am
I was watching TV this past weekend (March 8th and 9th) and you were making some doggy
treats. I was wondering if you could give me the recipe for the Smoothie and the other one was a peanut butter one drizzled in chocolate and cut in slices. The name of it started with a B. I have a great dane and bull mix and I know she would love them. If you have anymore you would like to share I would love to have them too.
Your Isaboo is adorable and you and your show are fantastic!!!
Thank You.
Dianne McCartney
04.04.08 @ 10:50 am
Hi Rach!
Just wanted to give you a better idea, for freezing foods, that is more EARTH FRIENDLY than using freezer bags. Tupperware has a variety of products that are perfect for single portions or large portions, they will even go from freezer to microwave to table and then to the dishwasher. They have a great life time warranty.
You would be amazed as to how much all of these plastic bags, foil, etc… are going into our landfills. Using Tupperware products is much more sanitary and safer than freezer bags!
There is a saying that “If women would think about there kitchen tools the same way men think about their tools, they would want the very best and feel that they deserve it.
Women, you should feel that you deserve the very best “tools” in your kitchen!!!!!
Love Ya!
Pamela Coonrod
04.09.08 @ 4:17 pm
Can you list the “Must-Have’s” that we are to keep in the pantry at all times. And a Depression Preparedness listing just in case it gets that bad. I am getting mine prepared now:
Freezer Bags
Ramen Noodles
Jerky - Dried Fruits - Nuts
Canned Fruit - Veggies - Beans
Powdered Milk/Can Milk
Foil
Juice - to freeze
Sausages
Rice - Oatmeal - cornmeal
Honey
Seasonings - Salt/Pepper/Garlic/Dried Onion
Peroxide - Alcohol - First Aide Supplies
Whatta think? What am I missing?
Love ya! Keep up the great work!
04.19.08 @ 12:15 pm
Hey Rachael!
I am in Nursing School and I work, so I don’t have much time durring the week to cook. I am also a terrible cook unless I have a recipe. Do you have any recipes that can be cooked over the weekend, frozen, and microwaved durring the week?
Thanks, (love your show!)
Sarah
05.09.08 @ 3:01 pm
hey rachaeal ray ,
hi i am jenny and i love to cook i usually cook things from a box but i am trying to cook from stracth . I absloutely love your show but i can only watch it after school is over in the summer time. Am asking my mom says no all the time because i always ske her for new kitchen supplies but i just dont know what to do !! can you lend me some
love , jenny
05.22.08 @ 12:34 am
Hi Rachael, I have watched your show since the beginning and I love it. You make life so much easier for a 63 yr. old to stay at home and take care of my grandson. He likes to watch your show too (He’s 4yr. old) going on 25. My question is this you use a Cuisinart Food Processor on the show. What is the model# for that style. I would like to purchase one like it because It doesn’t have a Large shoot on the top to get in the way. It looks like you have no trouble using or taking it apart when you need to. Please answer because I am desperate to get a new one. Keep up the good work. We will be watching. By the way you are the same age as my Daughter Jennifer. Love Ya Paula
06.10.08 @ 11:17 am
Please, please, please, create a cookbook that is dedicated to casseroles. I find dedicating a time to making casseroles and freezing them saves my family so much money. We are never tempted to go out to eat or order in because we know that their is always a meal in the freezer. Problem is my recipes are getting a little tired.
thanks for your time
emmalene in canada
07.29.08 @ 7:44 am
a man from the fish department told me to put fresh caught fish in a foil pie plate with water and freeze and then pop out of tin and put in a freezer bag and freeze
07.29.08 @ 9:56 am
Hi, What were the herbs and spices you put into those flattened freezer bags with chicken breasts, what a great way to plan ahead, and they defrost much easier.
Love your show!
Colleen
10.06.08 @ 1:45 pm
I was reading one of your recipes and was thinking about frozen potatoes. Can you tell me how to freeze potatoes so I can make my own hashbrowns or use in recipes callin gfor frozen hashbrowns. I would like to dice or shred th e potatoes before I freeze them.
10.17.08 @ 3:20 pm
I have a little bit of a problem with my new mother-in-law and how to thaw foods the right way..I say food should be thawed either in the frig. thur the day or in cold water in a pinch if your in a hurry..but she insist on thaw in hot water..WHAT SHOULD I DO????Help she listerns to you
01.07.09 @ 8:25 am
I watch your show from Istanbul, Turkey. It airs everyday 3x. I used to watch it from the states, but I relocated here. Even my sons watch it to see what ccoking ideas are on the table and if they want me to try them out.
Anyways, many ingredients are not available here. Or sometimes, I have trouble translating the ingredient. Main items are easy, its the spices, dairy, and broths that are always the challenge. Can you suggest anything for your overseas viewers?
02.23.09 @ 4:17 pm
Hi Rachel,
Love your show!
For so many years being a single mom, working full time, two kids-one Autistic, left little time for cooking. I used to cook some before I was married, then husband (ex) used to do the cooking, I would do the cleaning, that worked pretty well until there was no cook…lol.
Since then I was on the easier the better meal preparedness street, box dinners, cans, and fast food etc. I’m sure there are plenty of moms, single parent or not that understand what I’m talking about. I’ve always wanted to be one of the people that are organized, need to have things in order and a system in place. (we always see the grass greener on the other side) I am a person with mostly the right side of the brain. This means to me,: lack of organization, planning, lets say KAOS is the best word for our lifestyle. The one good thing here is it forced my son to be more flexible with his special needs, and the Autism forced me to be more structured. Structure and organization are not on the list of ingredients that went into my making. It’s like trying to fit a round pole into a square hole.
Now my son lives with his dad and my daughter lives with me. It works well for our situation (please don’t judge, you don’t know the details).
Anyway, my 16 year old daughter and I love to watch your show and use your recipes more and more. I am currently on disability and unable to use my right hand/arm much. Who knew in the last few years, I would really begin to enjoy cooking, now barely able to do it. My daughter and I are a great team, her hands are my hands. Your recipes and ease of doing things have been a genuine blessing, Thank You!
Somethings I would like to share with people, 1) utilize Rachel’s master list for pantries, 2) don’t be afraid to TRY recipes 3) watch Rachel’s mini videos from shows on “how” it’s done. I’ve replayed some, so many times it isn’t funny. Memory, with a little help from medication, make it difficult to retain, so I really appreciate the video clips
WOW, this ended up being such a long post, probably not the place to post these thoughts, but I guess it’s something I needed to get out….not intended, but when the words are flowing I need to get them out.
Thanks Rachel for all that you do,showing how easy it can be done, how good food can taste with just a few ingredients and how you give back to all of our local communities.
One question… Where is the recipe for the Orange Cake that Julia Louis Dreyfus prepared on your show??? (I saw above I’m not the only one that wants it)
Sincerely, Cindy Greer
08.31.09 @ 9:20 am
I absolutely cherish your show. You share so many great ideas. I watch your show because of the good tips and fabulous meals. I record it everyday so when I come home from work I have something to enjoy and a new recipe to make. “How good is that”!
Thank you so much for what you do.
I have a question I hope you can answer.
I want to grow my own herbs. I use oregano, basil,
parsley, thyme and rosemary. Are these herbs practical to grow all year round or should I freeze them? If they need to be frozen, what should I
package them in?
Thank you sooo much.
Jeannie