492267 Fri Feb 22 11:52:04 -0800 2008 14 31 Home Cooking 0 3424742 We've been having a great time with our new holiday purchases of an extra freezer that we keep in the garage and a foodsaver. The freezer has now become filled with vacuum packed chili, chicken curry, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikas, etc. that I have cooked and sealed. It's been great to decide, once we're home in the evening, what we'd like to eat. No more defrosting earlier in the day, only to have nice plans with other people pop up....... and leave the defrosted food to remain uneaten. Plus, and I found this hard to believe, the food (bag dropped into boiling water) is as delicious as when it was cooked fresh. We had a great curry evening last night, with little bowls of peanuts, raisins and chutney. A fine meal for a Thursday night, with barely any effort. I'm very pleased with this new arrangement. It's very satisfying to look at the freezer filled with goodness. Fri Feb 22 11:52:05 -0800 2008 24075 onefineleo 1 3424756 Speaking of freezing, and I am with all the way on this--I thought you might like my blog today titled: freezer issues fayefood.com Fri Feb 22 11:55:27 -0800 2008 3424742 37986 fayehess 2 3424803 Thanks, fayehess! I really enjoyed reading it. And, thanks to you, those grape tomatoes that have been on the counter all week...... they're going in. It's a fun habit to develop. Fri Feb 22 12:07:12 -0800 2008 3424756 24075 onefineleo 1 3425262 could you tell me more about your foodserver? Do you need special bags? Was it an expensive investement? What brand do you have? Thanks! Fri Feb 22 14:09:16 -0800 2008 3424742 53762 geminigirl 2 3425290 The brand I bought is actually called Foodsaver. I got it at Linens-N-Things. (I'm not a Costco member.....that seems to be a good place to get them). I got the 2nd largest size, and with advice from this board, keep it out on the counter. No hassle to use. It cost a little over $100. Yes, you need to get special bags... I actually get the roll, and make bags, which is incredibly easy. They are available at LinensNT, Bed Bath and Beyond, Costco and on line. Fri Feb 22 14:18:39 -0800 2008 3425262 24075 onefineleo 1 3425541 glad you love your foodsaver. the foodsaver has been fantastic in casa jfood. stuffed cabbage and an Ina meatloaf have been on the to-do list for a few weekends and hopefully will get to the top. after a really crappo day in the office, there is that desire for some good comfort food, and the freezer has all kinds of choices. Italian, chicken, Indian. Now jfood reads cookbooksa and wonders if what he wants to make (usually serves 4 but jfood only needs 2) will freeze well. Jfood did try to freeze chocolate cakes after freezing slices on a sheet and now mrs jfood asks for a piece of "ugly cake". It has been a great addition in casa jfood. Fri Feb 22 15:32:25 -0800 2008 3424742 11290 jfood 2 3425644 Jfood, Do you freeze fish? Any tips on fish, or other foods that you've learned along the way? I've been freezing the stews and such in Glad containers, then popping them out, and vacuuming/sealing. That has all worked very well. Fri Feb 22 16:08:06 -0800 2008 3425541 24075 onefineleo 1 3425653 O.K.----Stupid Question!!! We have the extra freezer AND the Foodsaver, but I always assumed stuff had to be defrosted (hitting myself on side of head with palm of hand). How does it go from freezer to dinner skipping that step? Fri Feb 22 16:10:23 -0800 2008 3424742 19758 Ms Ghost 2 3425658 Either place the bag in boiling water or in the microwave. Works like a charm. Fri Feb 22 16:11:47 -0800 2008 3425653 24075 onefineleo 3 3792741 When freezing things like Indian food (which is why I got the foodsaver), do you freeze it in the foodsaver bags first or in some other container and then transfer it to a foodsaver roll and make a bag and seal? I just got this thing and am wondering which is the best way to do this. Thanks! Wed Jun 18 18:45:59 -0700 2008 3425658 202004 gastricvilli 4 3889649 I just saw your post now. Freeze in a container.....pop out and then vacuum seal. Enjoy! Mon Jul 21 18:57:09 -0700 2008 3792741 24075 onefineleo 5 3889882 I do it the other way. I put stuff in the bag, put paper clips on it and freeze standing up in another container in the freezer, then vacuum-seal. May give your way a try. Mon Jul 21 20:27:08 -0700 2008 3889649 123744 karykat 6 3890956 Or the other alternative - get the jar sealer attachments. Seal the stuff right in the jars and drop them right in the freezer. Tue Jul 22 08:58:17 -0700 2008 3889882 69452 jzerocsk 1 3426225 I love mine and have a freezer-ful of good choices too. Great for times when I get busier and don't want to cook. We have stews and all kinds of braised meats frozen. The one thing I didn't realize before I got mine was that the food needs to be frozen before you vacuum it. (That's so the liquid isn't aspirated into the machine by the vacuum.) But it's not a big deal, just an extra step. And you don't need to freeze if you get the bigger machine that accommodates cannisters and other containers, and not just bags. I did get that model, but still use the bags. By the way, you can re-use the bags if you make them big enough. I just like people to know about the pre-freezing step before they buy. Fri Feb 22 19:45:26 -0800 2008 3424742 123744 karykat 1 3426349 Gosh, that sounds great. A Foodsaver has been on my wish list for some time. We have the garage freezer though. I bought one of those hand-held Reynolds dealies and it's neat but the seal doesn't last long. With the Foodsaver is frosty food really a thing of the past? Boy, I want one. Counter space is an issue but I can see that I'd never use it if it wasn't out. Fri Feb 22 20:48:35 -0800 2008 3424742 127625 fern