My mom and my Grandpa Provenzano are the two people that I have learned the most from when it comes to cooking, baking, storing food, organizing, and basically anything that has to do with the kitchen.  One of the many things I learned from them is to have a stocked up freezer.  It makes planning dinners so much easier, you don’t waste food, and its great for unexpected visitors. *Make sure to date and label all of your freezer items*

Here is a list of what I like to have stocked up in my freezer:

1. Buttermilk Biscuits/Scones

I am always looking for a way to use up buttermilk.  I found that if I make a batch of biscuits or scones and freeze the dough that it comes in handy when I run out of bread to go with eggs in the morning.  They are really easy because they can go straight from the freezer to the oven.

Buttermilk Pumpkin Scones

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2. Turkey Chili

My mom’s recipe for turkey chili is one of my husband’s favorites.  The recipe makes a huge amount of chili so its great to pack up in serving size freezer containers.  That way when I don’t have time to make dinner I can take them out of the freezer to defrost and then cook.  Its a no-brainer healthy dinner.

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3. Marinara Sauce and/or Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs

I will make a big pot of marinara sauce and then once it has cooled completely I will pack in serving size freezer storage containers to keep for a number of recipes.  My mom always had marina or spaghetti sauce around.  It’s so much better than bottled sauce… which I never even had till I got to college!  I also like making my Grandpa Provenzano’s old family recipe for spaghetti sauce and meatballs to have in my freezer.

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4. Pesto Cubes

Pesto can be added to chicken, shrimp, pasta, sandwiches, and the list goes on!  It’s a good thing to always have on hand to add flavor to your meals.

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5. Bananas

When I have bananas around that are getting too ripe to eat I put them in the freezer so that I can use them to bake with later.  You can just defrost them and use in your baking, pancakes, or cut up and dip in chocolate for a quick and healthy dessert. The peel will turn dark, but the inside will stay good.

6. Parmesan Rind

I learned this trick from my mom.  Instead of throwing the cheese rind away she would freeze it.  Then one day if she was making soup or sauce she would add the rind to it while it simmered.  It adds so much flavor!!

7. Nuts

Storing nuts in the freezer keeps them fresher longer.

8. Cookie Dough

Chocolate chip cookie dough and sugar cookie dough are always a good idea to keep in the freezer.  It’s great when you have unexpected company! Just make a batch, roll into a log using plastic wrap or wax paper, and put in a freezer container.

9. Whole Wheat Flour

I read somewhere awhile ago that I should store whole wheat flour in the freezer to keep it fresher longer, and I have just always done it.  As far as I know it works! 🙂

10. Blueberries

My husband loves blueberry pancakes!  So when I buy blueberries in season I wash them, let them dry completely, and spread on a sheet pan.  Then I put them in the freezer for a few hours and once frozen I store them in a freezer container.  They can be added to muffins, oatmeal, yogurt, or just as a snack on hot days!  Check out Wish Farms for some more fruit recipe ideas!

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