Goodplans

Keeping things simple...

I'm loving the meat deal at Target right now, but my freezer is quickly filling up. Since space is valuable, and so is this food, even if I did get it for almost free, I decided to repackage the majority of my purchases with freezer paper.

The difference between packages clearly shows how much space can be saved by simply rewrapping the meat. I started by deciding what our meal portion would be, just under one pound for the three of us. This usually leaves a small amount of leftovers for hubby's lunch.

I gathered the necessary materials: freezer paper, masking tape, and a Sharpie. I start the tape and hang it on the edge of the counter, which saves time since I don't have to keep peeling the end off the roll. Cut the freezer paper to the size needed. Place the food on the shiny side of the freezer paper, bring up the sides, and fold edges down. Tape center seam, then confinue folding sides and tape closed. Write date and contents on the dull side of freezer paper.

Empty trash!

Be sure a make a list of how many packages you have and what type of cut the meat is, so you don't have to dig around in the freezer later to take an inventory!

When you put the items in the freezer, don't stack them all together as it will take the items in the center a long time to freeze. Instead, lay them in a single layer, or place already frozen items in between the single meat packages until they freeze solid.

I was amazed at exactly how much trash this generated: a whole can full! I know it saved a huge amount of space in the freezer, and the meat is more likely to stay fresh, because these packages have so much air space in them.

If you've never tried this before, don't be afraid to do so. It's quick and simple, and really worth the little bit of time for the large amount of space saved. I think it also keeps the meat more fresh than ziploc style bags.