STORING IN THE FREEZER

Freezing things is a great way to make quick meals and storing items for later. typically I use zip lock bags and tupperware to store my items in the freezer. It does take a bit of work but makes life easier and convenient later. I usually buy fruit on sale or through the farmers market. I never worry if I'll use up whatever I've purchased within a week or 2. I also label the items with the date it has to be used by. I never come close to that date because I cook quite a bit.

When freezing my already cooked items, I always freeze in serving size portions.

In my deep freezer you may find the following:

- FRUIT

Pineapple

How to store:
Cut (You can add a small amount of sugar sprinkled on top (although not
necessary))
Place in a single layer on top of parchment/wax paper, place in freezer
once frozen place in bag.



Mango

How to store:
Cut and sprinkle with lemon juice
Place in a single layer on top of parchment/wax paper, place in freezer
once frozen place in bag.


Strawberries
How to store:
Cut (you can add a small amount of sugar sprinkle on top)
Place in a single layer on top of parchment/wax paper, place in freezer
once frozen place in bag.

Banana
How to store:
Cut and sprinkle with lemon juice
Place on a single level on top of parchment/wax paper, place in freezer
once frozen place in bag.


- MEAT

  Like most people I have chicken, sausage etc.


- FISH love to buy from the seafood market I go to. Items are fresh off the boat and cheaper.)

Shrimp
Head on/off its your choice
Place in container with water and freezer. Make sure shrimp is completely covered
Basa
Place in container with water and freezer. Make sure Basa is completely covered

- VEGGIES  - ALMOST ALL SHOULD BE BLANCHED

snap peas
Blanch and freeze
onions
carrots
Blanch and freeze

JARS OF STOCK

Seasoning

Sofrito
Placed in an ice cube tray then a zip lock once frozen.
Herbs
Small amount of oil to coat herbs.(I prefer olive) then chop
Place in zip lock bag and flatten. It makes it easier to take out small amounts as needed.
if you have a ice cube try with small cube inserts then you could you that too.

Already prepared/cooked food

Brown rice
Soup
Gumbo
Spanish beans

For storage times and guidelines I've included a few links.

ANSWERS TO SOME STORAGE QUESTIONS BY THE FDA


BASIC FDA GUIDELINES


BLANCHING GUIDELINES

GREEN SMOOTHIES

It can be pretty pricey when trying to eat healthy. I have had to find a way to make green smoothies that taste good to kids and myself included.  Here we go.

Machine I use:
Ninja. What’s important are the watts. At 1500 watts, it is comparable to the vitamix. Although there are some differences. Those that use the vitamix seem to have a hard time adjusting to the differences of the Ninja. There are different watts available for the ninja so make sure if you are thinking about purchasing one be to check the watts.  I looked at many youtube and web reviews for comparisons of the vitamix. At less then 1/2 the price of the vitamix this was the winner.

This is the one I use..

Green smoothie with fewer calories:

30 grams Raw spinach
40 Fresh Raw kale
20 grams fresh pineapple
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
3 fresh Strawberries
20 grams Banana
Water to desired thickness (add slowly after blended)


Green smoothie the kids will enjoy:


40 grams) Raw spinach
40 grams Fresh Raw kale
150 grams Fesh pineapple
2 tbsp Lemon Juice
8 whole Strawberry
1 Banana
½ to 1 whole Mango
1 Kiwi
6 oz Pineapple Juice
1 medium red delicious apple
Water to desired thickness (add slowly after blended)

This one was for my son, he asked for a little aloe in it. He used to drink that fake aloe drink that tastes good, but is full of sugar, he doesn't know how bitter it actually is. He likes it thicker then i do, so I add a little red apple to the blender. Pour out enough portions for him then add a little water to the rest for me.










This one is mine. as you see more of a naked juice/bolthouse consistency.

SMALL HOME GARDEN

RAISED PLANTER BOXES


The soil in my back yard is not to the best. To Deal with the problem I make above ground planter boxes to grown my veggies in.

Tools needed:

SAW -if you don't have a saw,local home improvement stores can make the cuts for you)
Drill

Requirements per box.


3 2x6x8 lumber (I have used cedar (expensive) and PT (pressure treated) wood
10-12 2.5 inch coated deck screws


Making the boxes

Cuts:
cut 2 of the 2x6x8 pieces of wood in half (results in 4 pieces each 4 feet)
cut 1 of the 2x6x8 pieces of wood into 4 pieces (results in 4 pieces, each 2
feet long

Assembly:
Make a rectangles with the pieces of wood. Two short ends paired with 2 long.
Drill one screw in each corner connecting them together.
Once 2 rectangles are made,stack them onto each other and then drill (at 45
degrees) a screw connecting the 2 boxes.

Weed barrier alternatives

Newspaper.
I use layer 4 to 6 layers thick under mulch. You can use the free newspapers often
available. When laying it down use something to weight the paper down until you
lay the mulch on top. Do s small section at a time i.e. 5' x 5'.