Deep Freezer Management

Get yourself one of those vacume pack machine that takes the air out of a heavy plastic bag. We fish a lot in Summer and sometime catch many Striped Bass, Bluefish. I bring the vacume packer machine with us on vacation. When we get back from a fishing trip, I fillet all the fish, then put it in serving size bags and run it through the Vac machine. Some we eat within the first few days but the rest goes into the freezer for later. It's a good investment.

I don't have one, but the guy at the meat counter told me to get some crates or bins that will fit into the freezer, and separate things that way - one for meat, one for chicken, one for baked goods, etc.

I thought that sounded good, as I, like you, would probably just chuck things in and then not be able to find what I needed when I needed it.

My mother also says to write in BIG letters with an indelible marker on the outside of the package what it is, and when it was purchased / frozen.

she also suggests keeping a freezer inventory - have a list someplace where you write down what you put in (and cross it off when you take it out) so you know what you have.

good luck!
E.

Hello There,
I don't own a deep freezer, but do have a second frig. I freeze a lot of things including baked goods. I wrap them really good in saran wrap and even foil (depending how long I think they'll be in the freezer). As far as defrosting, anything with frosting or icing or cream, defrost in the frig...probably a day or two before you'll use. I make cakes a lot and since they take a long time to make/decorate, I always make them ahead and freeze them and no one can ever tell.
Good luck!

I love my Foodsaver vacuum sealer for protecting meat in the freezer. It definitely keeps frozen food longer. Your meat does not get freezer burned.