Cheap and Easy Veggies

[cedarvalleynewfoundlands]

Those of you who are cooks probably already know this, but I just found out a bit ago!
Did you know you can buy a bulk amount of fresh veggies such a broccoli, carrots, zucchini, etc, divide them into quart size freezer bags and store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks?
I purchased broccoli florets already cut up from Costco, divided them in to the smaller freezer bag packages and have been using them for a couple weeks now.
All you do when you are ready to use them is poke holes in the freezer bag with a fork and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. You dont need to add water to the freezer bag, the veggies just steam.
Also, you can saute zucchini, tomatoes and onions,put it in a freezer bag, freeze and then use later to add to prepared Spaghetti Sauce. Sure makes Ragu Chunky Vegetable taste a whole lot better!
As you can tell, I am learning the basics of healthy eating late in life!!!!!!

 

[R Taft]

We grow a lot of veggies here at home.............If you blanch these cheaply bought/grown fresh veggies for just a couple of minutes in boiling water you can keep them in the freezer after draining for even longer. I have even used the microwave for small lots. Quickly zapped them for around 1 minute and put them in bags and to the freezer they go.

 

[eckybay]

R Taft beat me to it.... I was going to say blanch them first ant they'll last longer then three weeks.... I get produce from the farmers market and freeze it every year even though there's only two of us. We still have corn, tomatoes, and peppers a plenty for the winter. And I like knowing that it was grown with out using chemicals

 

[cedarvalleynewfoundlands]

Thanks for the tips!! I tried freezing them a while back and that didnt go so well. I didnt know to blanch them first. I have a Joy of Cooking cookbook that is 30 years old that I have recently started looking at, and it has lots of hints about this kind of stuff.

 

[Emma & Nigel's Mom]

I love this place, you learn something new everyday!

 

[drulzelot]

Thanks for the tips!! I tried freezing them a while back and that didnt go so well. I didnt know to blanch them first. I have a Joy of Cooking cookbook that is 30 years old that I have recently started looking at, and it has lots of hints about this kind of stuff.

Joy is the cook's bible! Mine is so worn the binding is off and chunks come out (the pie crust section and the cookie section). All my kids learned to cook from Joy, I had them read about the food and prep method before they even attempted anything.
I have several versions, including the newest version, but it isn't in my kitchen, lol. I keep it on my bookshelf where it is in pristine condition. The older versions are better, though. One printing has a nice section for gluten-free baking, which the latest version has omitted. Get out your Joy and sit down by a nice warm fire and read it like a book. You'll learn new things you thought you knew!

 

[cedarvalleynewfoundlands]

Many relatives and co worked also consider Joy the cooking Bible. I have found it is VERY different than any of the other cookbooks I have. It actually goes into just about everything to do with cooking, canning, freezing etc.....anything at all to do with food or cooking, baking etc. I wish I would have taken it out and looked at it years ago as it is a wealth of information. Since we heat with wood, I can take your advice and sit by the fire and read it. I might wait until this evening and add a good glass of wine with it. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll tackle a new and different dinner.

 

[sokkia]

I am learning something new everyday when it comes to cooking. I just recently became a pampered chef consultant and the cook books are amazing with healthy and time saving tips! lots of economic recipes as well most are for about 2$ per serving! Can't even do fast food for that!

 

[KS Newf]

I guess I hadn't thought of this, and it's a great tip. I will put it to use this week!! Thanks!!

 

[ina/puusty]

This is a great line of information and yes..Joy..is one of my most dog ear'd books in the book shelves too. I only do one thing diff. in the steaming process..I use ceramic container, with a folded paper towel. I actually worry that the plastic materials..in the cooking bags..expose us to a chem assortment..or load, that we will not get..from all ceramic, or ceramic/paper coverings..when microwaving. ina n HB n Kesa

 

[KodysGrandma]

Just make sure you get one of the older "Joys". The newer ones are kind of "yuppy". Look for the story about Roast Pig.

 

[charityd]

I agree with Ina. It's better to use ceramic dishes in the microwave. Plastic when heated releases chemicals which end up in your food.

 

[victoria1140]

also have a look in the reduced section of veg as perfectly usable most of the time and you can save money this way. Certain things like chilli,onions or garlic put in a jar of oil and it will take on the flavour of the added item. very nice on salad items.
same with most leftovers chuck in a stew pot or freeze until needed

 

[cedarvalleynewfoundlands]

I never thought about the chemicals in the freezer bag, but ceramic is a much healthier idea. I stopped at Borders today and looked at a new Joy of Cooking, and it is VERY different than my oldie. I think I will look at some of the used bookstores and see if I can find an older one for my daughter for a shower gift. She is getting married in April and has adopted by non cooking ways (although we both love to bake.....just dont like to "cook")
Luckily for her and my future son in law, he LOVES to cook and is excellent at it. Almost borders on gourmet cooking...likes to do Crown Roast of Pork (I think thats the name-he did one for XMAS) creme brulee and fancy things like that (well, fancy to me anyway)

 

[R Taft]

I still use Joy of cooking too......It was my first ever cook book and i still use it.
I also never microwave in plastic..........Always glass, ceramics or pottery, i hate the thought of chemicals in my food. i don't even store food in plastic except in the freezer
Ronnie

 

[ascudder]

When I moved to Alaska my mom bought me my own copy of JOY, after she made me mail her backs to her

It is the BEST book out there...another one of my favorites is the Fannie Farmer Cookbook