Shortcuts
Shortcuts make life easier!
Below are some shortcuts that have helped me over time with cooking and budgeting.
1. Take those old ice trays out and dust them off. If you don’t have any, check the dollar stores in your area, charity shops, second hand stores or Goodwill.
2. When citrus is on sale buy up. Lemons, limes, oranges! Zest the skins. Juice the fruits. I put about a tablespoon of the zest in the tray and fill the little cube with water. Freeze and then store the cubes in a plastic bag in the freezer. Take out the amount you want for a recipe or cake, thaw, drain and use.
3. Use the same process for the juice. Juice the fruit and fill the little cube spaces. Store in ziplock bag or container in the freezer. Add the cubes to recipes or to flavor your water. Yummy.
4. I do the same thing when herbs are ready to harvest. If you don’t grow your own, hit the farmer’s market. I chop the herbs, sometimes blending the flavors I use together, like rosemary, oregano, basil, or thyme. I place in the ice cube tray and cover with olive oil. Freeze and store in the freezer in a labeled bag. I also freeze a simple pesto and use when needed.
5. Onions can be chopped and frozen in the ice cube trays as well but I use a lot of onion so I usually freeze and store in a plastic bag in half cup amounts. I do the same thing with celery.
6. If I have bananas that need to be used for bread or smoothies, I smash them and put them in the freezer. They are fine for bread or smoothies but will be too mushy for eating. I freeze some in ice cube trays with a drop of raw peanut butter and plain Greek yogurt for the dog to enjoy in the summer. Be certain you use peanut butter that is just peanuts and salt as well as plain yogurt. Beware of sweeteners with pups.
7. I have also frozen mangoes when I find them on sale and they make a refreshing smoothie mixed with lime juice. You can freeze avocados and guacamole as well. See the internet for tips.
All of this is budget friendly because you are buying in season and you are freezing rather than letting the items go to waste. This is a start!