Fridge Freezer Essentials

Here’s a list of essentials that you will always find in my fridge and freezer.

You may be quite surprised to see that I keep quite a few ‘pre-prepared’ items in my freezer! There is nothing wrong with using a few timesaving ingredients when you are busy.  A couple of handfuls of frozen onion to start off a risotto on a busy weeknight is not only super-fast, but there’s less mess too. Dismiss at your peril!

With the rise of convenience stores over the last 10 years I tend not to keep as much meat or fish in my freezer as I used to.  I now buy what I need for the week ahead or I just pick it up fresh on my way home from work.

My Fridge Essentials

  • Butter
  • Cremé fraiche
  • Natural Greek yoghurt
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Feta cheese (great as it lasts ages)
  • Eggs
  • Lemons (Tip – Lemons last a good couple of weeks in the fridge – just warm for 20 seconds in a moderate microwave if you’re going to juice them for lots more juice!)

My Freezer Essentials

  • Chopped onions – A perfect base for risottos, soups and casseroles.
  • Bolognaise/base mix – A mixture of finely chopped onion, celery and carrots and is available in most larger supermarkets.
  • Peas – who doesn’t have frozen peas?
  • Mashed potato – fantastic for mash in a hurry, or topping fish or shepherd’s pies.
  • Frozen garlic, ginger & chilli.
  • Chopped soft herbs – parsley and basil.
  • Grated cheddar cheese – quick for adding to sauces, mash and topping pasta bakes.
  • Frozen king prawns, raw or cooked is fine.
  • Rolled puff pastry – creates an impressive savoury or sweet tart.
  • Ciabatta – delicious pizza slices or the yummiest croutons for soups or salads.

Fridge Freezer Safety

For details of how long food is safe in your fridge freezer, the article https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/chilling may be useful.

You might also be interested in my Storecupboard essentials: http://yummymummycooks.co.uk/storecupboard-essentials/

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