Cathy's Food Service Marketing



World Baking Day

         If you love to bake as I do this day is for you.  I tend to not have a lot of time and generally bake only around the holidays.  But if you learn how to freeze items you can add more of that home made flavor and joy to your life.

         You can freeze baked cookies and bars for up to 1 month.  I would recommend that you put them in a freezer plastic bag and cover with parchment paper and then add a slice or less (depending on the amount being frozen) of cheap white bread on top of the parchment paper.  This allows the cookie when thawing to not lose moisture.  Be careful as too much bread will make the cookie/bar too moist.  But I find it the bag is full then it works great.  This works with so many things – and if you thaw something and it is a little dry place it in a plastic bag and top with parchment paper and add that slice of bread and in a hour or so you have a moist cookie. 

         Always use resusable freezer bags and remove as much air as possible.

         When working with brownies or bar cookies do not cup up individually first and freeze whole.  Wrap with plastic wrap and then foil and place in plastic bag.  These can be frozen for up to 3 months.  If you top your brownies or bars it is recommended that you add the topping after you have thawed the item.

         You can freeze cookie dough for up to 6 weeks and then thaw and prepare, as you would have.  Or for a quicker use freeze in a log so they can be sliced off and placed on cookie sheet.

         Cakes, muffins and breads can be frozen for up to 3 months.  Thaw for 1-2 hours before serving.  Again any toppings should be added after item is thawed.  If you want to freeze a frosted cake then place on parchment paper and freeze then place in freezer bag or reseal able container (with plastic wrap around the top prior to closing lid.  Muffins and breads can be placed in freezer plastic bags or you can plastic wrap the item then cover with foil and these can be stored for up to 2 months. 

         Cooked fruit or nut pies can be frozen for up to 4 months.  These can be placed in freezer bags.  To freeze uncooked pies do not cut crust prior to freezing.  Once prepared then place in freezer to freeze completely.  When frozen then remove and place in freezer plastic bag.  When pulling out for cooking do not thaw pie just cut slits and place in pre-heated oven at 425 for 15 minutes and then lower temperature to 375 for 30-40 minutes.

         Make your own pie shells ahead of time and they will hold for 2 months. 

         Many things can be frozen and stored.  Always label your bags with the item and date.  You will find that there are recipes for items that are to be frozen on line.  Practice – Practice will make your life more fun and efficient in the long run.