Make-Ahead Supper Tips

**sunshine** · 02-20-2006, 02:18 PM

Make-Ahead Supper Tips

When cooking pasta for a casserole that is not going to be baked right away,
undercook slightly, then rinse under cold water.

Frozen dishes can take longer to cook than you may think. Most have to be
thawed in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.

Label food with the name of the dish, the date frozen and reheating
instructions to save time later on.

When making dishes ahead, always undercook slightly since they will cook a
little more when reheated.

Don't add bread crumb toppings if freezing a dish; they will become soggy.
Add the crumbs when reheating.

Add potatoes when reheating a dish since their texture changes when frozen.

Use only regular or parboiled rice if freezing a dish; quick-cooking rice
becomes very mushy when frozen.

Make-Ahead Tips
Reheating:
A. In saucepan over medium heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally;
B. In covered casserole in 350 F (180 C) oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until
piping hot;
C. In covered microwaveable dish at Medium-High (70%) for 9 to 15 minutes (3
to 5 minutes for single servings) or until heated through to centre, stirring
occasionally.

Stews, soups and casseroles can be safely frozen for up to 3 months according
to Health Canada. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as
directed.

Vegetable-based dishes can be kept for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Meat- and poultry-based soups, stews and casseroles can be kept safely for up
to three days in the refrigerator.

Label and date before refrigerating or freezing.

Make-Ahead Tips
Use only regular parboiled rice if freezing a dish; quick-cooking rice
becomes very mushy when frozen. When cooking pasta for a casserole that is
not going to be baked right away, undercook slightly, then rinse under cold
water.

When making dishes ahead, always undercook slightly since they will cook a
little more when reheated.

Label food with the name of the dish, the date frozen and reheating
instructions to save time later on.

Frozen dishes can take longer to cook than you may think. Most have to be
thawed in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.

Don't add bread crumb toppings if freezing a dish; they will become soggy.
Add the crumbs when reheating. Add potatoes when reheating a dish since their
texture changes when frozen.