m
d O O r S
GET ORGANIZED
2
. EASY READING
Plastic luggage tags make
basket labels that are easy
to see and easy to change.
Self-Laminating Luggage
Tags, $5 for 3,
containerstore.com
3
. WRITE ON
Label both food
containers and freezer
compartments so things
are put back where they
belong. Erasable Food
Storage Labels, $n for 70,
containerstore.com
5
. CORNERED A tiered
shelf meant for dishes
keeps casseroles
uncrushed and pizzas
neatly stacked.
Corner Dinnerware Cabinet
Organizer, $11, organize.com
A DAB WILL DO
Freeze leftover pesto, tomato
paste, or stock in a lidded ice cube tray (one cube
equals
2
tablespoons). You'll waste less and save money.
Ice cube tray, $6, organize.com
c o p l
r u l e s t o
f r e e z e b y
■ Use two freezer
thermometers
(one at top, one at
bottom) to monitor
the temperature.
It should be zero
degrees or below.
■ Always cool
cooked food
destined for
the freezer in the
refrigerator first—
never at room
temperature.
Quick cooling
decreases harmful
bacteria growth and
freezer burn.
■ Keep meat in the
coldest section of
the freezer—the
bottom or back.
Overwrap
supermarket plastic
with freezer paper,
or put the package
in a freezer bag,
squeeze out the
air, and seal.
■ For maximum
efficiency, keep
the freezer at least
three-fourths full.
If yours isn't, freeze
plastic jugs full of
water.
1
. TAKEOUT FOOD
Collect each food category
in its own basket. You can
remove a basket from the
freezer, close the door, and
hunt for the peas without
getting frostbite or wasting
energy. Spa Baskets, $7.50-
$12, organize.com
4
. SNAP TO IT
Straight-sided, stackable
bins make the most of
door space. Their airtight,
locking lids help prevent
freezer burn. Lock & Lock
Food Storage Containers,
$4-$iO, organize.com
7 2 OCTOBER 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
B i g C h ill
E a s y m e a l s , t a s t y s e a s o n a l
p r o d u c e , a n d
b u d g e t - s a v i n g
l e f t o v e r s a w a i t y o u
i n
a s u p e r - o r g a n i z e d f r e e z e r .
w ritten and produced by JE A N N O R M A N pho tos A D A M A L B R IG H T food styling G R E G LU N A
FREEZER: FRIGIDAIRE 1 7 -CU B IC-FO O T UPR IG H T (FKCH17F7HW ), FRIGIDAIRE.COM
