I’ve been working on eating down the contents of my chest freezer for months now, and I’m finally nearing the end!
Here’s how things started, as a reminder. 😉
The lid of my chest freezer has accumulated some condensation inside the lid, where it’s frozen. The only way to really get that out of there is to let the freezer completely thaw for a few days.
So, I need to be able to have a totally empty freezer, which is why I’ve been working so hard at using up all my food.
Last week’s freezer stuff
Here’s what I had last time around:
Walnuts: I’ve been faithfully eating these on yogurt. Yay me!
I used up the rest of the cranberry sauce on multiple bowls of yogurt too. Double win!
Mozzarella: Completely eaten on pizzas.
Almonds: Untouched. But I just ran out of no-stir granola, so I can use some up in the next batch.
Frozen fruit: mixed results here.
I did use up 100% of the watermelon and pineapple! That combo makes a good smoothie with just some water added in and maybe a strawberry or two.
The other two bags still have some fruit in them.
This week’s freezer stuff
ALRIGHTY.
I know I keep saying how close I am to emptying my freezer, but I really think that this week will be it.
If I manage to use up all of these items, I’ll have enough space in my kitchen freezer to store all of my remaining frozen food while my chest freezer is fully defrosted.
Top Row
Chicken pieces: either oven-fried or BBQ chicken
Mahi-Mahi: maybe fish tacos?
Potstickers: a side for something like Korean sizzling beef lettuce wraps
Middle Row
Tilapia fillets: I only have a few of these, so maybe I’ll saute them for lunch for me one day.
Two containers of tomato sauce: maybe to top the tortellini (see next row)
Frozen fruit: smoothies. FOR REAL THIS TIME. I promise.
Bottom Row
A single chicken sausage: breakfast for me!
Partial container of OJ concentrate: Orange Julius, which means we need a breakfast for dinner night
Scallops: I love scallops to death so these will be easy to use.
Cheese tortellini: these can be an easy dinner one night.
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This is a lot of stuff…do you think I can do it in a week??
My menu plan for next week is basically decided for me, based on what I need to use, so as long as I stick to these ideas, I think I can manage.
I really, really would like to defrost my freezer next week!
Diane C
Monday 7th of January 2019
Just checking in to thank you for the Orange Julius recipe/reminder. I used up an open can of o.j. concentrate that had lost its lid in the freezer. Used yogurt instead of milk and a little Stevia instead of sugar. Even though it was a cold, rainy day, it was enjoyed by all and now that darned can is gone. Thanks, Kristen!
Kristen
Monday 7th of January 2019
Yay! I'm so glad it helped you out.
Rebekah
Friday 4th of January 2019
Wow! So impressive! Do you have special bins/dividers in your freezer? The hardest part of the chest freezer for me is attempting to keep it organized and actually being able to find what’s in there.
Kristyna
Friday 4th of January 2019
You can do it!!
Although smoothies in the cold is hard. I like to eat frozen berries slightly thawed as a snack. They're also great to put onto pancakes (during your breakfast for supper night?). Although, you'll also need some whipping cream...
If it gets to the end of the week and you still can't fit everything into your fridge freezer, you could always post them on free cycle. :-P
Heidi Louise
Thursday 3rd of January 2019
Don't forget the possibility of sucking up ice-y water with a shop vac. And of course, some things in the freezer don't have to remain frozen constantly during the defrost-- nuts and flour, for instance.
WilliamB
Friday 4th of January 2019
I worry that, if I take the flour out of the freezer for too long, it'll get damp and then rot. Can anyone tell me if there's a basis for this worry?
Ingrid
Thursday 3rd of January 2019
Don't you make a lovely fruity oatmeal which the three-fruit frozen berry mix could be used for? I'm pretty sure I made it once and it was a hit.
I find these chilly mornings don't entice me to want to drink a smoothie, but hot oatmeal with fruit - yum!
Kristen
Friday 4th of January 2019
Yes, I do! I need to make a pan of that.