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The Frugal Freezer

Aha! The credit crunch, and everyone is tightening their belts. Feel like you can't afford luxuries anymore?

Well you can, providing that you think a little bit ahead and stick to the old adage .Waste not, want not!.

This is where the family freezer can come into its own - so really use it!

I waste almost nothing. If I can't use up food there and then, I plonk it into the freezer for later use. This saves money, allowing you to free up cash for the odd luxury you thought you couldn't have. Here are a few ideas:

• 1. ORANGES. If oranges are past the fresh eating stage, peel off skin and freeze to flavour slow cooked chicken. Delicious. Also squeeze juice, pot up and freeze to flavour cakes, icing, and marinades.
• 2. BREAD. Leftover bread can be crumbed, frozen and used later for stuffing - (mix in little chopped onion, sage, seasoning and egg) - savoury toppings, The meatballs and deserts. Slices can be used in bread and butter pudding.
• 3. CHICKEN CARCASS, CHICKEN JUICE after roasting. Freeze separately. Boil, then simmer carcass for stock. Use chicken juice for marvellous soup base etc.
• 4. ODD VEGETABLES. Any small amounts of veg - carrots, celery and onions etc. - can be chopped up, boiled lightly together, then cooled and frozen. Ideal for including in stews. Saves buying vegetables again.
• 5. CAKES. Always cook two if possible, and freeze one. Saves fuel.
• 6. SPONGE CAKE LEFTOVERS. Freeze slices to use in trifles, chocolate truffles and baked fruit puddings.
• 7. WHITE SAUCE. Make too much? Freeze and reconstitute with a little water or milk stirring well over slow heat.
• 8. GRAVY. Never chuck good meat gravy away! Freeze immediately then use later in pies and stews. (Never buy gravy products anyway - juice from meat, plus veg water, seasoning and cornflour will do).
• 9. APPLES. Making apple sauce? Make more than you need and freeze ready for next time. (This goes for almost anything).
• 10. SOUP. Any unwanted larger amounts of vegetables can be 'souped up' with a few herbs, garlic and stock and frozen.

Just a few simple, quick ideas - but make the most of your freezer, and in time, you will reap the benefit.