How to Freeze and Store Soups and Stews

Left over soups and stews last up to 3 days in the fridge  or up to a month in the freezer . Follow these steps on how  to freeze  and store soups and stews  and you will be set all winter long .

1. Cool :
Refrigerators  and freezers  cannot cool soups or stews  quickly enough  to be food safe . Speed up the cooling process by placing  the pot of soup / stew  in a bath of ice water  in the sink . Stir soup / stew  often to help release  the heat .
2. Package:
Label and date  gallon or quart-size zip-top  plastic freezer bag over the edge . Label soup/ stew in each bag , then let out the excess air  and seal
3 . Freeze :
Lay bags  flat in a single layer  in the freezer , when frozen , stack bags to save space.
4 . Reheat :
Thaw overnight in fridge . Reheat peas and beans over low heat ; gumbo , stew  and hearty soup over medium-low heat .Stir occasionally.
Tip:
You can also  cut and freeze  onions , bell peppers , celery , carrots , corn on the cob.
Remember to diced the onions , peppers celery and slice the carrots  and you  don't have to run to the store  all the time .

Remember you don't have to stay in the kitchen to have a nourishing comfort meal .