How to freeze peaches

Our local supermarket recently had peaches on sale for super cheap.  It was the lowest price I have seen in a very long time.  I bought 16 pounds with the intention of freezing them to use over the winter.  They were really firm when I brought them home so I put them in paper bags for a few days so they could soften up.  Once they were ready I washed them them and started a pot of water boiling.

 I boiled the peaches in water for 30 seconds

 Then moved them to an ice bath.  This helps to remove the skins.  If you don't find that the skin slides right off repeat the boiling/ice bath process.

 I took all the skins off.  Some came off a little easier then others.

 Cut all the peaches up into slices and remove the pit.  For each quart of peaches, combine 1/4 tsp ascorbic acid (to prevent browning) with 1/4 cup water.  Sprinkle over the peaches. 

Add 2/3 cup sugar per quart of peaches and mix gently.

 Place the peaches in freezer bags labeled with the date.  I use a straw to suck out the extra air.  They are now ready for the freezer.

When ready to use, thaw and they will be ready for pies, cobblers, or smoothies.

How to freeze watermelon

Tomorrow is National Watermelon Day.  To celebrate I will be sharing a Watermelon Frosty recipe and instructions on how to freeze watermelon.  Tomorrow I will share a watermelon craft that my kids made.

 Take a watermelon and cut it in half. 

 Cut each half into 8 sections.  This makes it easier to cut so you don't get the rind.

 Once the melon is cut away from the rind, cut it into "sticks" and then into chunks.  Put them on a cookie sheet and freeze.  This keeps them from sticking together in the baggie.

 Once the watermelon chunks are frozen, place them in a big freezer bag labeled with the date.  Place a straw in the end and seal up the bag around it.  Suck the air out of the bag through the straw then pull the straw out and seal the rest of the bag.  This allows you to get as much air out as possible.

 Now you have frozen watermelon chunks that are ready to be added to smoothies, frosties or eaten as is.

Now is a great time to freeze watermelon.  They are at the lowest price of the season and taste sweet and yummy.

How to freeze bell peppers

I recently received these bell peppers in our CSA (community supported agriculture) basket.  I didn't have the need for them in my weekly meal plan so I decided to freeze them to use at a later date.

Start by washing and drying the peppers.

 Cut the peppers in half and take out the seeds and stems.

 Bring a pot of water to a boil and boil the peppers for three minutes.

 Place peppers in a bowl of ice water for three minutes to cool them quickly.

 I am going to use them for fajitas so I cut them into slices.  You can also leave them in halves. Place the peppers on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer for a couple hours to flash freeze.  Make sure they are laid out so they won't stick together.

 After a couple hours take them out and put them in freezer bags.  Suck out as much of the air as you can using a straw.  Label the baggies with the date and place in freezer.

When you are ready to use them just pull out the amount you need and thaw.

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday and What's on your Plate!