By Josie Adams for Bon Appétit.
Credit: Condé Nast Entertainment
You've probably got a box of freezer bags stuffed in a drawer, but did you know you can use it for things other than storing leftovers? In the video below, food director Carla Lalli Music demonstrates 4 ways to put one freezer bag to work.
Credit: Condé Nast Entertainment
1. Crushing
One of Carla's favorite ways to use a freezer bag is for recipes that call for crushing or chopping nuts, cookies, or candy. Place whole pieces in freezer bag, seal, and start thwacking with a rolling pin. It's quick, efficient, and great for stress relief.
Credit: Condé Nast Entertainment
2. Space-Efficient Freezing
Freezer bags are the best way to store liquids like chicken stock or soup. Be sure to leave a little room, as it will expand as it freezes. When you put the bags in the freezer, lay them flat. Once they're frozen, you can store them upright, stacked against each other like books. You can do the same to individually portion big batches of smoothies.
Credit: Condé Nast Entertainment
3. Marinades
In the video above, Carla demonstrates her mom's famous chicken marinade: shallots, garlic (with the skin still on), quartered lemons, fresh rosemary, whole peppercorns, olive oil, and chicken pieces. Place all ingredients in the bag, squeeze out remaining air to make it more compact, and let sit in the refrigerator to marinate, flipping halfway through. Once you're ready to cook, you can remove meat directly from bag and right to stove or grill.
Credit: Condé Nast Entertainment
4. Meringues
In a pinch, freezer bags work just as well as a proper piping bag. Fill bag with batter, jam, or what have you (in this case Carla's working with meringue), snip the corner, and start squeezing. Pro tip: Whenever you're filling a freezer bag with something liquidy, first place bag inside a quart container or wide mouthed jar.
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