Shine OnFoods that taste better when frozen
Baby, it’s cold outside. And while it’s easy to nosh on warm comfort food this season, let’s not overlook the joys of cold food, too. Really, really cold food.
Here are some foods that taste best when frozen. Eat slowly, or risk the dreaded brain freeze.
Bananas
Peel bananas before you freeze them. You’ll be surprised at how creamy a treat they become when frozen. If you’ve got an extra minute or two, toss frozen chunks of banana into a blender for one-ingredient ice cream.
Grapes
If you haven’t tried frozen grapes — they’re nature’s candy — you’re missing out. Epicurious reminds us that grapes are on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, so try to buy organic.
Also great frozen: raspberries and frozen canned fruit, like peaches and pineapple.)
Avocado slices
This is one snack we can’t wait to try. The Food Network recommends freezing avocado slices for up to four hours, then sprinkling them with chili powder and salt before eating.
Iceberg lettuce wedges
Another Food Network recommendation. This time, the chefs encourage dipping the frozen wedges in blue cheese or ranch dressing. We’re convinced.
Yogurt
Pour your favourite sweetened yogurt — or dress up natural Greek yogurt with some fruit and honey — into an ice pop mold for a healthy fro-yo Popsicle. Or just stir up a single-serve container and pop it into the freezer until it reaches soft-ice-cream consistency.
Dairy-free? Freeze applesauce in an ice cube tray for an easy bite-size snack — or freeze in larger serving-size portions and the applesauce can do double-duty and help keep packed lunches cold.
According to The Best Life, “Not only do they serve as an ice pack, but the kids get a slightly slushed treat by lunch time.”
Favourite sweet treats
Why not take your favourite sweet indulgences up a notch by popping them in the freezer a bit?
Better-frozen recommendations from Epicurious: Gummi bears, York Peppermint Patties and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and chocolate pudding.
Don’t wait for the dessert in the freezer to thaw, either: dig in while it’s still cold. We’re big fans of snacking on frozen homemade chocolate chip cookies, but we’ve also heard that frozen cheesecake, brownies and Timbits will hit the spot, too.
Coffee
Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray and you won’t have to worry about diluting homemade iced coffee with melting ice ever again.
Not a coffee drinker? Freeze mint leaves into ice cubes to liven up lemonade or iced tea.
What’s your favourite thing to eat straight from the freezer?
