A few months ago I stumbled across a quick way to thaw 2 quarts of chicken stock I had in a tall glass container. I had forgotten to take the stock out of the freezer, and needed it for soup – fast.
I placed the jar in an 8-quart pasta cooker – the kind that has a nested “colander” in it.
I filled the pot with about 2 inches of hot water – just below the level of the frozen jar – and turned on the heat. Then I used an upside down stainless steel bowl for a lid – since the jar was above the rim of the pot.
After only 40 minutes, not only was the stock thawed, it was really hot! Usually I freeze my stock in plastic containers, but I think I’ll freeze the large amounts in glass jars, just so they can be thawed this way in a hurry – in case I forget again. Not that I’m planning on forgetting, mind you…
Did you know that I enjoy turning moments of desperation into loopy ideas that actually work? For some other great Works For Me tips, go to We Are THAT Family.
I have started canning my broths, homemade soups and chili. It makes mealtime a little easier on those days when I haven’t planned ahead and don’t think about dinner until afternoon when there is not time to thaw anything out. In a baggie, though you can rinse the baggie under hot water and then put the frozen broth in a pot to thaw on the stovetop.
That’s an excellent point, Anita! Homemade “dump and heat” meals! I’ve used the baggies, too – perhaps I should just use the gallon sizes for freezing my broth, which I usually freeze in 2-quart amounts. Thanks for the tips – another great reason to blog!
Just wanted to mention that you should never heat food in plastic storage bags – they are not made for that purpose. If I have frozen jarred food to thaw, I always just put it in a pot of warm water in the sink, I gradually add hotter water so the jar does not break. Once liquid enough to pour, I dump out the water, dump the jar into the pot and heat. Usually done in less than 40 mins.
Good reminder, Kim – thanks!
That’s a handy idea. I will definitely keep it in mind. THANKS!(I’m visiting from Works for Me Wednesday)