storing stock in the freezer

[Enudely]

How do you store your stock in the freezer? I would like to avoid using freezer bags, but it's all I can think of
tia

[tempestjewel]

I freeze mine in mason jars (quart and pint) with some head room before you put on the lid (to allow for expansion). I've also heard of people using ice cube trays to freeze it so they can pop out as little or as much as they need.

[tinuviel_k]

I mainly use wide mouth pint jars. You can just put the jar in a hot water bath for a minute and then you can slide the stock-cube into a pan to thaw.

I also do some in quart jars for larger recipes, and some in half-pint jars for use in small recipes like mashed potatoes and such.

[Enudely]

wow, and the glass doesn't break, huh?
I thought glass breaks in the freezer...that's great though! So glad I don't have to use plastic bags!!

[tinuviel_k]

Glass jars can break in the freezer if you seal them before the contents are completely frozen. Liquid expands quite a bit as it is freezing, and if you have a lid tightened on the jar while freezing so much pressure will build up that the glass can shatter!

I fill the jars up to within 1 inch (1 1/2 inches for larger jars) of the top to give the liquid room to expand, and I leave the lid off while freezing. Once the contents are completely solid (I usually wait till the next day) I screw the lids on all the mason jars, stack them up in the freezer, and that is it till I need to use them!

[Tanzie]

i will use galss jars or recycled plastic cartons like everyone else has said leave headroom!

[spartz]

The head room is so important - I've opened containers and found frozen mini beef-stock "volcanoes"!!!

[hibana]

I use ice cube trays and old yogurt cartons. The yogurt cartons hold exactly enough stock to make 2 servings of broth-based soup.

[MMGerard]

I bought Pyrex storage containers with plastic lids. They come in various sizes and are readily available at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. They are what we use for most food storage.

[katja]

I freeze mine in a muffin tin. That way it's easy to use in recipes, since each muffin cup=1/2 c. When they're frozen, just pop them out and put them in whatever container you like.

[tempestjewel]

Originally Posted by katja

I freeze mine in a muffin tin. That way it's easy to use in recipes, since each muffin cup=1/2 c. When they're frozen, just pop them out and put them in whatever container you like.

I'd never heard of that before! I may have to try it!