A tip from Ann

I just started making and freezing my on chicken broth about 6 months ago. I wanted to pass on a tip for how I package it to go into the freezer. I had read about using ice cube trays, but I think this is a little bit easier.

Here is a picture of what you need to get started:

• your own homemade chicken broth
• a ladle
• a measuring cup (optional)
• zip-top freezer bags
• a permanent marker
• a tall mug, glass, or tumbler
• a cute helper (optional)

I label each bag with the marker before I start dividing up the broth. I label it with the contents, amount, and the date I froze it. I generally freeze it in 1 cup portions. That way it is easy to add to a recipe (or use for rice which is one of my favorites). You may ask why the tall glass? I use it to help support the bag so that I don't end up with chicken broth all over my counter. Here is a picture of what the bag looks like in the glass.

I have a wide ladle which can sometimes still be messy going straight from the bowl to the bag so I transfer my broth to a spouted measuring cup to make it easier to pour. The next picture is my finished product. (I had to cut Natalie out, she was making a "scary" face.)

After I get my broth in each bag I let out as much of the air as possible and lay the bags flat in the freezer. By laying them flat they don't take up very much space in the freezer and they are really easy to thaw when I need it. To thaw them I just put the bag in a bowl with some warm water for a few minutes and then it is ready to go.

I hope this technique is helpful. You can use it for any liquid or puree that you are going to store or freeze in a plastic zip-top bag.