Answers from Expert: Canadian Living Test Kitchen Staff

If you have a question for any of our experts, please visit our Just Ask page. Make-Ahead Tips Use only regular parboiled rice if freezing a dish; quick-cooking rice becomes very mushy when frozen. When cooking pasta for a casserole that is not going to be baked right away, undercook slightly, then rinse under cold water. When making dishes ahead, always undercook slightly since they will cook a little more when reheated. Label food with the name of the dish, the date frozen and reheating instructions to save time later on. Frozen dishes can take longer to cook than you may think. Most have to be thawed in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Don't add bread crumb toppings if freezing a dish; they will become soggy. Add the crumbs when reheating. Add potatoes when reheating a dish since their texture changes when frozen.