Yum! January 2006: Company's coming

Company's coming
With our busy lives, it's often hard to find time to entertain, especially during the week. These dishes are handy to have in the freezer for impromptu occasions so you can spend time with your guests (not in your kitchen).

Casseroles and pies are the best choices for entertaining because they look impressive and generally serve large groups. Since these dishes also take longer to prepare and reheat, they are better suited to weekends or evenings when the urgency of eating quickly is secondary to conversation and relaxation.

Casseroles and pies that freeze well:
1. Chicken Enchiladas
2. Meatball Lasagna (or Mini-Lasaganas)
3. Flaky Seafood Pie
4. Chicken Pot Pie
5. Tourtière

Avoid freezing:
• Creamy pasta (such as macaroni and cheese) or bechamel sauces.
• Rice dishes (such as paella, pilaf or risotto).
• Casseroles with raw meat (such as unbaked cabbage rolls); cook either the meat or the casserole before freezing.
• Pies or casseroles made from watery vegetables, such as eggplant, peppers spinach and zucchini. For vegetable lasagna, cut pieces small and cook before adding to tomato sauce.

Storing and reheating:
• Insert knife into pie or casserole to test internal temperature. The knife should be hot to touch.
• If pastry or top of casserole browns too quickly, cover with foil partway through baking.
• Cool foods completely in the refrigerator before freezing. Leave space in container for expansion during freezing.
• Defrost foods in refrigerator before reheating. Once defrosted, foods should be eaten immediately and not refrozen.