Results: Freezing Ravioli and Gnocchi with Foodsaver

[Mamasue]

Sometime back when we were discussing the Foodsaver appliance, I had mentioned that I couldn't wait to test the results of freezing homemade ravioli and gnocchi. Here they are:

Gnocchi: after fast freezing these little jewels, bagging them up in the freezer Foodsaver bags worked just fine. Before the Foodsaver I would bag them in ziplock bags and found that after a couple of weeks they lost their flavor and started to show crystals which would eventually result in freezer burn. Using the Foodsaver, the gnocchi were just as good (after a month of freezing) as the day I made them. I am sure that if they passed the month test, then they would be find for 3 months.

Ravioli: Following same procedure....fast freezing. For the raviolis I found that laying them in the Foodsaver bag resulted in distorted or broken ravioli as the air was eliminated from the bag. Solution: start saving the styrofoam trays that the meat department uses in packing up meats. Lay the raviolis neatly in the styrofoam tray, slip into Foodsaver bag; as you process with the seal and elimination of air, try to hold the syrofoam flat with your fingers so that the syrofoam does not curl and break.

I love my Foodsaver! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Grace]

ME TOO, Mamasue!!!!

Thanks for the terrific tips!

[lindrusso]

Yes, thanks Mamasue. I am planning to make some ravioli tonight, so your message was quite timely! I think I have some trays that I can use - great tip!

I'm having a problem using the FoodSaver with ball jars. I expected things to keep much longer this way, but I've opened two items that went moldy. Any of you use it with ball jars? Have you had any problems?? Just wondering....

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 12-11-2000).]

[Norma]

lindrusso, I use jars all the time. What are you packing in jars that molded?

[Mamasue]

Alysha,

Sorry, I don't have the jar option with my Foodsaver. Would be nice though! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[bookworm]

What is a foodsaver and where do I find one?

[lindrusso]

Norma - I tried using the jars for cheese cubes and alfredo sauce. I have had success with other things, but two times I got mold! I was disappointed. However, I love the FS overall - very handy.

Bookworm - I'll direct you to another FoodSaver discussion so you can read more (and even see pictures!). You can get these at places like Walmart, Sam's Club, and other kitchen stores. Here's the link:
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/001381.html

[Norma]

lindrusso, I can't see any reason for the mold on those two items unless they weren't refrigerated or the seal was broken. If the alfredo sauce was kept for a very long time, it would probably not keep unless frozen. I've kept shredded cheese for a year (an experiment) and it was fine.

[BarbaraL]

I've asked for a FoodSaver for Christmas, which I expect to get because it's my husband's favorite type of present to buy -- no size, no color, no style to pick! On the old thread, someone mentioned they froze chicken in a single layer and then used the FoodSaver. Wouldn't you use the FoodSaver first, and then freeze? Just wondering. . .

[lindrusso]

It can be best to freeze first so that your meat doesn't get squished. It's also a bit messier with fresh meat as the juices start to suck out with the air - yuck!