Freezing Fruit

Strawberries were 88 cents a pound today, so I bought 8 pounds to freeze. I use them in smoothies and I don't want them all frozen together in a big clump. Here is how I do it. It works with any fruit.

Wash strawberries and remove hulls. Drain. Line them up on a silicone lined cookie sheet. Put in freezer until partially frozen, 1/2 to 1 hour. It won't hurt them to go longer if you forget. Take them off the cookie sheet and put in a freezer bag marked with the date. So easy.
I did this with peaches, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple and pears last year. Just watch for a sale then stock up. For the bigger fruit, cut into bite sized pieces before freezing.

A word about my pink silicone baking sheet liners. I am in love with them. I should have had them all my life, but I just discovered them about 18 months ago. Thank you Sarah for introducing me to one of my favorite kitchen necessities. I got mine from Target and they are pink. Very happy color. I'm so lucky and I still get in a good mood every time I use them. If you do not have these liners, you can still freeze on the pan. I did it for years and it works, but make sure your fruit is drained well so the water doesn't freeze to the pan. And make sure to ask for silicone liners for your next birthday!

I also made some strawberry freezer jam. Just follow the instructions on the pectin box.