Hey friends!  Back at you today with the next installment of what's in your (insert food storage unit)? It's all about the freezer staples today.  Who doesn't love to keep easy foods in their freezer for a last-minute meal? I am not one that keeps the freezer ridiculously full because I really don't have tons of frozen foods I love to buy.  Pizza rolls? Nope. Taquitos? Nope. Toaster strudels? Nope. Ice cream? Maybe.

I love to keep frozen fruit handy for snacks and to use in shakes or smoothies. When my bananas get too ripe, I peel them, cut them in half and keep them frozen in a ziplock to use in smoothies or as banana ice cream (bananas pureed in a food processor). Frozen mango (Best Choice) and pineapple (TJs) are one of my favorite snacks at night if I'm craving something sweet. I really love mango but am terrible at picking out a fresh one so this is a good way to get it.

A few quick, easy dinner options are also usually in my freezer. I keep frozen turkey meatballs (TJs), which are great with spaghetti squash or pasta or with some brown rice and a veggie. I also really like frozen burgers of different types to throw under the broiler or on a grill pan for a super easy and fast lunch or dinner. Right now I have salmon (Costco), black bean (Costco) and chicken burgers (TJs).

Everyone has frozen veggies in the freezer, right?  If not to eat at least to use as an ice pack! Seriously though, I always keep frozen broccoli stocked up. I use Bird's Eye baby broccoli florets. They are ready in about 5 minutes and good quality that my family really likes. I also found a package of fire roasted peppers and onions (TJs) that I can saute quickly and use with Mexican dishes or on top of homemade pizzas.

Here are some other things I like to keep in my freezer:

• homemade waffles - I make a big batch and freeze what we don't eat, then pop a few in the toaster for breakfast throughout the week.

• Our favorite TJs brown rice - poke a few holes in the bag, 3 minutes in the microwave and voila.

• frozen Gogurt- fun kids snack or put in their school lunch and it stays cold longer.

• Beer glasses - because that tasty brew needs to be ice-cold!

Your freezer can be a great way to keep quick, easy and healthy meal and snack options. What are your healthy freezer staples?

Lin