From the Freezer

Most desserts can be successfully frozen. There are certain rules to follow in freezing each kind of dessert.

Cakes
Cakes can be frozen either baked or unbaked. Baking before freezing results in a cake that is much better and will keep for a longer period of time. Baked cakes can be stored 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Unbaked cakes will keep for about 2 weeks. Frosted cakes must be frozen before packaging, otherwise the frosting will stick to the freezer paper.

Cookies
Some cookies are best frozen in dough form rather than after baking. Baked cookies will sometimes crumble in the freezer. Most cookies can be stored for about 3 months in the freezer. Allow 15 minutes at room temperature for thawing baked cookies.

Pastries and Pies
Either the pastry shell or the pastry mix can be frozen. Both baked and unbaked pies can be frozen. To freeze baked pies, cool quickly and package for freezing. Fruit pies and mincemeat pies are good for freezing. These pies can be thawed by heat in the oven for 30 minutes. Unbaked pies should be prepared just as you would for baking and then packaged. To cook, place in oven directly from freezer, no thawing. Allow 20 minutes extra for cooking time. If the pie has a top crust, be sure to cut vents in the top before baking.

Martha