Zanussi DF47/51FF Instructions For The Use And Care page 19

Plastic film can be used as an inner wrapping
for food which is then over wrapped with a
polythene bag; or can be used to interleave
small items such as chops, steaks, burgers etc.,
so that they can be removed individually. Use
freezer quality film or double wrap food items
with standard kitchen film.
Make sure that joints of meat, poultry are well
wrapped. This is to ensure that no bones can
pierce the packaging during freezer storage.
Boiling bags can be used to both pack food in
for freezing and for reheating the same food in a
pan of boiling water. They are especially useful
for items such as new potatoes, sauces and
single portions of cooked food. As much air as
possible must be extracted from the bag and an
effective seal is essential.
Thawing Food
Most food can be thawed in their original
wrapping to maintain moisture and to prevent
any deterioration. Food should be thawed in a
cool place such as a fridge, or if the food is
required quickly a microwave oven may be
used, remembering to transfer food from foil
containers and remove wire ties from plastic
bags. Always follow the instructions in the
microwave oven's manual for thawing frozen
food. It is essential that all food particularly
meat and poultry is completely defrosted before
cooking.
Fruit
Keep the container closed and allow to thaw at
room temperature for about 5 hours.
Vegetables
It is not necessary to thaw before cooking -
place in salted boiling water, cover and time
cooking from moment they return to the boil
which only takes a few minutes. Some
vegetables can also be put in the oven with a
knob of butter and some may be deep fat fried.
Meat and Poultry
Thaw completely before cooking by preferably
leaving to defrost slowly in a fridge. If required
quickly, a microwave oven may be used or
allow 2 or 3 hours per '^kg. (lib) at room
temperature. To check whether or not the
poultry is defrosted the legs should be able to
move freely and there should be no ice crystals
present.
Dairy Products
Allow eggs to thaw in closed containers and use
immediately. Do not freeze eggs in their shells
as they will crack. Butter and cream, depending
on the quantity will thaw in 1 or 2 hours at room
temperature.
Baked Items
Bread takes about 2 hours to thaw or loaves
may be heated in the oven. Cakes can be sliced
in their frozen state to retain shape and speed up
the thawing process.
Prepared Food
Heat gently in closed containers in the oven and
season if necessary.
Commercial Packs
Follow the printed instructions given by the
manufacturers.
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