With just a little forward planning and some imagination, your freezer can become your go-to pantry for quick and easy snacks and meals. Try these five clever tips, hacks and ideas – they’ll save you precious time and energy.

1. Goodness-packed slushies

Keep a stash of Squish 100% Fruit Purees and Squish Yogi pouches in your freezer. Pop one in your child’s lunchbox and by snack time it will have gently melted, creating a delicious slushie they can enjoy straight from the nozzle. Squish 100% Fruit and Yogi pouches are made using quality fruits, and are free of colourants, added sugar, flavourants and preservatives, so you know they’ll be getting only nature’s best. Plus, the frozen pouches will keep the rest of the lunchbox goodies cool too.

2. Meals in minutes

On busy days it isn’t always easy to find time to prepare a healthy supper from scratch. That’s when you need to have a nutritious meal on hand to simply grab out of the freezer and heat in the microwave. Next time you have mince leftover from suppertime, place it in small silicone cups, then add a layer of Squish 100% Veg Puree and top with mash. Any of the Squish flavours will work well – try Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot Puree or Squish 100% Mixed Vegetable Puree. Place the silicone cups in the freezer and rest assured that you’ll always have a balanced meal on hand for your toddler. These are also really handy to take along for weekends away. Visit the Squish website for more delicious freezer-friendly recipes. 

3. Shards of deliciousness

Get your little one involved in helping you make these yummy yoghurt shards. Mix together plain yoghurt and any leftover Squish 100% Fruit Puree you have in your fridge. Squish pouches come with a resealable lid, which means you never have to waste a drop. Mix yoghurt and fruit together well, then spread evenly over a baking tray lined with clingfilm or baking paper. Now dot with your toddler’s favourite fruit, cut into small chunks. Freeze overnight. Break into shards for your child to enjoy as a snack – it’s also delicious crumbled over oats or cereal. 

4. Make it a double

Did you know you can substitute the sugar in your favourite pancake or muffin mix with Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree to make them even more tasty? Next time you’re baking, make a double batch then pop them in a zip-lock bag and freeze. That way you’ll always have tasty snacks on hand to add to your child’s lunchbox or for an afternoon treat.

5. Cool bananas

Little ones love these fun and delicious Bananasicles – and they couldn’t be easier to make. All you need is an ice lolly stick, banana, plain yoghurt, and Squish 100% Fruit Puree – use Summer Berries to make them pop! Cut the banana in half lengthways, then gently push in the lolly stick. Place on a baking tray lined with clingfilm or baking paper. Mix together the yoghurt and puree, then spread the mix over the bananas, and place in the freezer for one hour. For special occasions, finish off with sprinkles. For the full recipe, click here. 

For more tips, hacks and recipes, visit squish.co.za