Questions About Food Sealers

David asks…

Do I really need to seal an Outdoor Granite Counter top??

I have an outdoor built-in barbecue in NJ (where the temp can be 0 deg. F). The countertop of the bbq has a natural granite countertop which is dark brown. Now everyone I speak to recommends sealing it as they say the granite will stain. Since I did not find any granite sealers for outdoor use, I used an outdoor stone tile sealer. Do I really need to bother with sealing?? Granite is a stone and they make statues and cemetery headstones of granite. I do cleanup immediately after I cook. I never put food directly on the stone… so only thing on it is plates/platters. There maybe some food and sauce drips, which is quickly wiped to maintain hygeine. I can't find anyone with a similar barbecue setup to advise me! What is your experience with granite outside as far as sealing is concerned. Any recommended brand of sealer? I saw something in Home Depot for $80!!! I paid $800 for the granite, including installation – there was no way I was paying $80 for a granite sealer! BTW, I do cover it with a tarp when not in use. Summer and Winter!

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Hi, i use to live in NJ, I wouldnt be too worried about the BBQ granite, it is built to last, i do suggest however in the winter, before the REAL chill and snow (mid november) cover the granite with some type of plastic, that will be enough protection. Try to stay away from those colored ones as they can leak and make the spring cleanup of that counter VERY difficult, i suggest you run to your local $.99 store and buy a clear shower curtain, that will do the trick. Granite is built to last and is very good in cold and hot temps. Best of luck, btw i use to live in green brook, in somerset cty.

 

Maria asks…

I need a good bag sealer.?

I am tired of my chips, cereal and other bags foods going stale. I have the bag clips but they do not keep it fresh long enough. I want a good bag sealer that is going to actually seal up my bags and seal them good. Probably a small handheld or portable one. Also for a good price. I am a momma on a tight budget. If anyone can help me out and let me know if they have one that actually works good.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

8" Impulse Sealer – Cellophane Bag sealer is the only one I've ever used, but it's a great sealer. It does exactly what I need it to do. I followed the directions that came with it and started out on a low setting. That is all I needed.

 

Ruth asks…

Still looking for a good bag sealer?

I am still looking for a good bag sealer. I am tired of my chips, cereal and other bags foods going stale. I have the bag clips but they do not keep it fresh long enough. I want a good bag sealer that is going to actually seal up my bags and seal them good. Probably a small handheld or portable one. I am not looking for a vacuum sealer just something to re-seal my chip bags, cereal bags ect. after they are opened. Also for a good price. I am a momma on a tight budget. If anyone can help me out and let me know if they have one that actually works good.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Get some canning jars of different sizes.

 

Donald asks…

Canning Materials (Can Sealer)?

Hi- I'm looking for suppliers on open top tin cans. I'm looking specifically for certain types of tin lids. A typical lid is solid to seal soup, foods, etc, in a can. I'm looking for a lid that has a whole cut out. Various whole diameters in the lids. I have seen these (similar to a canned Sterno fuel source) types of lids. I've tried many searches but had no luck. The one time I foud two companies, I didn't bookmark and, well, I learned my lesson. Maybe I'm not searching for the right name. I have tried cutting large wholes up to 2" diameters but their no precise enough. Unless theymake a tool? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, B

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

. First, a 'whole' is a LOT different than a 'hole'. Even if they are pronounced the same. A 'whole' is a complete item, like a whole automobile. And a more proper name for a 'hole' would be an 'opening'. … And I suppose the best place to find a can or container manufacturer is to ask the companies who already use them. Certainly the Can Institute would know. >> http://www.cancentral.com/ << ; " Sonoco, with annual sales of over $2.8 billion, is based in Hartsville, South Carolina, and manufactures a variety of industrial- and consumer-packaging products. Pasco, located in Dade City, Florida, is the nation’s leading producer of private-label, frozen-juice concentrate and a manufacturer of composite cans. Pasco’s manufacturing plant can produce up to 1.2 million juice cans per day. " … ….The 'ThomasNet' site has a dozen address of manufactures. I suppose if you ordered 10,000 cans or more, they might be interested in supplying you.


Questions About Food Sealer

Betty asks…

how well does "Foodsaver vacum sealer" work?

I hear about this Food Saver Vacum machine. I'm trying to save money by thinking about getting one. But my questions are how well does it work, does it still give of a odor of the food inside, and is there a different in thickness of plastic that needs to be used?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Used properly it is great, vacuum sealed food lasts far longer than any other option Plastic is permeable, thus if it is not frozen odor will permeate through. This is the case even with ziploc bags too. Except ziploc are not vacuum sealed.

 

Susan asks…

"Foodsaver vacum sealer"?

How well does "Foodsaver vacum sealer" work? I hear about this Food Saver Vacum machine. I'm trying to save money by thinking about getting one. But my questions are how well does it work, does it still give of a odor of the food inside, and is there a different in thickness of plastic that needs to be used?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I've been looking into this myself, and even purposely watch those late night infomercials about them. You can seal meats, fish, and veggies yes. It sucks the air out. But you cannot seal sauces, like spaghetti for instance. Nor can you seal something like chicken marsala (a dish that has a sauce). It is just for plain whole things. They trick you on the tv commercial where the guy seals his flank steak dinner. I hit pauce, rewind and watched carefully in slow motion. His flnak steak is plain cuts of meat with some plain veggies. There is no bbq or any kind of au jus sauce, or butter on veggies. The price of the rolls and bags are expensive, even at stores like walmart. That one thing that pumps the air out of the tupperware thing you can buy in kits AT tores like walmart, sears, etc. Those come with a contraption much like a miniture plastic bicycle pump and you manually pull the air out. With both the food saver and the kit i just mentioned, after a while, the lids just come off. There is this little rubber release valve on the middle of the lid, and after a while it just gives. Now ziplock has that pumping air out/sealer bag out, i think i will try that. My whole purpose is to make actual individual meals that can be pierced with a knife a few times and easily nuked. With the food saver that is not possible. So for right now i am wrapping meats, chicken etc in saran wrap, then using those freezer bags. I don't intend to hang onto these foods for more than 6 months anyways, so it works out. I will be investigating those new zip lock bags tho.


Your Questions About Food Sealer

Jenny asks…

Will the chemicals from wood get in my food?

I am planning on planting all types of fruits and vegetables in my yard this year. Our fence is about 2 years old and was last sealed with Thompsons Water Sealer last summer. Will this affect my plants? Will the chemicals absorb into the plants and make them unsafe to eat? I am also wanting to have raised beds, what type of wood do I get?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

First- Thompsons water seal is the lowest grade sealer on the market. It is mostly wax and that is the reason it isnt on the consumer reports list…. Second- No it will not affect anything you plan on growing more less effect anything that is already planted……… PS….. Dont use Thompsons Behr and numerous other companies make a much better product Don't understand the question about what type of wood for raised beds? As in mulch? Any type will do. Better to not use colored mulch because alot of it has chemicals for bugs. If you meant wood as in the barrier of a raised bed, treated pine will do fine and you can get it at any lumber store

 

Chris asks…

Can you tell me types of sealer products and where I can buy them?

What could I buy to seal the crack in my freezer. There is a crack in the freezer, air is coming out. At the bottom where the food is placed

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Check here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fsite-directory%2F&tag=funjok-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 You will find what you like! Good luck!

 

Ruth asks…

Will the food saver brand 'meal saver' work with the jar attachment?

I just got a Foodsaver brand 'Mealsaver' And I am wanting to get the Wide jar sealer attachment, But I cant find anything that says it will, or won't work with it. Any help would be great. Thank you The Model Is the "MEALSAVER"

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Not sure which model you bought. You need a special attachment cover which goes over the top of the jar and has a small hole in the top that the "air removal tube" fits into. Some of these "covers" come with their own tube. They actually become the cover on your jar. My Foodsaver machine has a pull out tube on the bottom on the lower right hand side. The tube is attached to a black plastic half moon shaped handle type thing. This also gets the air out of the special containers that come with some of the machines but can also be purchased separately. Sorry, I can't be of more help. I've used the containers but never the jar seal

 

Lisa asks…

how many of you use a food saver system?

I was just wondering how many of you moms and dads use a food saver system and if you like it (like Ziploc sealer or Reynolds or the food saver brand? how do you like it and what do you use it for? ~ thanks

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Not me


Your Questions About Food Sealer

Helen asks…

I'm looking for a food sealer, like Deni, FoodSaver, Reynolds,etc.?

Which one of these have you had good luck with? What's the Model #?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Check out www.bombealaska.com it is a website for all your cooking and kitchen needs. Go to the "In The Kitchen Page" type food sealer in the search function and it will display all of them for you

 

Linda asks…

Im thinking of getting a mini food saver mini vacumm sealer. Is it worth getting?

 

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

They work great I have had one sense they came out and use it for everything even chip bags and stuff like that stuff you don't eat all of it one time cereal crackers and yes meat fish etc…. Even if you get big cans of fruit cocktail freeze it in plastic containers and then vac it stay good for ever and that's just some stuff you'll like it

 

David asks…

Food-safe wood sealer for chopping board?

Hey, we just finished remodeling the kitchen and installed new sliding cutting boards for the under-counter cabinets. The milled pine boards (9"W x 24"L x 1/2" thick) are still unfinished and I'm looking for a sealer that is safe for contact with food. I have counter-top cutting boards, but like having a clean counter. Anybody know of a product that can do this?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Do what most butchers do in the meat markets on chopping/cutting boards………..liquid crisco oil or extra virgin olive oil. Apply lightly and let set for 24 hours. Wipe off excess with paper towel and all is good.

 

Betty asks…

Food saver vacum sealer machine?

How well does "Foodsaver vacum sealer" work? I hear about this Food Saver Vacum machine. I'm trying to save money by thinking about getting one. But my questions are how well does it work, does it still give of a odor of the food inside, and is there a different in thickness of plastic that needs to be used? I'm looking for some one that has personal experience

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I definitely recommend getting one! I love mine. I found mine at a yard sale. The bags are reusable unlike a previous answer stated. I've never noticed an odor from the bags, even months after storage. The bags are a bit on the expensive side, but it's well worth it in the savings from not having to throw bad food away, and you can reuse them several times after being washed out. You can also use the bags to store important paperwork, and I even have a bouquet of flowers done to keep them safe.


Your Questions About Food Sealer

Laura asks…

what would happen if i sprayed sealer on food?

I have a lot of clear acrylic sealer and I was wondering what would happen if I sprayed it on food. Like a piece of bacon, for example- would it preserve for a while? Even with, like, twenty coats? I could even paint a matte paste over the surface before the first spray.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I don't think it will. It would have to be sealed in a block of acrylic to stop the decaying process. Like the ones they seal Tarantulas in and sell as souvenirs. Just a thin coat will not work well enough.

William asks…

Does the foodsaver vaccum sealer really preserve food well?

I am concidering buying one so I can do less food shopping. I would like to buy a freezer that I can put in the garage and I thought the foodsaver might help extend the life of the food. How well does it work and is it economical?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Yes

Thomas asks…

what is the best food sealer on the market?

 

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Seal a meal, rival, deni


Your Questions About Bag Sealer

Helen asks…

what is the best way to freeze whole chickens without a vaccum seal?

we butcher our own chickens but we eat them up pretty fast and need a good way with out a vaccum sealer. would wrapping waxpaper around the chicken then around the waxpaper wrap it in butchers paper keep it from freezer burning? or wrapping it in wax paper and putting it into freezer guard ziploc bags work better? we are worried about freezer burn. any ideas? at mcmurray hatchery they sell freezer bags but how is that any different from waxpaper and ziploc bags? how does one of those large bags tied with a rubber band keep freezer burn out? go to www.mcmurrayhatchery.com and type in "bags" and you can see the bags.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I do what you mention, wrap in butcher paper/ wax paper and put in to freezer in ziploc bags. I dropped some websites down about prevent freezer burn.

 

Thomas asks…

Does anyone know where i can find?……?

seal-o-bags for a scoville/hamilton beach model 402 section seal/bag sealer?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Have you check online to order them? I have a foodsaver and just use any bags at the store that are on sale they work just fine. Either the roll or the pre-cut size. I've been doing this for about 8 years now. Hope this may help you

 

James asks…

Do the cheap ones work?

Do the cheap vaccume sealer bags at wal-mart work? I hate to take the risk if they don't work. I don't want to put money down the drain if they don't work. If they do work I would love to buy them. These bags are for putting meat in or vegetables in when you want to seprate them and keep them lasting longer. They go with a vacume sealer that I bought. What is the cheap brand that you buy?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Those ziploc things are worthless. I have a Foodsaver and it get quite a workout. Besides being a cook I'm a gardener and an angler. There are always bags of vacuum packed stuff in the freezer. I'm a big fan of this piece of equipment. Ther isn't much difference in the brands and a smaller one is fine for most homes. The only down side is the cost of the bags, but the different brands of bags work on different sealers so….OOPS, your asking about the generic bags you got at walmart, well like I was saying they work fine, really no difference. Like the difference between generic ibuprofin and the name brand stuff, all the same except the package.

 

Ken asks…

Is a home use Sous Vide Machine worth the money?

I just recently saw a Sous Vide machine designed for home use. The problem is that the price tag is $400 and would actually be more than that because I would also have to get a plastic bag sealer and bags (which I currently do not own). Is it worth it? Just how versatile is Sous Vide cooking? Is this really a great method of cooking or is it more of a fad or gimmick? I cook at home daily and was just curious if adding a sous vide machine would be worth the money?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I use one late in my chefs career in Tokyo and Montego Bay Jamaica, for home use, jut invest in a good sealing system, there bags are boilable and they do the same thing at lower temperatures, I have good one and have done thing in my crockpot as it keeps the water temperature at a constant temp as not to boil but cook gently, and if you not doing at least 3-6 meals a week in it and like the way it cooked why waste all the money one a machine when you can use the sealing machines for it and also for other things like freezing fruits and veg in the fall, don't waste your money


Questions About best Bag Sealer

 

Joseph asks…

Shrink Wrap experts please….How to seal w/out a sealer?

I bought shrink wrap bags from a local craft store and want to shrink wrap an item. Since I only want to shrink wrap one thing I really don't want to buy a shrink wrap sealer. Does anyone know how I can create a seal around my item at home without a sealer? The shrink wrap bag I bought is made for baskets. I only have one so please be detailed. Yes I know that you use a hair dryer to shrink the wrap. Thats not my question. I want to know how I can seal the edges so that the item will be enclosed.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

A hair dryer set on hot does the trick; I did it.

 

Ruth asks…

how can make a heat sealer and cutter?

i want to pack parcels like books, small boxes up to a max length of 24 inches, using shring wrap or thicker polithene / plastic bags. to get a profficional look I want to build a sealer and cutter. How can I make one and what are the components I needed

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I would buy a heat gun ( in paint isle usually) it would melt the plastic very fast.

 

Mary asks…

What are my best options for packaging foods to sell to health food stores?

I am starting my own business selling prepared foods to health food stores. A number of the things that I want to sell are going to need to be packaged in sealed plastic bags (e.g. flax crackers, etc.). In order to do this, do I need to buy my own sealer as well as the bags? Can I just buy bags with that are already resealable? Can anyone suggest a good source to buy these products from?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Doubt very much if your going to be able to sell to a store. There is laws on how the food has to be and also how it is to be packaged and the kind of label it must have on it. Most stores have orders sent to them from a factory

 

David asks…

Where can I find one of those cheap handheld sealers for potato chip bags?

I saw a website that is a mail order catalogue (can ordero nline too) for one of them. Does anyone know where I can get one cheap?? Please do not tell me to look on ebay. I do not and will not use that site I need one to seal some poly bags. I don't use amazon either. There aren't any wal-marts or kmarts near me and none of the dollar stores have them.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

You can try Wal-Mart, K-Mart, (random name)-Mart that sells stuff like that. As Seen On TV stores, etc. There's also amazon.com which is soooo much better than e-bay. You could try that.


Your Questions About Bag Sealers

 

Chris asks…

where is the best place to get a foodsaver (food sealer)?

i want something not to fancy but we butcher our own chickens and we dont want to put them in bags because they might freezr burn. i am really looking at home depot they are a good selection. i just want something that can package the birds and is reliable. any suggestions?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

QVC www.qvc.com

 

John asks…

Foodsaver bags for Foodsaver sealer?

Do you really have to use the brand Foodsaver bags w/the Foodsaver sealer??

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

No, I have used other types of bags. They seal just as well.

 

Betty asks…

How do you store pumpkin seeds?

I am wondering how to store un-hulled (whole) pumpkin seeds for eating later (like summer!). I plan to roast them, so I'm wondering if I should cook them first, then store them, or do it while they're still raw. And what method should I use to store? Sealer bags, canning, etc?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

As with most seeds and nuts pepitas have a high oil content so they will go rancid quickly. Purchase in amounts you will use within a week or so. Store in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Pepitas can be placed in freezer proof bags and frozen for up to 6 months or more.

 

Michael asks…

How long does frozen hamburger stay good for?

Back in December I bought some bulk hamburger and I divided it into a bunch of one pound bags then I used my vaccuum bag sealers to seal up the bag and I froze them. I'm just wondering if they're still good since it's almost June. The meat looks a different color than it does when it's fresh (when it's fresh it's a dark red but now it's a light red) but i'm thinking that's just cause it's frozen. Anybody know if it's still good and how long it's gonna be good for??

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

There are lots of factors involved, such as temperature of your freezer ( should be 0 degrees ) and how well the food is packaged ( sounds good since yours is vacuum packed ), but you should have at least 3 – 4 months. This is a bit beyond the 5 -6 months it has been. I'm fairly cautious of bad food, having had food poisoning myself before. If it were me, I'd throw away the hamburger and just buy enough in the future that you can eat within 3 months or so here's some links about freezer storage : http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/348/348-960/348-960.html http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html http://www.ziploc.com/ShelfLife/Pages/ShelfLifeHome.aspx?sid=SEM_Google good luck.


Your Questions About Bag Sealer

 

Donna asks…

Where can I find an automatic bag sealer which can stand cold conditions?

Sealer should be made of stainless steel (can stand wash down procedures)

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I use my wife. She automaticly seals bags like nobody's business! She may not be made of stainless steel but she definately can stand the wash down procedures!

 

John asks…

Vaccuum bag sealer worth it?

We want to start freezing vegetables from our garden since we now are getting more than we can eat. Would it be worth it to get a vaccuum bag sealer or do freezer ziploc bags work just as well? Anyone with experience??

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I have the sight for you http://www0.epinions.com/ it has opinions on every product on the market with REVIEWS! So check it out! But you don't need to buy it to freeze veggies! Refer to below! Storing Storing is the easiest method for keeping your harvest, but most vegetables don’t have a long shelf life. There is an excellent listing here of vegetables from beets to winter squash and th best methods and duration for storage. Root vegetables and vegetables that can be cured, like onions and winter squash, will last the longest. Some basic tips for storing fruits & vegetables: * Only store fully mature, healthy vegetables. Any bruised or immature vegetables should be eaten fresh or preserved by other means. * Clean of soil and allow the outside of vegetables to dry before freezing. * Keep a few inches on stem on winter squash and also cut the green tops of root crops to an inch or so. Freezing Many vegetables keep well in the freezer. When blanched and frozen soon after harvesting, this can be the best method for retaining nutrients, as well as color, texture and flavor. Most vegetables can last 8 – 12 weeks in the freezer. Some basic tips for freezing fruits & vegetables: # Freeze food immediately after packaging. # Keep freezer temperature at 0 degrees F. Or lower. You can set your freezer control for -10 degrees F. The day before freezing, to speed the process. # Don’t try to pack your freezer with unfrozen produce. This will only lower the temperature in the freezer and lengthen the time needed for the produce to chill. Canning Canning is a great method for preserving fruits and vegetables with a high water content, like tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and peaches, but it is essential you follow canning guidelines to the letter. Some basic tips for canning fruits & vegetables: * Choose only disease free fruits or vegetables and wash them well before processing * Use clean jars and new seal lids * Process in boiling water or a pressure canner for the specified amount of time Drying Drying fruits, vegetables and herbs is also a very easy process and can be done without any special equipment or speeded up by using the oven or a dehydrator. Dried fruits, seeds, jerky, leather and even popcorn can be done by these methods. Some basic tips for drying fruits, vegetables & herbs: * Be sure the fruits and vegetables are fully mature and disease free. * Provide good air circulation while drying, to prevent spoilage. * Don’t rush the process. Partially dried fruits, vegetables and herbs won’t last long. Pickling Cucumbers come to mind when we think of pickling, but many vegetables and fruits can be preserved in this manner, including peppers, cauliflower, apples and pears. Relishes are also prepared by pickling Some basic tips for pickling fruits & vegetables: * Always follow a tested recipe. Even in vinegar, spoilage can happen. Canning pickled products by the boiling water methods further stops spoilage. Jams & Jellies No method of preserving food smells as wonderful as making jams and jellies. Some basic tips for making jams and jellies: * The freshest, sweetest fruit makes the best jelly * The acidity level has to be right for the fruits to gel. Lemon juice is added to low acid fruits. * Don’t alter sugar amounts in recipes. Sugar helps preserve and gel the fruits.

 

Michael asks…

Please where can I buy refills for my Inno seal plastic bag sealer?

 

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Buy.innoseal.com

Your Questions About Vacuum Sealers

 

Susan asks…

How do I store spaghetti squash and Delicata squash? I have too many from my garden.?

Need to preserve them somehow. I do have a vacuum sealer if that is an option.

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I would cook them -what ever way you prefer ,but without seasoning them.Let them cool divide them into workable portions and the using your vacuum sealer , bag and seal & freeze them .when you want to eat them toss them bab and all into boiling water for a few mins. Season and enjoy .Congratulations on your bumper crop !

 

Sandy asks…

Should I freeze the cookies I made before sending them overseas?

I am making my husband cookies to send to him in Kuwait. I have a vacuum sealer that I am using to package them, but I was wondering if I should also freeze them before I put them in a box? Please help me! My husband leaves tomorrow night and I want to send his cookies in the morning so they will get there shortly after he does!!! Any ideas? They are banana chocolate chip cookies

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I would suggest that a lot depends on type but freezing and then packing in a air tight container may just affect the moisture by drawing it out and could make it mushy since it will thaw in a day en route. If properly sealed should be okay without freezing just think of all the commercial cookies from Europe that arrive a week and more on the ocean and then months on the shelf

 

Helen asks…

rival seal-a-meal or FoodSaver vacuum sealer?

Which is better?

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Rival seal-a-meal works best and lasts longer.

 

Robert asks…

Vacuum Food Sealer?

Anyone know where I can buy a Vacuum Food Sealer here in Cebu. Thank You, Bill

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

I'm not from cebu but i'm sure these could be found in any store selling kitchen wares and small appliances.

 

Jenny asks…

Is it better to buy in economical bulk sizes?

Our grocerie bill seems to clean us out every two week no matter how many coupons I clip and how many times I revise my list. I'm wondering if I should invest in one of those vacuum sealers and buy things in bulk. I don't even know what I'd buy in bulk… what the hell am I supposed to do with a giant can of vegetables? I can't run those through the vacuum sealer. Idfk I'm lost. :/

vacuumbagsealers.org answers:

Buying in bulk can save if you can use or store the items. One way to save on your grocery bill is to buy as close to fresh as possible and then make your own meals rather than buying meals that are processed and ready to serve. I wouldn't recommend the vacuum sealer as I found that I didn't save much because the plastic refills are expensive. It's cheaper to buy the reusable plastic containers. I have found them at dollar stores. Or even the lock type bags – they can be re-used as long as you haven't used them to store raw meat. So, giant can of vegetable — make a casserole, or two or three that you can freeze and heat later on. Buy powdered milk and use it when cooking. It will keep a long time and can be bought in large sizes. Buy the family packs of meat and then use them to make more than one meal. Buy bulk packages of hamburger, then split them up into smaller amounts when you get home. Buy a large roast, put it in the crock pot with carrots, potatoes, onions. Serve half the roast for the meal and save the rest for hot roast beef sandwiches later in the week — slice of bread, mashed potatoes (can use the potatoes cooked when you cooked the roast), use the juice from the roast to make gravy, and you have another meal out of one roast. Sign up for various online recipe web sites as they can help a lot with recipes and hints for cooking within a budget!