Many special diet foods have a very short shelf life, the ones I have particular difficulty in is the starch based foods like breads and tortillas. Most have long expiration dates as long as they are not open, however as soon as they are you have 7 days until it has to be thrown out. While that is not a bad concept for me as an adult, many children with special diets are unable to go through a loaf of Gluten Free bread in under 7 days. Most companies do not recommend freezing the product however I have found that packing the starch based foods excessively allows it to be frozen without any harsh side effects or freezer burn.
For packing you will need:
Parchment paper
Freezer paper
Freezer safe, sealable container
Freezer bag, size appropriate
Step 1: Cut open the sealed Gluten Free Bread package on 3 sides, leaving 1 side still attached
Step 2: Cut 2 x 2 pieces of parchment paper and slip one between each slice of bread
(keeps the slices from sticking to one another and makes it easier to take 1 slice out at a time)
Step 3: Wrap the Gluten Free Bread package with freezer paper
Step 4: Place the wrapped Gluten Free Bread package in the freezer safe container
NOTE: at this stage you will need to make any adjustments to the freezer paper wrapper so that it is not sticking out or blocking the lid from fitting correctly
Step 5: Seal the freezer safe container
Step 6: Place the container in a size appropriate freezer bag and seal it
Step 7: Enjoy for longer
Helpful tip:
When I need to toast a slice of the frozen Gluten Free bread, I find it best to place in the toaster and adjust the dial to #2. This not only thaws the frozen bread but then crisps it and gives it a nice golden color around the edges.
Reminder - not all toasters are alike in temperature/cooking time, you will need to test the process with your own toaster.
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