Have you ever wondered if you can store hamantaschen in the freezer? This popular pastry is often enjoyed during festive occasions, but what if you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance? Freezing hamantaschen is a convenient way to extend their shelf life and enjoy them at a later date.
What are some tips and hacks for incoming freshmen at Mount Holyoke College?
Dunno about hacks, but I can give you some tips.
Getting Started
Lots of Orientation’s mandatory things are repetitive, but I am 90% certain you will be in a group with your first-year seminar class (it’s what I did, and I was in basically the beta program for the new FYSEM setup), so I recommend going at least to get to know them.
It’s a small campus, but it can be a bit difficult to navigate. Take advantage of the long Orientation to find your way around and to see what routes are available for getting to your classes.
If one of your classes is in Clapp, be sure to find that classroom! Clapp can be a bit of a maze.
Class Selection
You have four years here. That’s eight semesters. You have time to get the requirements done.
If all the PE classes are filled up/not a good time for you, don’t forget to check the Dance section.
You only need one semester of a language to fulfill that requirement.
Check out a bunch of cool classes! Some fun ones I’ve been in include Fencing, Costume Design (in the Theater department), and Exploration of Mars (but that’s a FYSEM, and I don’t know if you’ve picked yours already).
If you have an idea what you want to go into, great! If you don’t, that’s cool, too! Check out lots of stuff, and read through the descriptions of different majors/minors/certificates on the website.
You cannot take a 5-College Course your first semester, but trust me, there’s plenty on-campus to do.
Schoolwork
Get to know what your professors expect. This may be very different between two different professors. Usually they will tell you things like formatting, citation style, etc., but if you’re not sure, double-check! It’s always awesome to be told that a paper is supposed to be double-spaced.
Your professors are people, too. They are not some force of nature to be feared. They like class participation. Also, if you happen across something relevant to a class, don’t be afraid to show it to your professor.
Seriously, use your resources. The library is awesome, the SAW Center can get you far, there are study blogs on tumblr that can provide advice, and the teachers probably have stuff on the class Moodle to check out.
If you get essays/papers back with comments, read the comments! It can provide a lot of insight into what your professor wants, and some comments can help you throughout all your classes.
You’re not going to die if you are not a “model student” who spends X hours studying each day and follows instructions to the T. Find what works for you!
Check out different study spots. I like to be in my room most the time, but I’ve also got a spot in the library I’ll hole up in sometimes. Common rooms can be a good place to study. I don’t know about other residence halls so much, but Torrey had a small room you can shut the door and study in peace in. A change of pace is good for you.
If you rent textbooks from Amazon (which I highly recommend if you’re taking STEM classes with their super-expensive textbooks), know that Auxiliary Services can send stuff out UPS, and there’s a couple drop boxes on campus. Also, keep the box your rental came in. It’ll save you the hassle of trying to find a new box to send it back.
College Life
Take. Advantage. Of. Your. Resources. Two big ones are the Career Development Center and the Health Center. Read their e-mails and their flyers.
You get free therapy sessions. Use them. I met up with one of the social workers twice a month or so my first semester, and it really helped to have someone to talk to about social life, roommate problems, school worries, my anxiety issues, anything. (The waiting room also has lots of toys and coloring things and snacks.)
The CDC has occasional events listed in their e-mails. Check them out if they sound interesting. Yes, you are a first-year and you may think, Hey, why does this matter if I won’t be getting a real job for years? It is worth looking. Get to know what’s there and know a few basic things so you’ll be more comfortable with them when you do graduate.
Blanchard is undergoing construction. Wilder is going to get the brunt of the dust/noise/other construction things, but it will probably affect other halls around the green. If you have allergies, asthma, noise sensitivities, anything that could conflict with that, and end up in a dorm on the green, consider your options.
I pulled off getting a single this upcoming year, even though I’ll just be a sophomore. How? I applied to a couple of the Living Learning Communities. Keep those in mind.
Go to floor/hall events! The RAs I’ve met have all been pretty nice and fun to talk to, and they love having folks come to their events. If you’re struggling to socialize, or just feel lonely, these can be a godsend.
Go to on-campus events! These can be really fun, and kind of random. Don’t be afraid to go to something that sounds odd or not quite your area. I went to the Annual Latke/Hamantaschen Debate (I’m not Jewish in the least, but I love food) and it turned out to be hilarious and a highlight of my week.
Walk if you can. Walk often. There’s a trail around Upper Lake, with at least one trail branching off of it. I walked it almost every day; it’s great for getting out and chilling.
I’m not sure if this is true of other dorms, but Torrey has abysmal reception. If you can’t get good reception or cannot call from your room/dorm for other reasons, the canoe docks out on Upper Lake are a good place to call, provided it’s not freezing.
Roommates
Print, go over, and sign at least one roommate agreement. My first-semester roommate and I went over it verbally, and that was not enough.
Your roommate agreement is a living document. Make sure you can bring up things you want to change about it.
Communicate! And do so politely! You may not always get along, and you do not have to be friends, but at least do things like warn them if you’re going to have visitors over, tell them when you get up, how heavy or light a sleeper you are, that sort of thing.
If you’re going to have a serious talk about something, do so when the other is wide awake, and willingly so. You will only foster unhappiness if you try to have a Talk when your roommate is trying to sleep.
Be open to suggestions and discussion. Do not be stubborn, hide facts, or ignore warnings from your roommate just because.
Clubs
Sign up for their e-mail lists at least, if you’re interested in them. You never know when you’ll suddenly have free time when they’re meeting, or if they’ll have an event you can go to.
Know your limits, but don’t be afraid to push them. I’ve been involved in three clubs regularly (the Nerd Trifecta of Bellatrix, Renegades, and Autosave), one on occasion (Knitting Club, which has a monthly Saturday tea and yarn event), and two that I switched between after a semester (OUTreach and Femmepowered, which changed time slots).
Ones like acapella and sports groups will suck up a lot of time. Just warning you.
Get involved! Talk to people! You’re all gathered for a shared interest, so clubs are a great way to start making friends.
Don’t forget other meetings. Religious and Spiritual life has some stuff, such as weekly lunches talking about various topics.
Food and Dining Services
There are menus online. Yeah, it’s not much now, but I recommend getting used to Dining Service’s website and hours. It’s always good to know when and where your favorite food will be, and the menus are invaluable if you have dietary restrictions.
Sometimes things that are on the menu may not be there, or in a different form, when you go to the dining hall. They may have some other food available that was not on the menu. It happens. (I’m pretty sure mac and cheese is the most common thing that ends up there unexpectedly.)
If you’re on work/study, you’re in Dining Services. If you can, work on a weekend, or near the weekend. Gracious Dinners are fun and great, but they are often in the middle of the week (and I have never seen one on a weekend) and hell to work.
Ham-MacGregor is the only hall open for hot breakfast on the weekends. If you are not in a position to go to it every weekend, stockpile some oatmeal. Stockpile some fruit, too.
Don’t be afraid to use your Dining Dollars.
Blanchard is packed around 12:15.
Certain menus tend to get packed, too. These include Abbey-Buckland’s mac and cheese Mondays, Prospect’s Dessert Dilemma and Sunday brunch, pasta bars, and Wilder’s dairy days.
Wilder’s dairy food is delicious, but the dining hall is poorly set up. Be prepared to wait and claim seats via coat or ID.
Ham-MacGregor and Prospect have nice, big salad bars. Take advantage of them, and don’t be afraid to mix salad bar and hot menu items.
Steel-Cut oatmeal will fill you right up.
The Five Colleges and Pioneer Valley
Get acquainted with the PVTA. Go to Google Maps, decide where you want to go (I recommend a day trip to Northampton), and figure out which bus will get you there.
Check out events at the other colleges! If you’re involved in clubs, they may tell you about some. (OUTreach’s newsletter, The Gay Agenda, has a column with Five College LGBT events.)
Lucky’s is a popular spot for tattoos and piercings, if you’re looking to do that. I got my eyebrows pierced at Haven, which isn’t far from it. Both are in Northampton. I know Haven’s website has coupons, and piercings and tattoos are expensive!
I do not know of any supermarkets on the bus routes. Sorry.
Packing
An electric kettle will get you far.
Tea, tea, tea! It’s a wonderful thing, and any tea you bring will probably be better than the Bigelow served in the dining halls.
Bring a fan. A big fan. It is sweltering that first month or so.
The dorms are pretty good-sized, but don’t be thinking you’ll pack a bunch of furniture. I found that the desk, chair, bed, bookcase, and closet that were in the room already were plenty sufficient.
A rug will do wonders for making it homey, though.
Coordinate with your roommate(s)! You do not need two or more of every big thing, like fridges and large fans.
Get a nice, sturdy laundry hamper. I ordered mine in a set with my sheets and while it is functional, the fabric ripped off of the handle.
There’s posters on sale on the green sometimes. Lots of cool, various ones. Just so you know.
You will probably gather items during the school year.
Bring an umbrella and clothes for all the weather. A heavy coat, a rain jacket, good outdoor boots, shorts, tank tops, everything.
Good luck, and hope to see you on campus this fall!
When it comes to freezing hamantaschen, there are a few important factors to consider. From choosing the right storage container to ensuring proper wrapping, knowing the best practices can help preserve the taste and texture of these delicious treats. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a hamantaschen enthusiast, understanding the freezing process can be beneficial for your culinary endeavors.
By following a few simple steps, you can freeze hamantaschen successfully and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat. Whether you are making a large batch for a special occasion or simply want to have some on hand for a quick snack, freezing hamantaschen can be a time-saving and convenient option. Discover the ins and outs of freezing hamantaschen and elevate your baking game with this handy guide.
Freezing Hamantaschen: A Smart Solution for Fresh Baked Treats
If you’ve ever wondered whether freezing hamantaschen is a good idea, rest assured that it can be a convenient and effective way to preserve these delectable Purim pastries for future enjoyment. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your hamantaschen remain fresh and delicious even after being stored in the freezer.
One of the key benefits of freezing hamantaschen is that it allows you to enjoy these traditional treats at a later date without compromising their taste or texture. By properly packaging and freezing the hamantaschen, you can maintain their flavor and quality for an extended period of time. This is especially useful if you want to make a large batch of hamantaschen in advance or if you have leftovers that you want to save for later.
To freeze hamantaschen, start by letting them cool completely after baking. Once they have cooled, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it, as this will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the freshness of the hamantaschen. Label the container with the date of freezing to help you keep track of how long they have been stored.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen hamantaschen, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness. Whether you freeze hamantaschen for a special occasion or simply to have a sweet treat on hand, you’ll be glad you took the time to preserve these delightful pastries for later enjoyment.
Convenience: Freezing Hamantaschen for Easy Meal Prep
When it comes to meal prep and convenience, freezing hamantaschen can be a game-changer. By preparing a batch of these delicious filled cookies ahead of time and freezing them, you can have a tasty treat ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. Whether you want to have a sweet snack on hand for unexpected guests or simply save time during busy weekdays, freezing hamantaschen is a great option.
To freeze hamantaschen, first, make sure they are completely cooled after baking. Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the cookies to freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen hamantaschen, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat the cookies in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. With frozen hamantaschen on hand, you can indulge in these delicious treats whenever the craving strikes, making meal planning and snacking a breeze.
For added convenience, you can create a simple table to summarize the steps involved in freezing hamantaschen:
| Steps to Freeze Hamantaschen |
|————————————|
| 1. Bake and cool hamantaschen |
| 2. Freeze cookies on a baking sheet |
| 3. Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight container |
| 4. Thaw or reheat cookies before serving |
By following these easy steps and freezing hamantaschen, you can enjoy a delicious treat with minimal effort, making meal prep and snack time a stress-free experience.
Preservation of Freshness
When it comes to preserving the freshness of hamantaschen, freezing can be a convenient and effective method. By freezing hamantaschen, you can extend their shelf life and enjoy them at a later date without compromising their taste and texture.
To freeze hamantaschen properly, start by allowing them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, arrange the hamantaschen in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out evenly to prevent them from sticking together during freezing.
Next, place the baking sheet with the hamantaschen in the freezer and allow them to freeze solid for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer the hamantaschen to an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Be sure to label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of their freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen hamantaschen, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive their freshness and crispness.
By following these simple steps, you can preserve the freshness of hamantaschen through freezing, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats anytime you crave them.
How to Freeze Hamantaschen
If you have a batch of delicious hamantaschen and want to preserve them for later enjoyment, freezing is a great option. Freezing hamantaschen is a simple process that can help you extend the shelf life of these delightful treats. Here are some easy steps to freeze your hamantaschen properly:
1. **Cooling:** Allow your hamantaschen to cool completely before freezing. Placing warm pastries in the freezer can lead to condensation, which may affect the texture of the cookies.
2. **Packaging:** Once the hamantaschen have cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour to allow the cookies to firm up slightly.
3. **Freezing:** After the cookies have hardened a bit, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date of freezing for easy reference.
4. **Storage:** Store the hamantaschen in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. **Reheating:** To freshen up your frozen hamantaschen, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes or microwave them for a quick reheat.
By following these simple steps, you can freeze your hamantaschen successfully and have a delicious treat ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re making a large batch for Purim or simply want to save some for later, freezing hamantaschen is a convenient way to preserve these festive cookies.
Cool down to room temperature
After baking a fresh batch of hamantaschen, it is important to allow them to cool down to room temperature before freezing them. This step is crucial in ensuring that the pastries maintain their texture and taste when they are thawed and reheated. Allowing the hamantaschen to cool down completely will also prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could lead to freezer burn.
Once the hamantaschen have cooled down to room temperature, you can proceed with the freezing process. It is recommended to place the pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before transferring them to the freezer. This will help prevent the hamantaschen from sticking together during the freezing process.
When freezing hamantaschen, it is important to use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn and to maintain the freshness of the pastries. Make sure to label the containers with the date of freezing to keep track of their freshness. When ready to enjoy the frozen hamantaschen, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a fresh and delicious treat.
In conclusion, cooling down hamantaschen to room temperature before freezing them is a simple yet important step in preserving their taste and texture. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your frozen hamantaschen will taste just as delicious as the day they were baked.
Arrange in a single layer
When freezing hamantaschen, it is important to arrange them in a single layer before placing them in the freezer. This step ensures that the hamantaschen freeze evenly and maintain their shape and texture during storage. By arranging the hamantaschen in a single layer, you prevent them from sticking together and help preserve their delicious filling and crispy dough.
Spread out on a baking sheet
To arrange the hamantaschen in a single layer, you can spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave some space between each hamantaschen to allow for air circulation and prevent them from touching each other. This will help the hamantaschen freeze properly and avoid any clumping together.
Avoid overcrowding
It is important not to overcrowd the baking sheet when arranging the hamantaschen. If you try to fit too many hamantaschen on the sheet, they may not freeze properly and could stick together. By ensuring that the hamantaschen are spaced out and not overcrowded, you can maintain the quality of the cookies and make it easier to store and retrieve them from the freezer.
Rotate if needed
Depending on the size of your freezer and the number of hamantaschen you are freezing, you may need to rotate the baking sheet to ensure even freezing. If you notice that some areas of the baking sheet are colder than others, rotate the sheet halfway through the freezing process to promote uniform freezing of the hamantaschen. This simple step can help maintain the freshness and quality of the hamantaschen during storage.
By following these steps and arranging your hamantaschen in a single layer, you can freeze them effectively and enjoy delicious treats whenever you crave them. Properly frozen hamantaschen can be stored for an extended period without compromising their taste and texture, making them a convenient and tasty option for any occasion.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
When it comes to freezing hamantaschen, one crucial step is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This ensures that the pastries are well-protected from freezer burn and maintain their freshness during storage. To wrap the hamantaschen, start by placing them on a flat surface. Take a sheet of plastic wrap and gently place it over the pastries, ensuring that they are completely covered.
Next, carefully tuck the sides of the plastic wrap around the hamantaschen, making sure that there are no gaps or openings where air could seep in. It’s important to create a tight seal to prevent any moisture from getting in and affecting the texture of the pastries. Once the hamantaschen are securely wrapped in plastic wrap, you can proceed to the next step in the freezing process.
By wrapping the hamantaschen tightly in plastic wrap, you can ensure that they stay fresh and delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them. This simple step helps to preserve the quality of the pastries and allows you to enjoy the traditional treat even after they have been frozen. So, remember to wrap your hamantaschen carefully in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer for storage.
Tips for Thawing and Serving Frozen Hamantaschen
When it comes to enjoying frozen hamantaschen, proper thawing and serving techniques are key. Follow these tips to ensure your treats are ready to enjoy:
Thawing:
- Remove the frozen hamantaschen from the freezer.
- Place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to the filling becoming too soft.
Serving:
- Once the hamantaschen are fully thawed, remove them from the refrigerator.
- Allow them to come to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a special touch, you can warm the hamantaschen in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Faut-il congeler les grains de café ?
FAQ
Can you freeze hamantaschen cookies?
Hamantaschen is best when eaten the same day that they are made but if you do have leftovers, here is how you can store (or freeze!) them. In the Refrigerator: You can store your cookies in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days. In the Freezer: If you want to freeze your baked cookies then you can!
Are hamantaschen easy to make?
The not overly sweet cookie is one of our favorite Jewish desserts —and unlike a flaky babka or rolled rugelach, hamantaschen are simple to make at home. To make golden-delicious hamantaschen, ask your bubbe for her secret recipe, or read on for our customizable version. What Are Hamantaschen?
How long should hamantaschen be cooked before eating?
Let Them Cool: The filling of the hamantaschen is very hot when you remove it from the oven. Allow these to cook for about 1015 minutes on a cooling rack before eating. Hamantaschen is best when eaten the same day that they are made but if you do have leftovers, here is how you can store (or freeze!) them.
How do you keep hamantaschen closed?
The trick to keeping hamantaschen closed is to fold! Fold down one third of the circle covering a portion of the filling. Then, fold the next third down, overlapping the first third. Finally, fold down the last third to create your triangle. Gently push the overlapping areas to seal in the goodness.
Leave a Reply