Freezer Confessions: A Peek into Ally’s Frozen World
Meet Ally Hirschlag, a 36-year-old editor and writer from Hoboken, NJ, who’s about to spill the beans on her freezer habits. With a passion for baking and a penchant for stress-relief, Ally’s freezer is a treasure trove of tasty treats, quirky keepsakes, and practical staples.
A Love Affair with Baking
As a self-proclaimed chronic stress baker, Ally finds solace in whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Her freezer is her trusted sidekick, allowing her to preserve her creations and enjoy them at a later date. From Swedish cardamom buns to toffee pecan dream bars, Ally’s baking prowess knows no bounds. But it’s not just about the end product – the process itself is therapeutic, helping her quiet the voices in her head and channel her anxiety into something positive.
A Nostalgic Treat
Deep in Ally’s freezer lies a nostalgic gem: two chocolate chip cookies from Ben’s Cookies, a now-defunct Oxford-based cookie shop. These sweet morsels evoke memories of her carefree high school days, when she’d devour them by the dozen. Today, they remain untouched, a symbol of a bygone era when life was simpler.
The Bagel Bonanza
Ally’s freezer is home to an impressive stash of bagels – up to two dozen, to be exact. Her husband’s fear of random shortages has led to a bagel hoard, courtesy of O-Bagel, a local spot that serves up semi-decent New York-style bagels. While it may seem excessive, these bagels bring comfort and familiarity to their Hoboken home.
A Frozen Legacy
The oldest item in Ally’s freezer is a roll of miso chocolate chip cookie dough, which has been chilling since before she moved to Hoboken two years ago. This dough has seen better days, but Ally holds onto it, waiting for the perfect moment to whip up a fresh batch.
Convenience in a Bag
For those chaotic weeknights, Ally relies on a trusty bag of frozen, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips. These protein-packed wonders can be quickly defrosted and cooked, making them a staple in her busy life. The only drawback? They sometimes emit a peculiar smell when cooked – a small price to pay for convenience.
A Lactose Intolerant’s Lament
Ally’s ambitious three-cheese lasagna recipe is a labor of love, but her increasing lactose intolerance makes it a rare indulgence. She now freezes individual portions, savoring each bite while silently mourning the loss of her dairy-filled days.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Ally’s freezer is also home to an impressive collection of ice packs, each designed for specific types of pain relief. From sinus headaches to neck and lower back pain, she’s got an arsenal of cold comforts at her disposal. And, as an added bonus, they double as cold packs for perishables on road trips.
A Quick Meal Fix
When time is of the essence, Ally turns to Dr. Praeger’s spinach and potato littles – essentially tater tots with a healthy twist. These kid-friendly bites bring a smile to her face and a sense of nostalgia to her mealtime routine.
Get to know Ally better through her writing and musings on Twitter and Facebook.
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