question about crockpot freezer cooking, please help!

[ktgrok]

I just made up two bags of beef stew, with potatoes, veggies, beef, etc. I always cook this with a can of dark beer (stout). Can I pour that into the bag before freezing? Or do I need to wait until I make it to add it? (I'm worried the beer will be gone when it is time to make the stew).

 

Also...going to make up some chicken/peppers/tomatoes/onions/garlic, that normally I cook with a can of black beans and a bag of yellow rice. Can I put the beans and/or rice in there before freezing? Or again, should I wait until cooking?

 

Thanks! I really want to get this done today, before I end up in labor!

[ktgrok]

anyone?

[jen3kids]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'd wait until cooking to add rice and beans. I think the consistency would be off. But, I think it's fine to add the beer.

[Forget-Me-Not]

Would the alcohol content prevent it from freezing completely? I know some harder liquors can do that, but maybe beer doesn't have enough. I'd probably just wait and pour it in on the day you cook.

Edited September 8, 2012 by LemonPie

[bbkaren]

I've seen beer freeze as soon as you pop the lid so it's no longer under pressure so I don't think that's an issue.

 

The potatoes are going to be a problem; they don't freeze well at all. They thaw out all grainy and gross. I always add the taters after pulling from the freezer.

[Dobela]

I freeze beans all the time without any problem. Rice can get really mushy if it is frozen in liquids. I seem to be able to freeze it ok in as leftovers, or before cooking at all, but not necessarily in anything.