Freezer Surprises

It’s a good thing I bought a new refrigerator.  Now I know what happened to my favorite plastic storage container.  When I emptied out the freezer, there it was, holding a batch of chicken curry that I made back in 2011.

I don’t recall that curry, but the container, which has blue plastic snap-up locks, brought back a happy memory.
  I’d bought it about a decade ago in a kitchen supply store in Chalk Farm, a North London neighborhood where my friend Judy lives. 

 

Photo by Andy Mills

When I thought of Judy, I was reminded of a delicious cheese dish she once made me for dinner.  The cheese—Halloumi—is from Cyprus.  It’s sold in almost every London food emporium and, because it has a high melting point, is often fried, grilled or baked.  Only recently has it become widely available in the U.S. 

And that brings me back to my new refrigerator.  When I was clearing out the old one, what did I find in the cheese drawer but a package of Halloumi cheese that I’d bought at Trader Joe’s. 

 

Photo by Andy Mills

I’m making Pan-Fried Halloumi Cheese for dinner tonight.  Maybe tomorrow I’ll cook up a batch of Chicken Tikka Masala with the frozen chicken breasts I transferred from the old freezer space into the new one.  Luckily they’re only 2 months old.

Tell me your freezer stories!

Pan-Fried Halloumi Cheese - serves 3-4 (from Trader Joe’s package) 

 7-to-9-ounce package Halloumi cheese – cut into 1/4-inch thick slices 

Place slices of Halloumi on a hot, dry grill or hot, dry non-stick frying pan.  Lower the heat to medium and heat about 2 minutes on each side.  When golden brown and warm, remove from heat and serve with a mixed salad.

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