Ice, Ice, Berry

Fresh berries are best . . . right now. But when the season’s over, frozen berries are a welcome alternative. While frozen berries aren’t suitable for eating out of hand, they can be used successfully in any recipe where the berries are cooked.

Berries are easy to freeze. Here’s how:

* Do not wash berries. Hull strawberries. If they are large, cut them in halves or quarters.

* Line jelly-roll pan with wax paper. Discard imperfect berries. Spread berries in a single layer.

* Place pan in freezer. When berries are frozen solid (in about 2 hours), transfer to airtight plastic food bags. To protect them from off flavors, place airtight berry bag in another airtight plastic food bag. They can be kept frozen at least 6 months.

* Don’t bother to thaw berries before using them; simply add a few minutes to baking or cooking time.