Vacuum-pack foods with ease

A common commercial trick for keeping foods fresh is now possible at home: Pull the air away from foods, then seal them with a vacuum sealer. Frozen foods resist freezer burn better, and marinades penetrate meats more effectively.

My friend vacuum-packs and freezes stews and pastas, then later heats the foods right in the plastic bags in boiling water. The FoodSaver by Tilia is available in cookware departments and stores in a number of models, including the 300 ($99), the 550 ($149), or more expensive units that also vacuum-seal jars and bottles. (800) 777-5452.

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