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How a Quarter Can Save Your Winter Meals: The “Quarter Freezer” Hack

Madison

Winter storms bring cozy nights by the fire and snow-covered landscapes—but they also bring power outages. When the lights flicker off and temperatures drop, our freezers become a silent battleground between fresh and spoiled food. Enter an unexpected hero: the humble quarter. This clever hack could be the difference between a hearty meal and a food safety gamble.


freezer food

Meet the "Quarter Freezer" Trick

Before a snowstorm or during unpredictable winter weather, prepare your freezer with this simple technique. Start by filling a cup with water and letting it freeze completely. Once the water is solid, place a quarter on top of the ice and return the cup to your freezer. That’s it! This tiny step gives you a powerful way to monitor the safety of your frozen food during a power outage.


But how does it work? The placement of the quarter reveals whether your freezer's contents have stayed safely frozen or were compromised. If the quarter remains on top of the ice after the storm has passed, congratulations—your freezer likely maintained its chill, and your food is good to go. However, if the quarter has sunk into the ice, it’s a sign the freezer warmed enough for the ice to partially melt before refreezing. That thawing means your food might no longer be safe to eat.


Why It Matters in Winter

Power outages are more common during the colder months, thanks to heavy snow, ice storms, and high winds. While we focus on staying warm, it’s easy to overlook what’s happening to the frozen food we rely on for hearty soups, casseroles, and comfort meals. The quarter freezer trick gives you peace of mind without having to guess—or worse, risk foodborne illness.


A Small Step for Big Savings

This hack isn’t just about safety—it’s also about avoiding waste. Tossing out spoiled food can be costly and frustrating, especially if you’ve stocked up before a storm. A simple coin and cup of water can help you avoid throwing away perfectly good items or accidentally consuming unsafe food.

So, as you bundle up this winter and prepare for the next storm, don’t forget to grab a quarter. It might just save your dinner—and your stomach.

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