Issue Nº 503

Thursday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• The top holiday leftovers to freeze

• Do you know these rare facts about snow?

• Is learning a new language your New Year’s resolution?

• Freezing tips for success

• A cocoa mix recipe, stunning coastlines, and a solar quiz…

True or False?

Reheating food in the microwave uses more energy than reheating it in the oven.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Freezing Holiday Coffee Creamer (And Other Leftovers)

Ever found yourself with leftover holiday coffee creamer and wondered if you can freeze it? Good news—you absolutely can! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of not just creamer but plenty of other foods you might not expect. Here’s how to freeze your festive treats and avoid food waste this season:

Freezing Coffee Creamer:

What if you could enjoy your favorite holiday creamer all year round? Creamers freeze well and can be stored for months. Just pour the creamer into ice cube trays for easy portioning or freeze it in its original container (leave some room for expansion). When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge and give it a good shake—it may separate slightly, but a quick stir will fix that.

Other Foods You Can Freeze:

• Eggs - Crack them into an ice cube tray and freeze them raw for baking or cooking later.

• Cheese - Shredded cheese freezes well and thaws perfectly for pizzas, pasta, or casseroles.

• Avocados - Scoop out the flesh, mash it with a little lemon juice, and freeze for future guacamole.

• Cooked Pasta - Freeze individual portions for easy, no-fuss meals. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep it from drying out.

• Fresh Herbs - Chop herbs, mix them with olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays for instant flavor boosts.

• Cooked Rice - Store cooked rice in portioned, freezer-safe bags or containers. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or steam—it’ll come out fluffy and ready to serve!

Freezing is one of our favorite tricks—it’s an easy way to reduce food waste, save money, and extend the life of your holiday ingredients.

Curious about our top freezing-tips? Keep reading to the end!

Do You Know These Rare Snow Facts?

Snow might seem like just frozen water, but it holds a world of fascinating science and surprising facts. From its structure to its environmental impact, here are some lesser-known truths about snow that might make you see it differently this winter:

Snow Isn’t White - Despite its appearance, snow is colorless. Its ice crystals scatter light, making it look white. Sometimes, snow can even appear red or green due to algae—a phenomenon called “watermelon snow.”

It Can Be Too Cold to Snow - Extremely cold air holds little moisture, so snowfall is rare in the coldest places like Antarctica. Most of its surface is covered by snow accumulated over thousands of years.

Snow Isn’t Just for Earth - Snow exists beyond our planet! Mars, for instance, experiences snowstorms of carbon dioxide (dry ice) snowflakes, thanks to its thin atmosphere and freezing temperatures.

Snow Helps Regulate Climate - Snow’s bright surface reflects sunlight back into space, helping regulate the planet’s temperature. This effect, known as the albedo effect, is critical in slowing global warming.

Snow Has Many Names - In regions like Alaska and Greenland, where snow is a constant, indigenous languages like Inuit and Sami have dozens of words for snow. These terms describe everything from falling snow to different textures and stages of melting, reflecting how deeply snow is woven into daily life in these areas.

The next time you step into a snowstorm or admire a frost-covered landscape, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the science and beauty behind it. What’s your favorite snowy fact?

Speak a New Language for a 2025 Full of Adventure

Looking for a meaningful holiday challenge? Babbel offers an engaging way to sharpen your mind with bite-sized language lessons that take just 10 minutes a day. Studies show that learning a new language can boost brainpower and improve memory—so why not gift yourself this healthy habit? Whether you're traveling this season or just exploring a new passion, Babbel has everything you need to succeed. With podcasts, games, and live online classes, Babbel makes it fun to stay motivated. Subscribe now and save 67%! Your brain—and your future travels—will thank you.

Your Adventure Starts Here

Freezing Tips for Success

As previously mentioned, freezing is a great way to save money and reduce waste—here’s our tips for how to do it right:

• Use Airtight Containers: Prevent freezer burn with airtight containers, freezer bags, or silicone pouches. Leave space for liquids to expand.

• Label and Date: Write the name and freezing date on containers to stay organized and avoid waste.

• Thaw Smartly: Thaw in the fridge overnight or use items like herbs and shredded cheese directly from frozen.

• Portion Before Freezing: Freeze single servings of soups, sauces, or grains to thaw only what you need.

• Flash Freeze Delicate Foods: Freeze berries or sliced fruits on a baking sheet first to avoid clumping, then transfer to containers.

We’d love to hear from you—what’s your go-to freezing tip? Are there any clever tricks we missed? Share your favorites!

Quick Picks:

This week’s quick tips bring cozy recipes, stunning views, and fun quizzes to brighten your day:

• ☕ Cocoa Mix Recipe: Warm up with a homemade non-dairy hot cocoa mix. This recipe uses simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and powdered oat milk for a delicious, zero-waste treat. Perfect for gifting or cozying up on chilly days.

• 🌊 Coastal Wonders: Take a virtual journey through the world’s most stunning coastlines with a breathtaking photo collection. From rugged cliffs to serene beaches, these images showcase the beauty and diversity of our planet’s shores.

• ☀️ Test Your Solar Smarts: How much do you really know about the sun? This quiz challenges you with fun and fascinating facts about our closest star. Dive in and see how you measure up!

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False, reheating food in the microwave uses less energy than reheating in the oven. Microwaves are more energy-efficient because they heat food quickly and directly.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter