You have been planning and preparing for your house full of guests for days. The meal has come and gone and it is time to……do something with all of those leftovers!
I have found that being prepared isn’t just about cleaning and cooking before your event but you need to be ready for the clean-up. You have lots of extra hands wanting to help so before they start going through every cabinet or drawer, plan ahead by having storage containers ready to go! This will allow them to assist with clean up, take the food so you are not stuck with it, and allow you more time to visit.
You have many options when it comes to storage containers. Always use items that are “freezer” proof. Often you intend on using something in the next day or two but you don’t, if it is already in a freezer container you just have to move it from your refrigerator to your freezer. Leftovers are safe for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator but can be moved to the freezer if not needed right away and then frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer. You may find this Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart(PDF) as a great reference tool.
Here are a few tips for making sure those leftovers are safe:
- Use see-through storage containers for refrigerated leftovers.
- Freeze leftovers in meal-size servings
- Immediately refrigerate or freeze the wrapped leftover for rapid cooling.
- Label with the contents and date on packaged foods before storing in freezer.
These practices help keep bacteria out, retain moisture, and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator.
When it is time to eat those leftovers…….thawing and reheating frozen leftovers properly is equally important. The USDA is a great resource when it comes to safely and properly using your leftovers(PDF).
Last but not least…be sure to safely reheat leftovers(PDF).
