Nutrition Q & A
How Do I Keep Leftover Holiday Food Safe?
Holidays are a great time to enjoy those family favorites. Since so much food is prepared during the holidays, there is bound to be a slew of leftovers. To keep all of that leftover food safe, there are three things to remember: package it properly, store it properly and reheat it properly. Once a food is finished cooking, it has up to two hours before it must be refrigerated or frozen. The time drops to one hour during hot weather when temperatures are over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods should be stored in shallow containers about 2 inches deep, labeled with the date and separated by dish. For example, leftover casseroles and cooked vegetables should be eaten within three to four days, and fruit and cream pies within two to three days.
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