This holiday season is no different than the past with leftovers. It seems that we cook for many and we are eating less. What can you do with the leftovers to make it easier and create some fun new meals or save for a later date.
Proper Storage
Make sure that you are storing your food safely. Remember to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to keep food safe. The temperature of your fridge should be 33°F-40°F to keep foods safe. In order to cool leftovers faster, place them in smaller serving containers 2 to 3 inches deep. Plan to use or freeze leftovers within 4 days.
Preserving
The easiest way to save food is to freeze it in freezer safe containers. Use freezer grade bags or containers to insure quality. Label items with date, amount, and content to remember what is in the container. The freezer temperature should be 0°F or below. Freeze in amounts that are usable for you and your family.
Some leftovers can also be dehydrated for use at a later date. When mashed potatoes are dried they can later be used as instant potatoes.
Leftover Meal Planning
Plan and schedule a leftover meal for the few days after the holidays or using items in the freezer at a later date. Make use of leftovers in a creative way. Using the leftover vegetables, gravy and meat to create a pot pie, shepherd’s pie, or casserole to serve over the weekend. You can also use the leftovers to make quesadillas, enchiladas, salad, soups, or stews. Some of my favorite dishes to create is turkey enchiladas, turkey or beef potpie, and tortilla soup.
Live Smart Colorado feature articles, developed by Colorado State University Extension specialists, provide research-based, practical information to support lifelong nutrition, physical, financial, and emotional health and well-being for Coloradans.