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How To

How to Store Holiday Leftovers

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Leftovers give you a few more days to savor your holiday creations. Make sure they're safely stored by following these pointers.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before handling leftovers.

  2. Step 2

    Remove stuffing from inside the turkey and store in a separate container. Use stuffing within three days.

  3. Step 3

    Wrap leftover roasts and turkey tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and eat within three to four days.

  4. Step 4

    Pour leftover gravy into a plastic storage container. Use within three days.

  5. Step 5

    Divide large amounts of leftovers like stuffing, mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole between several storage containers - smaller portions cool faster.

  6. Step 6

    Place leftover veggies in plastic storage containers and eat them within five days.

  7. Step 7

    Cover cranberry sauce and eat within a week. It's great on those leftover turkey sandwiches.

  8. Step 8

    Wrap leftover fish or seafood (and that oyster stuffing) tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and use within one to two days.

  9. Step 9

    Cover pumpkin, apple and pecan pies tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate and eat within five days.

Tips & Warnings
  • Refrigerate leftovers immediately - within two hours of preparation.
  • Cool hot leftovers in the refrigerator instead of on the counter.
  • Keep leftovers at least 2 inches apart in the fridge to allow cold air to circulate.
  • Toss any stuffing containing meat after three days.
  • Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your fridge stays between 35 and 40 degrees F.
  • Toss any leftovers that look or smell odd. But remember, contaminated food may look and smell fine. When in doubt, throw it out.
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