By Edward A. Forbes
The Bulletin
Holidays are over, decorations are taken down, and now, comes the annual question. How long do you hang on to the holiday feast leftovers? We cook similar quantities for family gatherings, and they contribute to the feast leftovers, too. Is there a set time, like a week, or just before salmonella assumes control?
We always cook enough for leftovers to last three to four days; but what happens when the quantity to be consumed is far too great to be consumed in the three-to-four-day time frame?
“Hey Dad, the gravy is starting to bubble!” That is disconcerting when it’s not being heated, just sitting at room temperature. Time for the gravy to meet the trash bag.
“Oh look, the dressing is starting to smell like old socks.” Now this is a sign from above that it, too, must meet the gravy in that trash bag. The green beans are no longer green - time for their disposal.
The experts say three days, refrigerated, is a safe period, but ours lasts a week easily, and frequently boredom is the culprit in their disposal, not spoilage.
Normally, discarding the leftovers is not an issue, but there have to be guidelines for the exception that will exceed the three-day (or more) guidelines.
Pay attention to the signs, but to be honest, we throw little away. The leftovers are not left anymore but rather are dinner guests - if they last.
Try freezing leftovers in approved containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Label and date the frozen delicacies for future use. In the coming weeks, you might suddenly think “I’d really like a little turkey and dressing for supper tonight.” Pull containers out of freezer, thaw, and then warm .. dinner is served.
I started using most of my turkey leftovers to make turkey and sausage gumbo, and it has become a favorite of mine. But any of these things, and it’s “problem solved” until the next holiday or family gathering.
I cook briskets in the spring and summer months, and leftovers are seldom available for future use. I may start bagging a few servings before the madding hordes attack. Single servings in freezer-approved containers are great to take on RV camping trips - no cooking, just thaw and warm up in the microwave.
(Email Edward Forbes at eforbes1946@gmail.com or send comments to The Bulletin, P.O. Box 2426, Angleton, TX. 77516.)
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