Thanksgiving dinner is over, the kitchen is littered with dishes and you've got to figure out how to store a half carved turkey, a quart of gravy, a leftover loaf pan of stuffing and three half eaten pies. Not to mention Cousin Melissa's pumpkin soup that she served inside a hollowed out pumpkin. Here are some tips on how to get everything into put away and tucked in the fridge.
- Think about your storage options before the big day. Check your supplies of foil, plastic wrap, zip top bags and reusable plastic containers before you start cooking to ensure you'll have enough to get you through.
- Choose the right-sized container for the job. Refrigerator space is at a premium after big holiday meals, so using appropriately sized bowls, jars and bags will keep the jigsaw puzzle easier to solve.
- Make sure that your storage devices are airtight and leak-proof so that your food will stay fresh, aromas won't mingle and you don't end up with candied yam juice coating the shelves with a sticky sheen.
- If you use old yogurt containers or other, non-transparent vessels for your leftovers, label the carton with a sharpie. It will make the hunt for the last of the green beans much easier and when it is empty, the writing wipes off with a little bit of rubbing alcohol.
- Make sure that your turkey is totally unstuffed before you stash it in the fridge, because it can take too long to thoroughly cool otherwise, encouraging the growth of dangerous bacteria.
- Remember that it's never a good idea to store food in aluminum cans, so transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a different container.
Here's hoping you find some of these tips helpful and that you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast for at least three full days!
Cheese Course: Brebis Pardou
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-20-2007 @ 10:30AM
laura said...
My moms solution to storing food? give it all away. We all even bring our own tupperware and tin foil!!!
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11-22-2007 @ 8:07AM
Bill said...
I'm with Laura. Best thing my family did with our leftovers when coming home from my folks house was to give them (still warm) to the local homeless guy.
He had tears in his eyes, as did we.
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11-22-2007 @ 8:40AM
fjmasmith said...
I set up a table in the COLD garage and put things like pies and warm things that need to cool on the table. Some states have cold temps on Thanksgiving day to help with refrigerator space! I am thankful for that!
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11-22-2007 @ 10:08AM
Bob said...
Everyone remember this is the time of year that we are supposed to share, and express our love for each other, and focus, and be thankful for God first, Life, and family second, and lastly our possessions no matter what they consist of big or small be thankful. Have a great dinner, guys help clean up after dinner, and for everyone who loves Thanksgiving football enjoy the game http://www.worldclassskate.com
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11-22-2007 @ 10:23AM
lisa said...
I too give our family leftovers to the homeless, no one should ever be hungry and we as Americans over indulge and over eat way too much on all the holidays. We have started to eat healthier in my family on the holidays and we also make much less than we used to. We also follow dieting tips on www.zylenebody.com to stop us from the over induging.
happy holidays and stay healthy and safe!
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11-23-2007 @ 3:17PM
Monty said...
My family gives the excess food to the homeless as well. We have also stopped making the unhealthy fatty things too. We eat much healthier on Thanksgiving as well as all the holidays and we following smart dieting tips like the ones we found on www.zylenebody.com. Stay healthy this holiday season. If you over cook, give to those who need the food.
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11-25-2007 @ 6:41PM
Steve Aburoumi said...
Well in order to curb leftovers the key is to not make so much our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs. If you were taking zylene when cooking you would most likely make just enough food for everyone maybe alittle leftover for one extra meal the next day. We waste too much food with all you can eat buffets etc.. We american have become overindulgent. With www.nutrition4adults.com and zylene we can put that stereo type behind us and start eating for nourishment and not pleasure all the time.
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