DIY Network

Storing Leftovers From "Ask DIY Cooking & Entertaining" episode DADC-106

Whether you prepare a four-course meal or a simple casserole, there's a good chance that you'll have leftovers after the meal. Here are suggestions from master chef Paul Sturkey for storing leftovers and keeping them fresh.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

• It's important to refrigerate your leftovers within two hours after the food was prepared. Leaving food out on the counter provides the opportunity for certain harmful bacteria to grow.

  Wrap larger leftover portions in plastic wrap, then wrap that in aluminum foil (figure A). The plastic wrap will help keep the moisture in the food, and the foil keeps light out. Most foods wrapped this way will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days.

• Side dishes and smaller portions should be divided evenly among clean, shallow resealable containers. Make sure the lid fits tightly (figure B). Leftover vegetables should be eaten within about two or three days. Casseroles should be divided into small portions and stored in the same way.

• Seafood doesn't keep as well as other leftovers. If you find yourself with leftover fish or other seafood, wrap it in plastic and then foil. The plastic will help keep the fish fresh, and the foil will help keep odors out of your refrigerator. It should be served within about a day.

• Tip: Leftover or extra gravy can be stored conveniently by freezing it in zip-lock bags. Lay the bag flat in the freezer so that the gravy will freeze in this handy shape (figure C). When it's time to serve the gravy, simply drop the bag into a pot of boiling water.

• Consider investing in a hanging thermometer (figure D) to help ensure that the inside of your refrigerator stays between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If you have enough room in your refrigerator, space out your leftovers (figure E) so that air can circulate around them.

Storing Leftovers: Recap

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
  
• Wrap foods in plastic, then in foil.
  
• Keep your refrigerator at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.