Leftovers 101 - Storing and Reheating
Whether it's a doggie bag from your favourite restaurant, last night's meatloaf or an extra carton of take-out food, leftovers are finding their way into our meal-time repertoires more and more. And let's face it -- most of us love leftovers. Not only does the food often taste better the next day (thanks to flavours melding together), but it gives busy cooks a night off from preparing a whole new meal.
Here's a mini course in storing and reheating leftovers. Practice these guidelines and leftovers will remain your best culinary friend:
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.
- Cool down leftovers quickly. Before refrigerating or freezing: slice large cuts of meat and store in serving-size packets; use small containers to store stews and chilis.
- Label leftovers with the current date. Eat or freeze within 3 to 4 days.
- Check the refrigerator once a week and discard old leftovers. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Reheat leftovers until piping hot all the way through.
- To ensure even reheating in a microwave oven:
- Cover food with a vented covering
- Rotate food halfway through cooking time
- Stir food halfway through cooking time (even if oven has turntable)
- Stir food again after cooking is completed
- Allow food to stand for 5 minutes after cooking
- Never reheat leftovers in a slow-cooker. The gradual heating promotes bacterial growth.