Read up: Thanksgiving: What to do the day of
Turkey, meat items: 3-4 days
Notes: On Thanksgiving Day: Remove meat from carcass and layer in shallow pan, no more than 2" deep. Cover and refrigerate within 2 hours after Thanksgiving meal. Leftovers can be frozen and stored 2-6 months.
Stuffing or dressing, Gravy: 1-2 days Freeze leftovers within 24 hours of the meal for later use.
Casseroles (green bean casserole, sweet potato, mashed potatoes): 4-5 days Leftovers can be frozen after 3 days and stored in the freezer 2-6 months.
Cooked Vegetables: 4-5 days
Cranberry sauce, relish: 6 days
Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie: 2 days for best quality, 5 days for food safety Store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service:
Storing Your Leftovers
- Discard any turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
- Divide leftovers into smaller portions. Refrigerate or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling.
- Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days. Use gravy within 1 to 2 days.
- If freezing leftovers, use within 2 to 6 months for best quality.
Reheating Your Turkey
---In the Oven
- Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 °F.
- Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
In the Microwave Oven
- Cover your food and rotate it for even heating. Allow standing time.
- Check the internal temperature of your food with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 °F.
- Consult your microwave oven owner's manual for recommended times and power levels.
Click here to view recipes.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.