We are all faced with some challenges during this holiday season. With the recommendation to spend the holidays with members of our own households, and to join with extended family and friends virtually one of those challenges might be the quantity of leftovers remaining at the end of the meal, when we have prepared everyone’s favorite holiday dish. To meet that challenge here is some information that might help.
As long as leftovers are put into the fridge right away in a sealed container, most will keep between 3 to 4 days. Some may say that you could keep them in the fridge a little longer, but by that point the taste and texture of the dishes will most likely be affected, and safety could become an issue. Here is a handy reference chart with recommended refrigerator and freezer storage times for some favorite holiday dishes that sums it all up.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
| Turkey, cooked | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Meat (ham, beef), cooked | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Gravy | 1-2 days | 2-3 months |
| Cranberry sauce | 10-14 days | 1-2 months |
| Stuffing, cooked | 3-4 days | 1 month |
| Mashed potatoes, yams | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
| Soup | 2-3 days | 4-6 months |
| Vegetables, cooked | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Pumpkin pie, baked | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
| Apple pie, baked | 2-3 days | 3-4 months |
| Custard pie, baked | 3-4 days | Not recommended |
Because freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely and recommended storage times are for quality only, freezer storage recommendations are a little more flexible then refrigerator ones as long as proper packaging that is moisture vapor proof is used. Freezer burn that can occur when food is kept in the freezer too long is safe to eat, but may affect the texture and taste negatively, so it’s still best to follow the recommended storage times.
Try this life’s solution recipe during that 3-4-day window when leftovers are residing in your fridge before they need to go in the freezer for storage beyond.
Ingredients:
2 slices Italian bread (or bread of your choice)
1 teaspoon vegetable/olive oil
2 ounces of leftover cooked turkey or cooked ham
1 slice cheese of your choice (approx. 1 ounce)
4 thin slices peeled or unpeeled and cored apple
1 Tablespoon cranberry sauce
lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Using a pastry brush spread oil on one side of each piece of bread and lay the bread oil-side down on the work surface.
- Place the turkey or ham, cheese, apple slices and cranberry sauce on top of one of the slices of the bread. Place the second slice of bread on top, oil-side up.
- Heat a grill or frying pan over medium heat. Grill the sandwich on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the sandwich to the work surface, lift one piece of bread and arrange the lettuce inside, then replace the bread. Slice the sandwich in half and serve.
Note: For a little extra creativity you could add a thin slice of leftover stuffing or sweet potato to the sandwich.
Servings: 1
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 370, Total Carbohydrates: 33g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 28g, Total Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 430mg
Safely stored holiday meal leftovers can be that gift that keeps on giving throughout the holiday season.
If you are interested in more recipes, nutrition information, or classes, visit our website at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org or contact Michelle Leveski, EFNEP Nutrition Program Educator by calling 518-234-4303 ext. 115 (please leave a message), or emailing her at mml39@cornell.edu.