The holiday season will soon be upon us, a time to gather with family and friends and share the bounty of the harvest. It's the perfect occasion to showcase and send home with your guests those jars of cranberry jelly and other homemade treats you carefully preserved over the summer. Whether it's applesauce, relishes or pie filling, these homemade delights can make any holiday meal special.
But as you prepare to enjoy and share your culinary creations, it's crucial to remember food safety, especially when transporting dishes or storing leftovers. The key factors to keep in mind are time and temperature.
Understanding the Danger Zone Bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses thrive between 40°F and 140°F. While refrigeration and freezing slow bacterial growth, they don't stop it completely. The general rule is to follow the "Two-Hour Rule"—don't leave hot foods below 140°F or cold foods above 40°F for more than two hours. Beyond this time, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
Safe Transportation and Serving Tips If you're bringing perishable food to a holiday gathering, plan to serve it within two hours of preparation, or ensure it is properly cooled and reheated. Keep hot dishes on the stove or in the oven until they're ready to be served. Remember that microwaving alone may not be enough to ensure food safety; reheating on the stove or in the oven until it reaches a rolling boil is necessary, especially for liquids like gravy.
Desserts made with raw dairy or eggs, such as eggnog or cakes with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, should also be kept refrigerated until served. Keeping these desserts cold minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
Storing and Using Home-Canned Foods Properly canned foods can last a very long time if stored correctly. Store labeled jars (with content and processing date) in a clean, cool, dark, and dry place. Ideally, storage temperatures should be between 50°F and 70°F.
However, over time, even home-canned foods can lose quality and nutritional value. It's best to consume them within a year for the best flavor and texture, although they remain safe to eat as long as the seal remains intact. Make sure to use the oldest jars first. Discard any jars with leaking seals, bulging lids, or other signs of spoilage.
Making the Most of Leftover Bones and ScrapsTurkey, ham, and beef bones can be transformed into a nourishing soup base or stock. Also, save those vegetable trimmings to throw into the stock. The stock can be canned using a pressurecanneror frozen for future use. Visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation website for broth/stock recipes to pressure can.
Handling Leftovers In my home, we always look forward to the leftovers. Love those turkey and cranberry sandwiches, and easy dishes like casseroles. However, it's essential to handle leftovers correctly to prevent spoilage. Cool hot foods quickly by storing them in shallow containers no more than two inches deep and refrigerate or freeze them within two hours of cooking.
When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Gravy and soup should be brought to a steady boil. Leftovers like stuffing and gravy should be consumed within one to two days, while refrigerated cooked poultry, ham, casseroles, and vegetables can last three to four days. Desserts like cream pies and cheesecake should be eaten within two to three days (though this usually isn't a problem in my home!).
Here are some creative and delicious ideas for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers: These ideas transform your leftovers into exciting new meals that capture the flavors of Thanksgiving in fresh and unexpected ways!
1. Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwiches
- Classic Turkey Sandwich: Layer slices of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes between two slices of toasted bread. Add a smear of mayo or gravy for extra flavor.
- Thanksgiving Panini: Use a panini press to grill a sandwich filled with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a slice of cheddar cheese for a crispy, melty treat.
2. Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
- Combine chopped turkey, leftover stuffing, and a mix of leftover vegetables (like green beans or carrots) in a casserole dish. Mix in some gravy or cream of mushroom soup to bind it together, top with shredded cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
3. Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Mix leftover mashed potatoes with an egg, a handful of shredded cheese, and a bit of flour to create a batter. Form into small patties and fry in a hot skillet until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or cranberry sauce.
4. Thanksgiving Shepherd's Pie
- Use leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy as the filling for a shepherd's pie. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on top and bake until the top is browned and crispy.
5. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas
- Spread cranberry sauce on a tortilla, layer with turkey and a sprinkle of cheese, then top with another tortilla. Cook in a skillet until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of sour cream or leftover gravy.
6. Stuffing Waffles
- Press leftover stuffing into a waffle iron to create savory waffles. Top with turkey, a fried egg, or a drizzle of gravy for a unique brunch dish.
7. Turkey Pot Pie
- Combine turkey, leftover vegetables, and gravy, then cover with a pastry crust or use leftover pie dough. Bake until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
8. Cranberry Sauce Smoothie
- Blend cranberry sauce with yogurt, a banana, and a bit of milk for a tart and sweet smoothie.
9. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
- Use a pizza crust or flatbread, and top with mashed potatoes as the "sauce." Add turkey, stuffing, and a sprinkle of cheese. Drizzle with gravy after baking.
10. Turkey Soup with Stuffing Dumplings
- Make a turkey soup using leftover bones for broth. Add chopped turkey, vegetables, and small stuffing balls as dumplings, then simmer until the dumplings are cooked through.
From our UC San Joaquin Master Food Preserver family, we want to wish you a safe and joyous holiday season, filled with delicious meals and cherished memories. Here's to a bountiful year ahead!
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food Safety: Keep Food Safe.
United States Department of Agriculture. Food Safety and Inspection Service: Safe Food Handling.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microwave Cooking and Food Safety.
National Center for Home Food Preservation. Egg-Based Desserts.
United States Department of Agriculture. Refrigerator & Food Safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food Safety Temperature Guidelines.
United States Department of Agriculture. Leftovers and Food Safety.
National Center for Home Food Preservation. Making and Using Broth.
National Center for Home Food Preservation. Storing Canned Food.
Jarden Consumer Care. Canning Guidelines.
United States Department of Agriculture. Home Canning Safety.
Jarden Brands. Canning Equipment Care.
National Center for Home Food Preservation. How to Store Food.
