Getting Ready for Gatherings of Family and Friends? Follow These Six Expert Tips

Don’t reuse containers that food came in for leftovers. These are designed for single use and not for storage. Instead, use food-safe/freezer-safe containers (NSF certified) or a gallon- or quart-size storage bag.

Prepping your kitchen before cooking is vital for food safety. Check out these cleaning tips.

Food safety means keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Start packing up leftovers within two hours to avoid a breeding ground for germs. It’s not necessary or safer to cool them down to room temperature before you refrigerate or freeze them.

Putting your warm food into the fridge to cool properly before storage is essential for food safety. Use shallow containers for large portions of food as well as vent lids and use your thermometer to ensure that food is cooled and ready for storage.

Keep in mind when you store your food after the meal to use small portions for individual servings and larger ones to serve the family for tomorrow’s lunch.

Not all food storage containers are safe for reheating foods. Check the usage instructions on the bottom of the container, visit the manufacturer’s website or consult the retailer for details. Use your thermometer and reheat leftovers to at least 165° F (73° C) before eating.