For some of you about to partake in the Thanksgiving feast, there may be no such thing as leftovers. For others, you may not know what to do with all the goodness! So, we chatted with an expert for some helpful tips on how to store extra food!
We went to Perk Eatery in Scottsdale. Owner Pauline Martinez told us to wrap leftover turkey slices individually or two at a time. Wrap with plastic or clear wrap first and then in foil. That prevents freezer burn.
You can also wrap individual slices of pie the same way! That way, if you freeze them, you only have to thaw one at a time, instead of the entire pie -- or what's left of it.
She also told us to use glass or plastic containers to store individual meals with all the fixings to last a while.
How long can properly stored food last?
Martinez said, "Refrigerated, about a week. Freezer, up to a month, six weeks sometimes."
How long can food stay out before it enters the danger zone?
"Maricopa County Health Department says four hours is the max to leave food out at room temperature," Martinez explained.
How much do leftovers actually save you?
"A meal like this can save upwards of $10 per packaged meal. So, that's huge savings!" Martinez said with a big smile.