Nearly everyone has leftovers after a big meal, whether it’s Thanksgving, Christmas, Hanukkah or any family event. How long are leftovers safe to eat? Someone emailed me this list many years ago and I still refer to it. I hope you find it handy too.
Note that it assumes stuffing was removed from the bird within two hours, as recommended for food safety, and that fruitcake is missing from the list. We all know most commercial fruitcakes are forever. Or until you can regift them. Homemade fruitcake will stay moist for several days if it lasts that long!
Cooked Turkey: 2 days
Cooked Ham: 3-4 days
Cold Cut Trays: 3 days
Cooked Stuffing: 1-2 days
Mashed Potatoes: 1-2 days
Cranberry Sauce: 7 days
Cooked Sweet Potatoes: 7 days
Pumpkin Pie: 2-3 days
Egg Nog: 4-5 days after the “sell by” date
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is useful, thanks! Cooked stuffing will never last that long, though. It will migrate out the fridge and into tummy, no matter what resistance I offer!
MusEditions´s last blog ..I(‘)M
Stuffing is known to do that, Muse! Don’t even try to resist.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
And to you, ella!
Two of my friends ASKED for “the yummy green beans you made last year”! I tell them it’s my friend from New England’s recipe—now I have to change my story!
BTW, I’m making your roasted sesame green beans again this year! It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since I first cooked an ella recipe! (Of course I’ve read you much longer.)
So good, and so easy, YAY! Have a lovely day, my friend.
MusEditions´s last blog ..I(‘)M
Thanks, Muse, especially for the kind feedback. They are delicious. I made them with the last of my farmers market green beans before I moved. Mmmm! I’m trying a new green bean recipe today that will be either wonderful or a total dud. I prepped last night and as I did the ingredients and took in the fragrances, from fresh sage to shallots to criminis, I became optimistic it might be a winner. If not, there’s always sesame!
With apologies to St. Augustine, I was in New England but not of it.
And I’m thankful the former is no longer true!