How To Handle Food Safely When Guests Don't Turn Up

Friends:

The rapidly approaching "Thanksgiving" and other major holidays dictate that we should shift focus for a while, and make certain that we are up to snuff on certain aspects of food-safety.

The source of the information which follows is the "Safe Food Handling" Fact Sheets provided by the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA). Please be aware, also, that the information on this subject which we have provided on this BLOG are verbatim excerpts from relevant USDA Fact Sheets. Reading these USDA Fact Sheets will, we think, be both informative and useful, and we stronly encourage all readers of this BLOG to study these documents carefully. The URL for these USDA Fact Sheets is: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/No-show_Guests_Jeopardize_Food/index.asp

Now here is today's verbatim (Q&A) excerpt:

Q. I have prepared a special dinner for a group of friends, but I just heard the weather report on TV advising everyone to stay home. What should I do with all the food?

A. If your guests can re-schedule within four days, cooked foods can be stored safely in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze any cooked meat or poultry entree or casserole. Arrange the cooked foods in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap, and freeze. These foods will keep their best quality (flavor, texture, juiciness) for 3 to 4 months. Also, most vegetable, rice and pasta dishes can be frozen. Cream sauces may become lumpy or separate when frozen and reheated, but they will be safe to serve again.

Today's excerpt is brief and to the point. We promise more, later!