The Leftovers

We're all probably guilty of making a turkey sandwich with meat that should've been tossed a couple of days earlier. Keep in mind that roasted turkey must be refrigerated as soon as possible. In other words, don't let the bird sit out on the sideboard for the entire afternoon while everyone watches the football game!!

Refrigerate your turkey within two hours of the time it comes out of the oven. To make the task easier, cut the bird into smaller pieces for storage. For instance, go ahead and carve the entire breast for easy sandwich making and pick the carcass to get it ready for making that gumbo!!

The refrigerated turkey leftovers should be eaten within 3 or 4 days. Don't tempt fate or food poisoning!

And the other turkey-related goodies (such as stuffing and gravy) should be consumed within two days. The cranberry relish, pies, yams, mashed potatoes and other vegetables should be eaten within 4 days, just make sure that they, too, have been refrigerated from the get-go!

So, what does all that mean?

Do not leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours, and cool leftovers promptly in shallow pans less than two inches deep.

Cut the whole bird into smaller pieces for safe storage.

Dressing and stuffings should be reheated to 165F. in a 325-350F. oven or on the stove top. Sauces and gravy must be heated to a rolling boil.

Turkey meat can be reheated in the oven to 165F. or served cold.

Or you could just make some delicious Turkey Bone Gumbo!