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We usually have way too much food for Thanksgiving. But we know that in advance. One of the reasons we overcook is so we have leftovers. I don’t know exactly why, but I enjoy leftovers way more than I enjoy the food the first time around. And despite the fact that I know it’s nice to give departing guests a doggie bag, I get rather possessive of my leftovers…
Our Thanksgiving was a small affair this year. Recent events – the hurricane, my dad being in the hospital, relatives unable to travel – made for a really quiet and somewhat somber holiday. We lost the pleasure of the company of our older son to his girlfriend’s family. I know that’s going to happen – we’ll have to split our boys with others more and more as the years progress – but it still makes me sad each time it happens. I ‘m not one to plan too far in advance, but I do think I’ve got to act sooner next time to claim them for ourselves by inviting them now for next year!
Our guests were gone by 6:00, and by 8:00, hubby and son settled in to watch the football game, we were happy to have some leftovers to dig into. Football – it’s not my thing. But I was happy anyway. I found a movie that I had been wanting to watch and sat on the couch with a plate of leftovers on my lap, enjoying every bite.
Oh – the movie – Ruby Sparks. Don’t miss it. Really quirky (I’m a sucker for quirky), great acting, romantic, thoughtful and fun. Loved it.
Here I go again, getting off track. I’m supposed to be writing about LEFTOVERS. If you have them, here’s how to keep them safe, courtesy of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration:
- Cut up the turkey into small pieces to store in the refrigerator.
- Separate leftover stuffing and store it in a separate container from the turkey.
- Place leftovers into shallow containers, and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Eat or freeze leftover turkey and stuffing within four days.
- Thoroughly reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, until they appear steaming hot.
What are you eating the day after? Apple pie for breakfast, perhaps?
Irene S. Levine says
Ours was small too! I always remind myself to focus on who is there rather than who is missing but I sure miss my parents and in-laws who are no longer at our holiday meals.