bac_FamilyDinnerTable

Making the Most of Holiday Leftovers

December 18, 2024

All good things must come to an end – like the holidays for example.

The holidays are a great time for fun and family, but when they’re over, you might find a fridge filled with leftover food. These leftovers can help keep the holiday spirit going a little longer, but it’s important to store them safely.

Before you pack anything up, take a close look at
your leftovers.

Perishable foods like meat, poultry, cooked dishes, cheese, and cut-up fruits or vegetables should go in the trash if they’ve been sitting out for more than two hours.

If hot foods were kept at 140°F or higher using warming trays, chafing dishes, or slow cookers, it’s safe to refrigerate those leftovers immediately.

Cold foods kept on ice and perishable items left out for less than two hours can also be saved.

Cool it Quick!

Storing food quickly helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness, which can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted. The faster they cool, the less time they spend in the “Danger Zone” (40–140°F), where bacteria grow fastest.

To cool your leftovers quickly, store them in shallow containers or pans. Leftovers can stay safe in the fridge for up to four days. Write the contents and date on the container or use a storage chart to track how long foods have been in your fridge or freezer.

Leftovers can stay safe in the fridge for up to four days.
quick
Most cooked foods hold their quality in the freezer for 2-4 months.

Ask yourself, “will this be eaten within four days?” If not, freeze leftovers to keep them fresh longer. Most cooked foods, like cooked chopped meats, casseroles, soups, and baked goods, hold their quality for 2–4 months in the freezer. Protect them from freezer burn by using heavy-duty plastic containers, freezer bags, aluminum foil, or freezer paper.

For small items like meatballs or fruit, prevent clumping by spreading them out on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a bag or other container.

tip
Freeze leftovers in single-serving-sized portions. This will help the food freeze faster and it also reduces the amount of food you need to thaw for a quick meal or snack.
The holidays may be over, but with a few easy steps, you’ll have leftover meals and snacks for weeks to come!

REFERENCES:

United States Department of Agriculture. Holiday Leftovers? We’ve Got You Covered!
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/12/26/holiday-leftovers-weve-got-you-covered

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tips for Low-Cost Holiday Meals.
https://food.unl.edu/article/nutrition-education-program/tips-low-cost-holiday-meals

Side-Lying-Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle-hold-1

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football-hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE-HOLD​

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position