Using leftovers

I just have to say I love this photo. This child is looking through the freezer for leftovers, which is what you should be doing to! Save money and eat food you've already paid for! 

A staple of cooking on a budget is using leftovers. Almost everyone loves going to restaurants, but it is expensive, and we often get extremely large portions and end up with food left over. Bring that home, and reheat it for a free dinner! This blog describes how best to store and heat leftovers. 

• Storage: put in the refridgerator as soon as you can, within 1 or 2 hours. The cold temperature of the fridge prevents bacteria from growing, which can make you sick. The freezer is even more effective if it will be a few days before it is eaten. Food in the refridgerator can be saved for between three or four days. It is best to keep tape and a pen beside your fridge to mark the date on your food. If you think it will be more than this stick it in the freezer. The following website is great for knowing how long food can stay: http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3606.htm
• Reheating:  Keep in mind that you may have to add a little bit of water. Cooking tends to dry food out, and consider this is the second time its cooked, your food may become extra dry. Also, don't expect to be an expert the first time. Just like cooking any meal, it takes practice to reheat food. 
• By oven: Preheat the oven to 165F (remember, its already been cooked) until it is hot and steaming. Liquids should be brought to a rolling boil. Don't burn! 
• By microwave: I usually cook food for about one to three minutes to reheat. Most microwaves do have a reheating button. But something to keep in mind is how microwaves cook versus ovens. Ovens cook with hot air, microwaves cook by moving the molecules. And this movement only goes about an inch deep. This is why it's necessary to stir your food. So as you reheat your food, make sure you mix it about half way through the cooking time to evenly cook it. Also, if possible, use a food thermometer to test your food to make sure it is at least 165F all the way through. 

Reheating your food can be a cost effective way to eat a meal. Asian cuisine, with its large single portions, is a great example. Remember, to cook to 165F, add a small amount of water if necessary, and if using a microwave, stir it about half way through for even cooking.