I always prepare enough turkey and dressing for leftovers. How long will they be good?
Be sure to refrigerate food within two hours of cooking. Cut large portions into smaller pieces, and place the leftovers in shallow pans. You may cover the food after it has cooled. Leftover turkey may be used within three to four days. Leftover gravy and dressing should be used within one to two days. Any leftover foods may be frozen for four to six months. Be sure to reheat all leftovers to at least 165 F, stirring to distribute the heat. I’ve heard you can cook the turkey overnight at an oven temperature of 200 F. Is that safe? No. Slowly cooking meat at low temperatures favors harmful bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. Always cook turkey at temperatures of at least 325 F. How will I know if I my turkey caused foodborne illness? Although there isn’t any way of knowing for certain if a particular meal has caused someone to become ill, campylobacter is the most common cause of diarrheal illness in the U.S. Most people who become ill develop diarrhea, cramping, abdomina
