Author: Sonya Quick

Full-time mom, freelance journalist and dancer. Loves cooking, listening to good music and drinking craft beer.

Q & A: How long is it safe to keep and eat leftovers?

Sonya Quick

Q: “How long is it safe to keep open jars of food or sauce in the fridge? -Michelle Simutis

A: The short answer is 3 to 4 days (this was the answer provided by the Food Safety Working Group for most types of leftovers).

The long answer is, well, a little more unappetizing.

But it’s important stuff.

Quick facts about food safety:

(Note: I’m not getting into meat issues, as this is a vegetarian blog, check those out here)

  • Bacteria that causes food poisoning does not affect the look, smell or taste of the food.
  • Spoilage bacteria – the type that makes food look bad or smell funny – generally does not cause illness.
  • Perishable groceries should be refrigerated with
  • At room temperature, bacteria can double every 20 minutes. This is why it is SO important to refrigerate leftover food quickly.
  • Having a party? Don’t leave the food out for more than two hours. Read the full why and how here.
  • Food poisoning is real. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 48 million people get sick every year in the United States. Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from food borne illness and infection. Many of those at highest risk are very young, very old or have weakened immune systems.

Food “best by” dates guide:

  • A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
  • A “Best if Used By (or Before)” date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
  • A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
  • “Closed or coded dates” are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.

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Tip: It just takes one, hand-crafted dish

Sonya Quick

I often find myself watching the Food Network during Jack’s naps, daydreaming over making a whole spread for brunch. And then leisurely enjoying it all on a Sunday at 11 with friends while sipping strawberry, lemon and basil mimosas.

And then Jack wakes up.

It isn’t to say that having kids ruins your day or your meal. It just changes everything.

And when Jack is off to college I’ll have all the time in the world to make several hand-crafted dishes for each meal. But I’ll miss him and wish I could instead spend a whole day just hanging out with him.

Yes, it’s best I find it best to instead sacrifice the entirety of my cooking plans to focus on one part.

If you see a lovingly prepared casserole with two handmade side dishes, a matching cocktail and dessert? Choose the one piece that you can’t buy or that you want to make and either buy or simplify everything else.

Sometimes, yes, I still try to make lots of little things and try to do everything. But I’m much happier, and I have more time to spend with family and friends, when I just choose one.

Roundup: Valentine’s Day recipes

Sonya Quick

Trying to find something yummy, pretty and pink to cook or bake for Valentine’s Day? Well look no further!

I’ve scoured through the too-much-food-coloring cookies on Pinterest, the hydrogenated oil-filled treats and the almost-impossible to reproduce recipes.

Hope you enjoy cooking (or ordering) some yummy food this year!