By MARY ANN LEINHART CROSS
Elkhart County Extension Director, Extension Educator – Health & Human Sciences

GOSHEN —  I have shared ideas on how to make the most of your holiday fruit baskets. I received many positive comments and some of you asked for suggestions for other foods, so I say ‘thank you’ to those readers for the suggestion.

There are many foods that you prepare only for the holidays and often times there are memories associated with the food. These may be meats, candies, cheeseballs, baked goodies, or beverages. Many of you get to the point where you have had enough of all this tasty food and there is still food left. Now you have the opportunity of being creative and preparing tasty food with the extras.

First, you need to know that the food is safe, and has been stored at the correct temperature, and that money is involved! I hope the word ‘money’ caught your attention as food prices have been on the increase. A fun way to make the most of the extras is to plan a party with family and friends, or those missed on the holidays. A party always means food and you can use the extra for this and even ask those attending to bring their extra food. If there is any left, you can make to-go plates for everyone to take home.

Some ideas that come to mind to make with all of the holiday foods are casseroles, soups and creative ways with appetizers. Many times you have just a little of this and a little of that and you end up creating recipes that you will never again make because of the small amounts and variety of ingredients that you had.

With all food, safety is the most important part. Everyone needs to be responsible to keep food safe whether you are going to eat the food now or later. If you are going to share it with others, you might want to repackage it and label it. If you want to keep the food for later, you may need to freeze it. Freezing works for most foods and, if done properly, will remain tasty.

Plan to freeze foods when they are at their best quality. If foods are off-color, have an odor, or have lost their eye appeal, don’t freeze them. Freezing keeps food, it doesn’t improve the quality. Try to get all of the air out of the package and freeze foods quickly at zero degrees or below. Try placing new packages against freezer walls or shelves to help speed up the process.

When adding packages to the freezer try to add only what can be frozen in 24 hours. Many foods will keep best if you double wrap them or use freezer bags. You want to seal all the items in moisture- and vapor-proof freezer wraps. Exposure to air can give food an off color and flavor and a tough, dry surface known as freezer burn.

When freezing liquids don’t fill the containers to the top, leave at least one-half inch to allow for expansion. If you have leftover broth, stock, or gravy, try freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, remove the cubes from the trays and place them in freezer bags for easy use later. Soups and chili are some great foods to create with your frozen leftovers.

The food you have frozen is the start of your “Super Bowl” party.