Leftovers

[Curls47]

I never thought about this when my husband was alive because Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, ham and all that never lasted beyond a day or two. Now I'm wondering if my leftover ham and turkey is still okay to eat. It's all thoroughly cooked, wrapped up and been in the fridge and it even smells good. But how long is too long? It's been 6 days. Anyone out there know?

[Jo*mar]

found this

cooked meat type ******refrigerator ****freezer

Ham, fully cooked, whole ---- 7 days ----- 1 to 2 months
Ham, fully cooked, half ---- 3 to 5 days ---- -- 1 to 2 months
Ham, fully cooked, slices ---- 3 to 4 days ----- 1 to 2 months

Cooked Poultry

Fried chicken ------- 3 to 4 days -------- 4 months
Cooked poultry casseroles ----3 to 4 days ------ 4 to 6 months
Pieces, plain ------------ -- 3 to 4 days ----- 4 months
Pieces covered with broth, gravy -- 1 to 2 days ---- 6 months

from -
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/f01chart.html

most of the info I found says cooked meats are OK for 3-4 days, assuming they were refrigerated in a timely manner after the meal.

If you have too much left over you can freeze portions for later use.

At 6 days out I guess it depends on you & if you have a sensitive system or not.

If you have a dog or cat???
I often cook up/boil questionable leftovers again and pour the broth and spare meat pieces over their food.

[Curls47]

Thank you so much, I had no idea. I was afraid of the turkey but I was going to eat the ham. It's going in the trash.

[Jo*mar]

My parents always send some of the leftovers home with family members or guests, so they don't end up with too much or wasted food.
They also freeze some right away for later use.