If you’ve cooked a big meal and have lots of leftovers, you can freeze them and keep them longer. The Foodsafety.gov website suggests:
Health Tips
* Freezing doesn’t destroy any bacteria in food. It just preserves food longer than if stored in the refrigerator.
* Use a thermometer to make sure your freezer is at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
* When it’s time to thaw frozen food, never do so on the counter. This method could promote rapid bacterial growth.
* Cooked leftovers should be moved to the freezer within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.