Recommended Catering Portions Per Guest

Posted on April 7, 2020 by cateringfft17

Catering involves a lot more technicalities than simply designing a menu with your cater. One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to catering an event is improperly estimated how much food to cater. Under-serving your guests is inconvenient and awkward, while over-serving wastes both food and money. So, how do you know how much food to serve at your catered event? Simply calculate portions per guest to ensure you cover your bases while remaining cost-effective and efficient. Continue reading to learn some tips on how to do just that!

Determining Quantity of Catered Food

Not planning the right amount of food can be disastrous on both ends. If you over-serve food at your event, you are wasting money and food. If you under-serve, you are not accommodating the needs of your guests. So, before you choose a catering menu, you must first gauge how much food you will need. Do this by asking yourself these questions:

☑ How many people are attending my event?
☑ What type of event is it?
☑ How long is my event?

The answers to these questions will give you the tools you need to order the perfect amount of food for your occasion. For example, a family reunion that lasts all day will require more food and beverage than an office meeting that only lasts a couple of hours. In another example, a cocktail party will need less food and more beverage than a business breakfast or luncheon. Use your answers to figure out how many people you are feeding, and how long you will need to feed them for. Then meet with your caterer for professional guidance on completing the final order.

Appetizers and Hors D’oeuvre

For events that are centered on cocktails and drinks, such as a meet and greet, plan on only serving appetizers. The general rule of thumb is 8-10 appetizers per guest. For mid-day events that will have a light meal, such as luncheons, plan on serving less appetizers. A good starting point would be 3-5 appetizers per guest. For events with sit-down dinners as their focus, fewer appetizers are needed. Stick with 1-3 appetizers per guest.

Breakfast

For breakfast events, it is recommended to have beverages, side items, main entrees, and desserts. As for beverages, plan on 2 beverages per guest. For main entrees, a single 5 ounce portion per guest should suffice. And for sides, plan on having two sides per guest. Then plan for a wide selection of pastries or desserts, two per guest.

Lunch

Beverages – 2 per guest
Appetizers – 2-4 per guest
Entrees – 5 ounce portion per guest
Sides – 2-3 per guest

Dinner

Beverages – 2-3 per guest
Appetizers – 3-5 hors d’oeuvres per guest
Starters – 1 soup or 1 salad per guest
Entrees – 7 ounce portion per guest
Sides – 3 per guest
Dessert – 2 servings per guest

A Georgia Catering Company You Can Trust

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes for all races, religions, ethnicities, and more. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Request a free quote, today!

Food Allergies Versus Food Intolerances

Posted on March 30, 2020 by cateringfft17

When it comes to preparing food for a large crowd, it is important to consider people’s taste, as well as their health. This means creating menus that include both tolerant and allergy-free foods. People of all ages can suffer from food allergies and intolerances; and the severity of their condition can range on a wide scale, from very minor and uncomfortable, to very serious or fatal.

For the sake of safety, liability, and consideration, it is always important to prepare menu spread with everyone’s needs in mind. The first place to start is learning the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. This knowledge will help you better understand your potential menu options. Continue reading to do just that!

Explanation of Food Allergies

A food allergy is perceived as a toxin in a person’s body. It triggers an exaggerated immune system response that affects multiple organ systems in an attempt to alert the body of the toxin. This can trigger additional physiological responses that overact and cause serious or fatal symptoms. Food allergies are serious because some can lead to severe injuries or death. Even microscopic particles of food can cause an allergic reaction, even a fatal one.

The most common food allergies include peanuts, shellfish, cow’s milk, soy products, wheat, hen’s eggs, and tree nuts like almonds, Brazilian nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. These are called the “big 8” in the culinary world, and are the most familiar food allergies known to the general public.

Food Allergy Symptoms:

➣ Hives
➣ Red Skin
➣ Swelling (face, eyes, cheeks, hands, feet, etc.)
➣ Itching
➣ Vomiting
➣ Diarrhea
➣ Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, etc.)
➣ Respiratory Symptoms

Explanation of a Food Intolerance

In contrast to food allergies that affect the immune system, food intolerances affect the body’s digestive system. When a person consumes food they are intolerant to, the digestive system has trouble breaking it down. This can be caused by a number of reasons, primarily a lack of essential enzymes, sensitivity to food additives, and reactions to naturally-occurring chemical in food (i.e. mycotoxins). Food intolerances are not life-threatening, but they can cause major discomfort and illness. In minor cases of food intolerance, people can consume small amounts without experiencing any digestive issues. The most common intolerances include glucose, lactose, Tyramine, food preservatives, and food additives.

Food Intolerance Symptoms:

➣ Flatulence
➣ Diarrhea
➣ Bloating
➣ Cramping
➣ Fluid Retention
➣ Abdominal Distention
➣ Hives
➣ Swelling
➣ Migraines
➣ Wheezing
➣ Difficulty Breathing

⚠ When preparing food for a crowd, whether yourself or through catering services, be sure to keep both food allergies and intolerances in mind. There is a wide range of menu options that can do just that, so you won’t have to sacrifice variety and flavor!

Georgia Caterers You Can Trust With Your Dietary Restrictions

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia catering services that are guaranteed to exceed your expectations for excellence! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering, and can customize everything your menu down to the last detail, from food intolerances and dietary restrictions, to menus, service, themes, décor, and more. Call 678-340-0510 to request a free consultation, today!

View and Download Our Food Menus Online For Free

Posted on March 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

If you have an upcoming special event or occasion in Newnan, Georgia, Food for Thought Catering is always the right choice. You can trust us for superior professionalism, culinary expertise, and unparalleled customer support. Continue below to learn where you can peruse and download our catering menus for free!

Free Catering Menus for Your Convenience

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we provide both current and potential clients with free online printable PDF food menus to enhance the convenience and efficiency of our catering services. Best of all, you can download our brunch, lunch, and dinner catering menus at no additional charge! So, no more guessing when it comes to choosing the catered spread for your next large group event or party. To get started, simply visit our website’s menu page and scroll down until you see the PDF link.

VIEW OUR PDF CATERING MENUS

Once you view our menus, your next steps are easy! Just contact our office by phone at 678-340-0510, or via email at info@fftcaters.com, to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your catering needs. We offer consultations both in-person and over the phone to remain flexible with your busy schedule! Keep in mind that our online menus is merely tentative, as we can curate custom orders for any race, religion, occasion, and theme.

Why Choose Us as Your Georgia Caterers?

Food for Thought Catering holds a strong reputation for extraordinary culinary proficiency and customer service in Georgia. We are more than just your everyday catering company. Our staffs are highly trained executive chefs, culinary artists, and expert catering managers. Whether you are planning a simple office luncheon or a grand fundraising gala, we are the catering professionals to trust for unparalleled quality and convenience. Our teams use a strict and concentrated approach to deliver creative and customized catering experiences so that no two events are ever alike. Because we are dedicated to catering to our clients every need, you can rest assure that no detail is ever overlooked.

How to Get Started With a Quote

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we serve all of Newnan and its surrounding areas, including Peachtree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. Start today by submitting a free online request form, or calling our office directly at 678-340-0510, during regular business hours. Our catering specialists are happy to take your call and answer any questions about catering you might have!

Don’t Make These Common Party Catering Mistakes

Posted on February 28, 2020 by cateringfft17

When it comes to parties, catering enhances the ambience and overall theme of the event. Guests will remember the food more so than any other aspect of the occasion. This is why it is important to give a little extra when it comes to planning food service at your next party. Catering involves a lot of crucial details that can either make or break your event.

Be sure to know the tips and tricks to good catering service to avoid making these common catering mistakes.

Catering Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

⚠ Hiring an Inexperienced Caterer

Many people try too hard to get the best deals in town, when sometimes the best deals aren’t always worth it. Anyone can claim to be a professional caterer, but experience cannot be denied. Be sure to hire an experienced catering company to ensure your food delivery runs smoothly. It is difficult serving 100 people at the same time, and a person who is experienced at this is more likely to be successful at it. Experience is very important. When something unexpected happens, an experienced caterer knows how to roll with the punches. It will promise a better catering experience for your guests as well.

⚠ Opting for Foods Too Fancy

It is very easy to get a little fancy when planning appetizers and hor’dourves for a crowd. This can be a mistake. Not only can it be hard pleasing everyone’s individual tastes and palates with complex flavors and ingredients; it doesn’t really leave options for vegetarians, vegans, and people with food allergies. For this reason, it’s a better idea to keep a general appeal when it comes to flavor and selection. Choose foods that are popular and simple; and be sure to have some healthy options too.

⚠ Not Doing a Taste Test

Every professional caterer should offer samples of their food, and of the dishes they intend to serve at your event. If they do not offer this service, call another company! This is a crucial step when it comes to planning food service for a party. You should be able to taste test and see exactly what the company has to offer, before making a final decision. This allows you to see all your options and go with the company that suits your needs the best.

Trust Our Georgia Corporate Catering Services

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for party catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding locations, including Peach Tree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, and events. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, today!

Party Planning Advice For Honoring Someone Special

Posted on February 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

We all have loved ones we hold dear in life. So, when it comes time to celebrate them, show them how much they mean to you by planning the perfect celebratory party! From birthdays and anniversaries, to new births, engagements, graduations, job promotions, and all other important milestones, it is easy to find something to celebrate when you care so much about someone. Best of all, party planning doesn’t have to be a hassle! With the right knowledge, you can instantly organize and streamline the party planning process and ensure an enjoyable experience for the whole crew.

Continue reading to learn some helpful party planning tips that will equip you with this knowledge and more!

Keep it Simple

The first tip for planning a party is to keep it simple. Extravagant parties and celebrations are great, but you don’t have to go all out for every party you ever throw. The idea behind a party that celebrates someone is to focus on their attributes, accomplishments, and how much they are loved. There is really no need for a surplus of distraction; that way, everyone has the chance to talk, bond, and create new memories, just as friends and family should. But do not take this too literally! It is still a great idea to have a few fun activities planned or some entertainment prearranged; but again, just keep it simple. You can start out with a photo booth or set up a bonfire in the evening.

Have the Right Amount of Food

To keep things simple, first start by ordering or preparing the right amount of food. One of the most common party planning mistakes is making too much food. Keep it simply by narrowing down a menu to a few entrees, side items, some non-perishable snacks (i.e. nuts, pretzels, popcorn, etc.), and desserts. Also remember that guests are likely to bring something as well, especially if the party is taking place at a private residence. When it comes to dessert, be sure to stand out and be creative. Everyone expects dessert, so you could do a cupcake buffet, a build-your-own parfait (yogurt or ice cream) station, or a “decorate your own cookie” station. You can even rent a cotton candy machine or ice cream wagon! Remember: Dessert is usually the most memorable part of any party!

Designate a Beverage Station

This may sound obvious or mundane, but setting up a beverage station can really make all the difference in terms of flow and accessibility. A station can also save money since you can stalk it with two-liter bottles rather than soda cans, which is cheaper. Take it a step further and designate an area to recycle the plastic bottles when empty. Feel free to step it up by adding unique beverage options and ideas. For example, provide lemonade and sparkling water options with an assortment of colorful fruits and other tasty garnishes. Sparkling cider is a fantastic non-alcoholic celebratory drink that tastes delicious and can be spruced up with yummy garnishes, like raspberries, strawberries, cherries, cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and more.

Hire a Professional Catering Company

One of the best choices for planning a celebratory party is to hire a professional Georgia catering service. This also fits into the “keep it simple” notion. A catering company can provide all-inclusive services, from preparation, setup, breakdown, cleanup, silverware, plates, napkins, beverages, and more. You can choose from an infinite selection of food menus, services, and more. At an affordable price, you have plan a perfect party without breaking a sweat!

Professional Event Catering for All of Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality party catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all social events, occasions, industries, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Call 678-340-0510 to learn more about our Newnan catering services, or to request a free estimate, today!

Fun Food Ideas for Your Valentine’s Day Party

Posted on January 29, 2020 by cateringfft17

From red themes to heart-shaped treats, and everything in between, there are infinite ways to curate a fun and special spread at your upcoming Valentine’s Day party. Continue reading for some creative ideas that will certainly set yourself apart from all the other Valentine’s Day parties on the calendar!

Heart-Shaped Foods

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the heart shape is a big winner. Best of all, there are plenty of foods that can be manipulated or made into a heart, and even colored pink or red. Even better, there are several foods you can buy that are already the right color and shape for Valentine’s Day, like candy, cake, and icing! Here are some top heart-shaped food ideas to consider for your Valentine’s Day buffet:

? Fruit Kabobs – Use a small, heart-shaped cookie cutter to press out your favorite workable fruits into the shape of love. Fruits that work well for this include melon, pineapple, apples, kiwi, and mango. You can even throw in some star fruit for some extra pizazz!

? Cookies – Simply form your cookie dough into individual hearts, then use a fork to press a crisscross texture on top. You can even go for one giant heart cookie!

? Pretzels – Fill the centers of mini pretzels with melted white chocolate and then chill overnight. Add a candied heart to the center for an extra special heart-shaped pretzel bite!

? Bread – All sorts of bread and pastries can be formed into the shape of a heart, like cinnamon rolls, banana bread, bagels, soft pretzels, pizza dough, pancakes, and more.

? Charcuterie – Also using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an assortment of salamis, hams, sausages, cheeses, and veggies for a special charcuterie spread.

? Main Attractions – Go big with the heart-shaped theme and create your own pizza, lasagna, casserole, or dessert in a heart-shaped pan, available at most department stores. We like this one sold by Bed Bath & Beyond.

Red Themes

There are plenty of red and pink Valentine’s Day foods you can incorporate into your spread! First consider all the foods that are already shades of pink or red, like tomatoes, peppers, beets, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries. Then consider all the foods you can turn pink and red with some food coloring! Foods like milk, ice cream, frosting, icing, yogurt, pasta, rice, potatoes, sauces, and more can be altered with red food coloring (or beet juice for an organic approach) to create a special Valentine’s Day theme.

? For some romantic food spread ideas, see our blog, “Yummy Valentine’s Day Catering Ideas.”

Professional Catering

If you really want to make your Valentine’s Day party a special one, consider having it professionally catered! Catering companies are in the business of delivering delicious and creative food service for parties just like Valentine’s Day. Skip all the hassle of planning and preparation, and leave it to catering professionals to coordinate, setup, and implement all aspects of your Valentine’s Day party. Best of all, it is more affordable than you think, and potentially equivalent to the cost of providing your own party spread.

Cater Your Valentine’s Day Party in Newnan, GA!

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for personalized Valentine’s Day party catering services in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes, and can bring your vision to life on Valentine’s Day. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Request a free quote while you still have time!

Tasty Party Foods That Won’t Break Your New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 13, 2020 by cateringfft17

Are you worried that an upcoming party is going to set you back from reaching your New Year’s resolution? If so, you can feel better knowing that you can easily maintain your positive health food goals by simply opting for some healthier dishes. By focusing mostly on natural, wholesome ingredients, you can cater a healthy spread without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Continue reading for some recommended healthy party food catering ideas.

Mini Handhelds

One of the most popular catering trends of 2019 was miniature finger foods, and the novelty has yet to wear off! Mini sandwiches are still among the top-requested items at catered events this year. The great thing about sandwiches is that they are so versatile; you can make them as gourmet or kid-friendly as you like, and even match them to your party theme. Other popular choices have been mini veggie wraps, turkey burger sliders, and mini chicken brats. Use a whole-grain or homemade bread, coupled with some tasty condiments that are good for you, like ground mustard, avocado, or an olive-oil based vinaigrette. Also, using real cheese slices really enhances flavor and texture.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

When you mix cream and fruit together, you get a delicious and better-for-you dessert loved by people of all ages. Fruit and yogurt parfaits are great because they can be made with an endless combination of fruits, creams, juices, and yogurts. And the fancy parfait glasses are usually a big hit as well. You can match your recipe you’re your party theme, or provide an array of options for guests. Parfaits are quick and easy to make, and provide a healthier, natural alternative to processed sugar. You can also make them with frozen yogurt for summer occasions.

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Again, finger foods are a popular item for parties. And what better way to spice up veggies than to put them on a stick and grill them? Kabobs are convenient, no matter what you put on them, and vegetables are delicious when grilled. The flavors of grilled vegetables really pop, so people like them more when they are cooked this way. Putting them on a stick makes them easier to eat, so more people are likely to go for them too. The best part about veggie kabobs other than their healthiness is their versatility. You can mix and match a wide range of vegetables, and match them according to theme or season.

Custom Catering Services in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional custom catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

Projected Wedding Catering Trends for 2020

Posted on December 31, 2019 by cateringfft17

Are you planning a spring or summer wedding? If so, you are on the cusp of a whole new set of wedding trends. Of course, one of the most important factors of any wedding is the catering. So be sure to look to the future when arranging your 2020 wedding menus! Continue reading to learn what’s to be expected for wedding catering standards in the new year and gain some inspiration for your own nuptial celebration!

Catering a Wedding in 2020

Weddings have taken a far turn from conventionality. And that’s something to be excited about! No longer are there “rules” to planning a wedding, and couples are being more and more creative every season. As for fall, there are some incredibly-smart and tasteful food trends for weddings that have already been a huge hit within the catering industry.

Hors D’oeuvres

Cocktail hour should always be accompanied by some good appetizer foods. The problem is, no one wants to set their drink down to eat with a fork and knife. That’s what the reception dinner is for, after all. So miniature bites have been a huge hit for weddings. These hors d’oeuvres are perfectly bite-sized, making them enjoyable and convenient. They can be made to me as simple or as complex as you like, ranging from delicacies and shellfish, to small bites like sausages, artichoke hearts, pot stickers, salmon rolls, cheeseballs, quiches, crostinis, and more. Miniature bites are popular and tasty appetizers for cocktail hour.

Main Course Comfort

Trending right now is comfort food for weddings! Mini hot dogs, cheeseburger sliders, fried chicken, chicken and waffles, breakfast spreads, casseroles, and even tacos are becoming a favored menu selection for 2020 weddings. Although these foods seem non-traditional and ordinary, they can be made into elegant dishes by using gourmet ingredients and condiments.

Desserts

Traditional desserts are a menu item of the past. Couples have enjoyed a wide array of unique and delicious desserts that work for guests of all ages. For example, traditional tiered wedding cakes are being replaced more and more with fun cupcake towers, or massive displays of cookies, brownies, donuts, and even candy bars! In fact, actual candy “bars” have become very popular (tables filled with jars and displays of various confectioneries), allowing guests to make themselves a to-go bag of candy as a gift!

Another popular menu item has been milkshakes. These are great because they can be made on the fly, in endless flavors, and in custom sizes. And the best part is, they can go with guests on the dance floor! Parfaits have also been popular because they can be customized to match wedding themes and colors, and can be healthy too!

Georgia Wedding Caterers You Can Trust

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! From wedding catering and formal events, to birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, holiday parties, family reunions, workplace events, and more, we are fully-equipped and staffed to undertake any catering job regardless of size, scope, race, religion, or ethnicity.

Holiday Party Catering Tips to Make the Season Merrier

Posted on December 10, 2019 by cateringfft17

Most people love the holidays, but not everything that goes along with it, like hosting a party. Whether its your turn in the family rotation to have the holiday celebration at your house this year, or you are obligated to throw a holiday party for work, there are plenty of tips you can use to make life easier and the season merrier. Continue reading to learn some right now!

Holiday Party Catering 678-340-0510 — Holiday Party Caterers 678-340-0510

Avoid Common Catering Mistakes

The best way to make your hosting responsibilities easier on yourself is to avoid all the common and cliché catering mistakes. Some of the most notorious and easy to fall victim to include 1) catering a large event all on your own, 2) curating an overly-complicated menu, and 3) coming up short on rations. To combat all of these possibilities, read our blog, “Top Considerations for Catering an Event” for a good place to start.

Declare Your Party an “Open House”

Because there are so many holiday parties and obligations this time of year, it can be very stressful for both you and your guests. Not only can having everyone over all at once cause crowding and require a lot of extra effort, it can place a burden on guests to be at your house at a certain time. Guests might also have other plans to attend, forcing them to choose. As a wonderful and progressive alternative, declare your holiday party an “open house”, allowing guests to come and go as they please, and giving you plenty of breathing room between hosting and serving.

Hire a Professional Catering Company

To really relieve yourself of any stressful holiday party planning obligations, simply skip the cooking. Instead, hire a professional to do the work for you. Not only will a professional Georgia catering company provide the food, they will also provide table linens, place settings, serving ware, plate ware, cutlery, and even cleanup! Just be sure to choose a caterer that has a strong and steady reputation for quality, as there are too many fly-by-the-night businesses out there that falsely claim to be caterers.

Who to Trust for Holiday Catering in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional holiday catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

Tips for Storing Thanksgiving Day Leftovers

Posted on November 29, 2019 by cateringfft17

There is nothing quite like the comfort of enjoying a big plate of Thanksgiving Day leftovers. In fact, many people look forward not only to Thanksgiving Day, but also the day after, simply for the pleasures of leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course, pie! So even though Thanksgiving is over, the holiday will keep on giving, so long as you store all your leftovers properly that is. Improper storage practices can reduce the quality of food, as well as pose several health risks since contamination can happen quite quickly.

In order to get the most of your holiday leftovers, and to protect your loved ones, be sure, you know how to store food the right way. You can give your fridge a quick check right now to see if your storage practices are keeping your foods tasty and fresh.

Continue reading to learn all the tips you need to know for storing Thanksgiving leftovers, safely.

Cooling and Packing

Leftover foods should be stored in a separate container than the one they were served in. So, if you simply put your sweet potato casserole dish in the fridge and covered it with some plastic wrap, it is not the best practice for maintaining quality and freshness. Instead, pack all leftover foods separately in shallow containers with airtight lids, or plastic storage bags. Use the smallest container possible for each type of food you are storing to reduce oxygen exposure.

Length of Time

in order to maintain top quality and freshness, it is best to consume your Thanksgiving leftovers within 5 to 7 days. It is recommended to simply reheat the portion of food that you want to eat rather than heating up the entire container. Although it is safety reheat the entire container, and then store it again, reheating one portion at a time as needed will keep the food fresher for longer. If you wish to freeze your leftovers, be sure to use freezer-safe containers or plastic bags. In the freezer, leftovers should remain good for 2 to 6 months.

Defrosting Frozen Foods

There are three primary ways to thaw out leftover frozen foods. The best way to defrost frozen foods is to simply place them in the refrigerator and let them thaw out overnight. Just be sure to transfer them to a plate and keep them in the container. You can also choose to use cold running water to defrost frozen foods. To do this, run lukewarm water at your kitchen faucet directly on top of the frozen container. Depending on the mass and volume of the item, this can take anywhere from an hour to several hours. If you don’t waste water, you can fill a large bowl with lukewarm water, and place the frozen item inside. This can also take a few hours; however, you will feel like you’re wasting water or money. The least recommended way to de-thaw frozen foods is to use the microwave. If you choose to use this method, just be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for your particular make and model microwave.

Reheating Leftovers

As mentioned, leftover foods can remain in the refrigerator safely for up to seven days. In order to reheat them safely, be sure the internal temperatures reach 165° Fahrenheit. If you are reheating sauces, be sure to bring them to a full boil before consuming to ensure any bacterial growth has been killed. When reheating foods in the microwave, use microwave-safe plate or containers, and rotate them during the heating process to ensure even cooking.

Georgia Catering Services

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional catering in Newnan, Georgia you can trust! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering, including decadent desserts like made-from-scratch cookies! You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, venues, and more. Request a free consultation, today!