How's your fridge looking? If it's STILL a game of Tetris . . . tonight's meal should probably be a THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER BUFFET.
It's been four days since Thanksgiving, so . . . technically . . . TODAY is the last day to eat your leftovers before they go bad. Some people might live dangerously and push it a few more days, but experts don't recommend it.
According to the USDA, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, gravy, and pumpkin pie can all safely be stored in the fridge for three to four days. But after that, they MIGHT make you sick.
If you don't want to waste food, most leftovers can last a few months in the freezer. So get them in there ASAP.
There's one Thanksgiving staple that WILL survive in the fridge a little longer though. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts a week to ten days. And the canned stuff can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
Now, I know a LOT of old-schoolers . . . mom, I'm looking at you . . . will scoff at the four-day warning, but remember: The "smell-test" isn't 100% reliable, because Thanksgiving dishes spoil faster than other leftovers because the food sits out in the danger zone longer than a typical meal.
Just be careful . . . and don't push anything with meat and dairy. Which is basically EVERYTHING, unless you're vegan.
(Food Safety / USDA)