Leftover food: Reheat and live to tell the tale

We waste food all the time, not just at Christmas, Ramadan or Passover. Understand the difference between "best before" and "use by": If food has passed the use-by date, don't eat it — or, put another way, if you buy something that's close to its use-by date, make sure you can consume it while it's still safe. It's important to observe the so-called four Cs when storing and eating leftover food to avoid getting an upset stomach: Cleaning: Keep your hands, work surfaces, utensils, chopping boards and kitchen cloths clean. Glass is good for meats — it's easy to wash well and less likely to scratch than plastic, leaving crevices where food remnants and bacteria can get stuck and grow. No matter whether it's the first time you're cooking a dish or you're reheating leftovers, always cook your food well.