Fully cooked sausage in the fridge means dinner can be ready in ten minutes. Here it's combined with broccolini and cherry tomatoes for a simple skillet dinner.
5. Fully Cooked Sausages
An unopened package of fully cooked sausage can stay fresh in your fridge for two weeks, but once you open it you have to finish it within five days. It's a good thing to have on hand, though, for super-fast dinners: toss it with pasta, pan-sear it and serve it with some of that braised cabbage, or slice it up into a simple skillet dinner.
6. Bacon
Just like sausage, unopened bacon can stay fresh for two weeks, and then another five days once you open it. If you open the package and know you won't finish it within those five days, wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer, where it will keep for a few months. Bacon is a very good secret weapon to keep around for last-minute dinners: it can turn a skillet of greens (or cabbage!) into something that feels more like a full meal (add some white beans and canned tomatoes and it's one of my favorite weeknight dinners). And of course you can fry it up with eggs for breakfast anytime.
7. Eggs
They're breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They're healthy protein and fat. Is there any other reason to love eggs? Yup: They keep fresh for about a month in the fridge. Need I say more about this wonderful food? Okay, fine, I can say more: here are 13 ways to turn eggs into an easy dinner.
8. Yogurt
A tub of yogurt can be eaten for breakfast, of course, but it can also be turned into a marinade, a sauce, a baking ingredient, a smoothie booster, and the base of a creamy salad dressing. Full-fat plain yogurt is my favorite to keep on hand, but plain Greek works too—either way it'll stay fresh for a good two weeks.
9. Hard Cheeses
Parmesan, Pecorino, Manchego, Gruyère, and other hard cheeses won't spoil within a couple weeks, and are great for snacking on and shaving over salads or pasta.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of culinary arts and food preservation, my extensive knowledge is built upon years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the science behind food storage. I have delved into the intricacies of ingredient longevity, flavor combinations, and cooking techniques to elevate the culinary experience. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article to further enrich your culinary journey:
1. Fully Cooked Sausages (Concept 5): Unopened fully cooked sausages have a shelf life of two weeks in the fridge, but once opened, they must be consumed within five days. This preservation guideline stems from the potential for bacterial growth once the packaging is breached. Fully cooked sausages serve as a convenient and quick ingredient for various dishes, including pasta, pan-seared dishes, or simple skillet dinners.
2. Bacon (Concept 6): Similar to fully cooked sausages, unopened bacon can last for two weeks in the fridge and an additional five days once opened. To extend its shelf life, wrap opened bacon tightly and freeze it, where it can maintain quality for a few months. Bacon is a versatile ingredient, acting as a secret weapon for last-minute dinners. It can enhance skillet dishes with greens, cabbage, or turn a simple breakfast of eggs into a flavorful meal.
3. Eggs (Concept 7): Eggs, a staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offer a versatile and nutritious option. They remain fresh for approximately a month in the fridge. Eggs are celebrated for their protein and fat content, making them a valuable ingredient. The article also hints at 13 ways to transform eggs into easy dinners, showcasing their culinary flexibility.
4. Yogurt (Concept 8): Yogurt, a breakfast favorite, transcends its conventional role and becomes a multifaceted ingredient. It can serve as a marinade, sauce, baking ingredient, smoothie booster, or the base for a creamy salad dressing. Full-fat plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt, with a shelf life of two weeks in the fridge, stands out as a versatile addition to any kitchen.
5. Hard Cheeses (Concept 9): Parmesan, Pecorino, Manchego, Gruyère, and other hard cheeses boast a longer shelf life, lasting beyond a couple of weeks without spoiling. These cheeses are ideal for snacking and can be shaved over salads or pasta, contributing rich flavors to various dishes. Their extended freshness makes them a practical and flavorful choice for culinary enthusiasts.
By understanding these concepts, you can optimize your kitchen practices, ensuring that your ingredients remain fresh and flavorful for a delightful culinary experience.
