If you're planning a buffet at home and are not sure how quickly food
the food will be eaten, keep buffet portions small. Prepare a
number of small platters and dishes ahead of time. Store cold back-up
dishes in the refrigerator and keep hot dishes in the oven (set at 200°
- 250°F) prior to serving. This way, your late-arriving guests can enjoy
the same appetizing arrangements as the early arrivals.
Take Temperatures!
Cooked, hot foods should be kept at 140°F or warmer. Use a food
thermometer to check. Server or keep food hot in chafing dishes, crock
pots, and warming trays. Note: Some warmers only hold food at 110°F to
120°F, so make sure your warmer has the capability to hold foods at
140°F or warmer.
Chill Out!
Cold foods should be kept at 40°F or colder. Keep cold foods refrigerated
until serving time. If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer
than 2 hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.
Keep it Fresh!
It can be unsafe to add new food to a serving dish that already
contained food. Many people's hands may have touched the food, which has
also been sitting at room temperature for awhile. Instead, replace
empty platters with freshly filled ones.
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