Cooking for a Crowd

Larger summer gatherings can be particularly challenging for hosts that are not used to cooking and storing food for bigger groups of people.

If you are cooking barbecues keep it simple and resist serving food before it is cooked thoroughly. Keep guests happy with crisps or salad to pick at while you cook.
If you are having a buffet, only bring it out of the fridge at the last minute, so it stays fresh for longer.
If there are any leftovers from the buffet or barbecue put them in the fridge as soon as you can.
When you take leftovers out of the fridge, eat them immediately or reheat them thoroughly straight away – don't leave them standing at room temperature.
Keep food covered whenever possible – this is to protect from insects, birds and pets, which can carry bugs.
Keep a thermometer in your fridge to make sure it is always running at the proper temperature. Store raw meats on the bottom shelf and separate from other cooked foods to avoid cross contamination.