Your questions answered: Defrosting and reheating without a microwave

(Italian beef and beans over pasta) [1]

Joy wrote to me with this question:

I was wondering how you defrost something if you do not have a microwave. Ours just recently kicked the bucket after many years and we aren't in a hurry to get another one just yet. I only have one problem though: reheating leftovers (we eat quiet a few of them) and defrosting leftovers that I have frozen.

I defrost most things in the fridge, including leftovers. That method does involve planning ahead, but like anything, it's something a person adjusts to doing. :)

In a pinch, we thaw things in the sink or in a bowl of cold water. That method is not recommended for things that spoil easily -- like meats -- but it's safe for cheese or other things that can be at room temperature for several hours without harm. (The outside of the food will be warm while the inside finishes thawing.)

We do thaw chicken breast in a bowl of cold water sometimes, and it does not get too warm since on those occasions we are watching it and as soon as it is fully thawed (or even almost fully thawed!) we are using it. :) But, again, it is not recommended and therefore I cannot recommend that you do it. :)

For heating leftovers, we use either a small pan on the stove or the oven. With pans, I've learned from experimenting with which foods need lids, or a little water in the bottom, etc. Usually a lower heat and a slightly longer heating time is better than a hotter and fast heating time. :)

The oven is useful for things that were baked the first time around, like lasagna. I just put the leftover lasagna into a smaller oven dish and it's ready to be warmed back up! Usually 350 degrees, covered (so the food doesn't dry out) for about 30 minutes works for me.

We warm leftover pizza by placing the slices on a pizza pan, putting it in the oven, and then turning the oven on to 375 degrees. In 10 minutes, the pizza is perfect. At least, that's what works with our oven. :) I've also heard that you can warm leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet with a lid.

Does anyone else have any defrosting and reheating tips for Joy? Please share! :)