Mistake: Defrosting food on the counter.
Just because generations before us did it, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
“Don’t defrost food by leaving it out on the counter. And once it’s defrosted, don’t refreeze it,” McManus says.
How to fix it: The fridge is your friend. Most small pieces of food can be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight, Beckman explains, although whole chickens and turkeys may take a few days to fully defrost.
“Transfer frozen ingredients to the fridge to let them gently and safely defrost. Before you do so, move the items into a pan, bag, or bowl to catch any drips,” McManus says. “Defrost everything on the bottom shelf so nothing drips onto other food.”
