Keeping cooked foods fresh is essential for kitchen proficiency, especially if meals are made in advance. The best way to ensure that cooked food remains delicious and safe is to keep it well chilled at all times. Transfer freshly cooked items into suitable storage containers as soon as they cool down and put them straight into the refrigerator or freezer within a couple of hours. It's also essential to ensure that the airtight containers are kept away from raw food, which could contaminate them. When defrosting frozen items, it's best to let them thaw out slowly in the fridge overnight and use them up within 2-3 days once thawed out. With these tips, your prepared meals will stay fresh for longer, and you won't have to worry about spoilage!