The price per pound of vegetables shot up almost 20%, and fruit increased by 10% from December 2020 to December 2021. The prices of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs jumped 12.5%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

One way to cut down on these costs is to prepare meals that stretch, such as big pots of soup, stews, and casseroles.

But you need to store the leftovers safely. Freezing individual portions in airtight containers keeps them good and good for you for three to four months.

But if you don't freeze them — or if you leave leftovers out at room temperature for too long — be careful, especially with rice and noodles, sauces and soups, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That’s because they can harbor bacteria such as Bacillus cereus that may lead to severe illness or even death. Several journals report instances of life-threatening illnesses related to neglected leftovers.

Here are some tips for leftover safety:

• Throw out perishable foods left at room temperature for more than two hours. Above 90 degrees? Ditch within an hour. 

• Move foods to the fridge as quickly as possible after serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days.

• On the stovetop, in the oven, or the microwave, cover leftovers to reheat evenly and destroy harmful bacteria. Reheating sauces, soups, or gravies? Bring them to a rolling boil. Zapping leftovers in the microwave? Cover and rotate the food for even heating.

Looking for great recipes that make multiple meals in one batch? Check out my "What to Eat When Cookbook" for vegetable soup, chicken meatballs, and more.