Hot foods should be cooled for two hours before refrigerating them?

You are correct! Hot foods should be cooled to room temperature for two hours before being placed in the refrigerator.

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Putting hot food directly into the refrigerator raises the temperature of the entire refrigerator, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to food spoilage and potential illness.

* Efficient Cooling: Allowing food to cool down before refrigeration helps the refrigerator work more efficiently and prevents it from having to work overtime to cool down the hot food.

Tips for Cooling Foods:

* Shallow containers: Use shallow containers to allow for faster cooling.

* Stirring: Stir or mix the food to help cool it more evenly.

* Ice bath: For smaller items like soups or sauces, an ice bath can help speed up the cooling process.

Important Note: For best food safety, try to cool food to 70°F (21°C) or below within two hours.