What to do with these leftovers?

Question

Hi all,

I was recently given the duty of running concessions at our local concert hall.  After digging through the back of the storage closet, I found the remains of an industrial-sized coffee and hot chocolate operation we used to run:

- 10 stainless steel coffee percolators/urns (similar to these guys: http://www.cw-usa.com/equipment-commercial-urnbrewers-hamilton-beach-stainless-steel-coffee-urn-D50065.html)
- Old tins of coffee with expiration dates in 2008 and 2010
- Thousands of sugar packets and artificial sweetener packets
- A 5000-pack of stir sticks
- A couple of unopened containers of hot chocolate powder, presumably 2-3 years old

We don't sell coffee any more because of state regulations regarding "food preparation", so I need to get rid of everything.  I figure the coffee and the artificial sweeteners are garbage, but is the hot chocolate powder still good to consume?  Also, anybody have a good idea for using or getting rid of the sugar packets and stir sticks?  (I come from a waste-not-want-not family on the West Coast, so I have a strong aversion to simply throwing everything away.)

? · Accepted Answer

If the coffee is still sealed then chances are it's fine.  I found a can from 2001 and it was great.  If they are metal cans all the better.  Plastic is not an oxygen barrier and the coffee may go completely tasteless or it might be fine.  You don't know till you try.

Sugar doesn't go bad.  It may harden up if moisture gets to it but it can be broken up in a blender or food processor and used like normal.  If you have the time tear them open and put the sugar in a container.  Don't mix sugar with the fake stuff.  I have no knowledge as to how long the fake stuff will last. 

The hot chocolate may or may not be good.  Try it and see.

Trending News

What to do with these leftovers?

1 Answer