Wow! After today, only two more posts. That means Christmas is just around the corner! I hope you have all of your shopping done! :) Now on to the safety topic du jour...food safety!
During the holidays, we are often making large meals. Whether hosting a dinner party for friends, gathering with the entire family, or snacking on hors d'ouevres at a cocktail party with a small group, Christmas is that ime of year where we all eat more together! Although I have not heard of an epidemic in food poisoning this time of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to perhaps remind everyone of some basic food safety tips when preparing your spread.
- Wash your hands often! During this season, there are a lot of colds and viruses traveling around, and we eat a lot! In order to prevent passing germs, the need for hand washing is high in the first place. Then, we add the possibility of cross contamination with the food. You can never wash your hands too often in the kitchen! And wash with soap and hot water for a good 30 seconds each time!
- Clean all cutting surfaces and sinks thoroughly! The chances of germs traveling from one food item to another is quite high. At Stanford's Restaurant and Bar in Portland, they have a good system to prevent germs traveling. They use a red color cutting board for beef, a white one for vegetables, a yellow one for poultry, etc. If you do not have that ability, wash your cutting surface after every use. Again, with hot water and soap.
- Prepare meats according to the butchers directions. The heat requirements need to be met in order to prevent undercooked food. Undercooked food is what will allow your meats to hold germs in such as salmonella. Also remember, if you are preparing a turkey and stuffing it with dressing, the turkey's cook time will take longer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly. And, remember to date them so that if you do not have a chance to eat all of them before they spoil, you know that they are spoiled! No one wants to open a container to find mold! Yucky...
Most of all, enjoy your time together...continue your ways of safety and have a blessed Christmas together!
I will be watching, reading, and writing...as I prepare Caesar salad for thirty three at tonight's Christmas party!
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