Gift giving for your favorite chef and keeping holiday leftovers safe
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EmailHoliday gift giving is already in process, so here are some not so unusual gifts for your favorite chef, which will be appreciated and are much needed for food safety during the year to come.
Holiday gift giving is already in progress, and here are some gifts for your favorite chef which will be appreciated and are much needed for food safety during the year to come. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) recommends the following “tools” for safe holiday eating:
- Food Thermometer: A useful tool for even the most experienced cook as it is the only way to ensure that meat is fully cooked.
- Cutting Board: Using separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat food is a great way to prevent cross-contamination. New cutting boards are a very welcome tool.
- Kitchen Towels: These towels should be washed frequently to avoid cross-contamination, so a home cook can never have enough kitchen towels. Use separate towels for dishes and hand washing, this is extremely important to prevent pathogens from contaminating hands and surfaces.
Now that you have some gift ideas for your favorite chef, let’s think about the leftovers. USDA and MSU Extension reminds us of these 4 important steps:
- Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for 4 days in the refrigerator. They’re safe forever in the freezer. (Keep the temperature at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and store for 2-6 months for most foods.)
- When you prepare those Thanksgiving leftovers, make sure heat them to 165 F before you start eating. (And remember to use a food thermometer to check the temperature).
- Keep tomorrow’s sandwiches safe! When storing leftover turkey, cut it into smaller pieces so it can chill faster. (Store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to minimize the growth of harmful bacteria that could cause food borne illnesses.)
- Follow USDA for Loving your Thanksgiving leftovers right by storing them properly and check your steps.
Following these food safety tips and guidelines will keep your food safe and your family and friends safe from food borne illnesses. To contact an expert in your area, visit people.msue.msu.edu.
