Food safe kitchen a must for holiday cooking

Friday, November 21, 2014

The ingredients for all of the favorite family recipes have been purchased. The special dishes are washed and ready to go. But before the cooking begins, make sure you have a “food safe” kitchen for the big feast.

Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension food specialist, said there is more to preparing a safe holiday meal than just the turkey, yams and pumpkin pie.

“You’ll want to make sure your entire kitchen is ‘food safe’ before peeling a single potato or mixing up that green bean casserole. Use hot, soapy water to clean sinks, counters, cutting boards and all cooking pans and utensils,” Brown said. “It’s also a good idea to sanitize the countertop, as well as your cutting boards.”

To do this, simply make a diluted bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water. Let the bleach solution stand on the counter surface for a few minutes before rinsing and drying with clean paper towels.

It is a good idea to have plenty of cloth towels or paper towels on hand during the meal preparation and clean-up. For those who opt for cloth towels, make sure to wash them often. If you used a towel to clean up juice from raw meats, do not reuse that towel when wiping down your counters or drying dishes.

If you are in charge of cooking the turkey, thaw it in a large pan on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This will help eliminate the juices from dripping on other foods. Check the temperature of your refrigerator, too. It should be at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, as measured with an appliance thermometer.

“When meal preparations begin, rinse fresh fruit and vegetables under running water. Even if you don’t eat the skin or rind, make sure these foods are washed as well,” she said. “Blot them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel."

Brown also suggests washing your hands frequently with warm, soapy water, especially before and after handling food.

“Remind anyone else working in your kitchen to wash their hands often, too,” she said. “Following these suggestions will help ensure your holiday food will be safe to eat.”