Some of our national news currently is focused on the lack of food inspections as a result of the government shutdown. The Food and Drug Administration has stopped routine food safety inspections of processing facilities for seafood, fruits, vegetables and many other foods, according to Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA commissioner. FDA inspectors conduct about 8,000 […]
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A slow cooker or “crock pot” is a convenient portable electric appliance popular in today’s kitchens. Slow cookers have several advantages. It’s “all-day cooking without looking.” They are economical to operate and can be used to produce flavorful soups and stews. While many of us find that a slow cooker is our go-to choice […]
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This new year, let’s resolve to wash our hands, and not raw poultry! Rinsing chicken or turkey before cooking it is an ingrained step for many home cooks, passed down through generations and reinforced by some older cookbooks. Recipes like the “Perfect Roast Chicken” in “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” from 1999 advise cooks to “Rinse […]
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Food Safety during Power Outages by Barb Ingham Whether it’s a massive winter storm or heavy rains and flooding in the summer, it’s important to handle food safely in an emergency. Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce […]
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Pesticide residue levels in food. The USDA has issued its annual report(2017) of pesticide residue levels in our food supply. The voluntary sampling of foods represent geographically about 50% of our population and major agricultural areas. The foods include imports and those labeled as organic. Food samples were collected at points close to consumer purchase, like warehouse distribution […]
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As a reminder, posted in an earlier article about electric multi-cookers, the most popular of which is the Instant Pot. At several holiday parties individuals had received this appliance as a holiday gift. Are these electric multi-cookers safe for canning? Unfortunately, the answer is ‘No.’ These units have not been tested to ensure that they […]
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The majority of Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. In fact, only 33% of Americans consume the recommended amount of fruits and only 27% consume the recommended amount of vegetables. A study shows that canned fruits and vegetables can help bridge the dietary gap. Popular media often emphasizes the point that only fresh fruits and […]
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It’s the season for holiday baking, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) warns consumers not to consume raw dough this holiday season or at any other time of the year. When you prepare homemade cookie dough, cake mixes, or even bread, you may be tempted to taste a bite before it is fully cooked. Steer […]
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Edible glitter cake balls Baking fancy cookies and cakes for the holidays? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to know that some glitters and dusts promoted for use in foods may, in fact, contain materials that should not be eaten. Many decorative glitters and dusts are sold over the Internet and in craft and bakery […]
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I have a bounty of garden tomatoes to can. How do I know whether to pressure can them or can them in a boiling water canner? There are lots of great things to be said for home-canned tomatoes: the flavor can’t be beat, canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry item, working well in so many […]
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