We want everyone to be safe and healthy this Thanksgiving, so we compiled a few safe cooking tips to keep your gobblers happy this holiday season!
SEPARATE FOODS to prevent cross-contamination
- When you shop, keep the turkey separated from other foods in your cart
- Place the turkey below other foods in your refrigerator to prevent juices leaking and contaminating other items
- Use separate cutting boards for cooked and raw foods
- Never put cooked turkey on a plate that had uncooked turkey on it, unless it’s been washed
CLEAN your hands and food surfaces often
- Wash your hands, cutting boards, kitchen tools and counter tops with hot soapy water after you’re finished fixing the turkey
COOK foods to safe temperatures
- Cook the turkey thoroughly by using a meat thermometer – never go on sight alone to determine if it’s cooked through
- Cook the whole turkey unstuffed to 180 degrees F
- Cook a turkey breast to 170 degrees F
CHILL foods appropriately
It is best to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, NOT at room temperature
8 to 12 pounds 1 to 2 days
12 to 16 pounds 2 to 3 days
16 to 20 pounds 3 to 4 days
20 to 24 pounds 4 to 5 days
- In a pinch, you can also thaw the turkey in cold water – be sure to cook the thawed turkey immediately
- Put prepared foods and leftover turkey in the refrigerator within two hours
- Split large amounts of leftovers into small bowls and cool them in the refrigerator
Practice safe cooking habits as well – cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
- Never leave food cooking on the stove top or inside the oven unattended
- Create a three-foot kid-free and pet-free zone around your stove
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing
- For small grease fires, put on an oven mitt, turn off the burner and smother the flames with a pan lid – NEVER pour water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as this can actually spread the fire
- For microwave fires, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
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