Keep the Party Going! Food Safety

  The air is warmer, the sun is shining, and cookouts are quickly approaching. Did you know that approximately 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year.  So, don’t commit these party fouls with these common food safety mistakes this summer.  Keep the party in the yard and not running to the restroom! Mistake 1: Washing your meat before cooking. Wash your hands, not meat or poultry. Washing meat or poultry can spread germs to countertops and other items in your kitchen like fruit, which can make you ill. Washing your hands not only keeps you safe but protects your guests as well. A study found that “only 5 percent of people who used the bathroom washed their hands long enough to kill the germs that can cause infections.” Grab that soap and be sure to wash [...]

Tips for a Healthy Cookout

  Finally, a mask-free summer that is barbequed, smoked, slathered, rubbed, and dipped! When it comes to summertime cookouts, going overboard on indulgent foods happens often. It may seem impossible to include healthier alternatives at these get-togethers but serving healthier options can be easier than you think. According to the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics we need to think beyond the traditional barbeque favorites. Here are a few ideas for your next summertime party: Go Lean Instead of using processed meats such as hot dogs and sausage, try incorporating leaner meats. Choose healthier options like lean beef, pork, and chicken. Fish is also a great alternative and cooks up quickly on the grill. Consider swapping out typical beef burgers for heart healthy turkey burgers. Ground turkey can be found as lean as 99% fat free. Add some flavorful ingredients [...]