There are many things to look forward to during the holidays, from gifts to time with family and friends, and all the food! Who doesn’t love a big holiday feast?! Whether you are celebrating Hannukah, or Christmas, food and cooking will surely be a big part of your celebrations.   One of the most dreaded…

The sun is shining, the trees have turned green, and the temperature has risen above 60 degrees, which can only mean one thing, it is time to eat outside! There is something about eating in the great outdoors that just makes the food taste better. However, transporting food and eating in a timely matter can…

The July weather is perfect for sitting outside and relaxing, which is one of the reasons National Picnic Month is celebrated in July. Grab a basket, and some friends to celebrate, after all some of the best foods are eaten on the go.   When packing your basket full of treats there are some food…

Did you know that over 45 million people a year get sick from foodborne illness? With all the stress that comes with the holiday season, especially in today’s time, don’t let preventable illness ruin your merriment. Practicing basic food safety can help prevent the spread of foodborne illness, keeping your family safe throughout the holidays….

Grab a glass of eggnog and warm up by the fire on December 24th for National Eggnog Day. Did you know that the whole month of December is National Eggnog Month? This makes it the perfect drink for the holiday season!   Traditional eggnog is made with raw eggs, sugar, milk cream and spices. However,…

The holiday season is upon us and so is National Food Safety Tips month! This pairing is not by coincidence as many of our celebrations are centered around food.   We want to keep our family and friends healthy and safe from foodborne illnesses. Those loved ones most susceptible to these illnesses are pregnant women,…

Are you ready for the hot weather?  Using sunscreen may help protect your skin in the sun and drinking plenty of water can keep you hydrated, but are you following the proper grilling and food safety protocols?   With all the barbecues and outdoor gatherings that you are engaging in these next few months, it…

Now that the weather is finally heating up, you probably want to spend every second that you can outdoors – and I’m with you! It’s time to grab a blanket and head outside for a day of fun and picnics!   Having a picnic is a great way to get the family together to enjoy…

In the hustle and bustle of life, you may forget to pay attention to food safety when food shopping and cooking. Taking shortcuts when it comes to handling food can lead to harmful food borne illnesses. Food safety refers to the handling, preparation, and storage of food in safe ways that prevent food-borne illnesses.  …

As the holidays approach, it’s very easy to get caught up in all the rush. Whether you are preparing to host a party or preparing a favorite dish to contribute to a potluck, it’s important to practice food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses during the holidays. Every party usually includes a guest that is vulnerable…

With the warmer weather and the sun being out longer during the day, it gives you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!  It is no wonder why July is National Picnic Month!  Picnics are the perfect time to enjoy a laid back and relaxing social gathering in the park.   A picnic gives you the…

With summer in full swing and July 4th upon us, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to grill!  July is National Grilling Month and the warm summer nights make for an enjoyable night perfect for grilling.   According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, outdoor cooking remains more popular and easier…

Get Out the Picnic Blankets Summer is here just in time to celebrate International Picnic Day! It’s time to start heading out to patios and back porches, decks and parks for some picnic fun. Typically picnics are full of processed, mayo-filled or fried foods.  We tend to lean towards fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and…

July is the perfect month to celebrate National Picnic Month.  When my kids were younger, we used to pack a picnic basket and head to the local park with a blanket and outdoor toys.  I know for some people planning a picnic could take weeks and could get overwhelming, but don’t let something as fun…

Hopefully your Thanksgiving was full of family, friends, food, and laughter. Now that the celebration is over, I’m sure your refrigerator is overflowing with leftovers. Tomorrow, November 29th, is National Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, a day dedicated to safely handling leftovers. While leftovers are great to have in the house for quick meals, especially…

Approximately 3,000 people die per year from foodborne illness according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  This number is astounding and preventable.  Unfortunately it is common to hear about outbreaks and deaths from foodborne illness, but it is not common to hear how we can resolve these issues.  Something must be done…

Keep these tips in mind to prevent a case of foodborne illness: From the Store: When you’re food shopping for your BBQ, make sure to buy cold foods right before checking out. When placing meats in your cart, separate raw meat and poultry from other foods. Place every package of raw meat into plastic bags…

Pass by the park on a hot summer day and you are sure to find crowds of people enjoying a lunch or dinnertime picnic. While picnicking is a lot of fun, you need to pay close attention to food safety so everyone stays healthy. When transporting food to your picnic, keep in mind the following:…

During the summer months, when the temperatures are warm and bacteria can grow faster, its very important to handle fruits and vegetables safely, to prevent food-borne illness. During the summer months, we also tend to eat outdoors more often, causing a greater chance for contamination, especially in sites away from home, where there is minimal…

In this Issue: Celebrate Men’s Health Week Are You at Risk for Hemochromatosis? Colorful Salad Transformations On the “Road” to Food Safety Turn Down the Heat on Grilling Feature Food of the Month: Jicama Healthy Recipe: Jicama Salad Celebrate Men’s Health Week – June 11-17, 2007 You may be surprised to learn that according to…