Keep Food Safe At Your Holiday Potlucks And Parties
If you are like me, you like to graze at holiday parties. So I tend to keep food on the table at my parties and gatherings for others to do the same. However, health experts are saying to be careful when it comes to the foods you leave out. Especially in the heat and humidity that we have here in Southwest Florida. To help keep food safe at your holiday potlucks and parties here are a few things to take note of to avoid any unfortunate illness.
If your buffet table contains cold food, like delicious Florida pink shrimp, you most likely know how important it is to keep them cold. However, Colleen Tewksbury, a registered dietitian at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has a good tip. Ditch the bowl of melting ice cubes. She recommends filling the bottom of a serving dish with an inch of water and freezing it overnight. When it comes time to serve any of your cold foods, place their containers in the serving dish, on top of the ice that has formed.
If you have any left overs, be sure to toss them after 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them.
For hot food, she says chafing dishes are excellent. However, temperature is still important. They need to maintain at least 140 degrees. In this case, foods can stay out and safe for as long as four hours. When it comes to casseroles temperature is once again a big deal. These dishes should be kept a consistent 140 degrees too. An electric hotplate is a good option. If you can’t maintain the temperature, she says they should go bye bye after two hours.
The best rule of thumb is, when in doubt, throw it out. Keep food safe at your holiday potlucks and parties this season.
4 Great Christmas Dinner Options For The Whole Family
Lasagna
A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There’s room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.
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Filet Mignon
We’ll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch – to half inch slices. There’s something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.
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Vegetarian Chili Bar
It’s all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a “cheers” throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.
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Baked Ham
This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it’s dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.
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