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Tips for Timing Your Holiday Meal

Ben Chapman

Close shot of a woman washing her hands with soap in a kitchen sink.

Mar 16, 2020

Proper Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use

Our NC State Extension food safety specialist provides a quick tutorial on proper handwashing practices and hand sanitizer use for disease prevention and control. 
Cleaning with spray detergent, rubber gloves and dish cloth on work surface concept for hygiene

Mar 16, 2020

How to Safely Sanitize Surfaces at Home

For most of us, having a sick loved one at home compels us to sanitize frequently used surfaces. But how well do those commonly used cleaners actually sanitize? 
Cleaning wood cutting board in kitchen sink

Mar 13, 2020

Which is Safer? Wood vs. Plastic Cutting Boards

It's an age-old question and source of great debate among family and friends. So which really is better from a food safety standpoint, plastic or wooden cutting boards? 
A man is holding a glass bowl with eggnog inside, pouring the contents into another glass bowl while preparing the recipe.

Dec 19, 2019

The Safe Way to Enjoy Eggnog This Winter

Whether your family has a secret recipe that's been passed down for generations - or if you just Googled one last night - our food safety specialist shares simple steps to help you add a dash of safety to your eggnog. 
Leftover sliced turkey on a sheet of aluminum foil on the kitchen counter after a big holiday dinner.

Nov 22, 2019

Safely Storing Your Holiday Meal Leftovers

It’s after the big meal that you’ll face some of the biggest questions, like “Can I nap right away?” and “How long can the turkey and fixin’s sit out safely?” 
Close-up Photo of Baked Potatoes Wrapped in Foil On a Baking Tray

Nov 22, 2019

Let Your Baked Potatoes Breathe

Baked potatoes are an ideal side for any holiday meal, whether you add some sour cream, cheese, butter or…botulism? We’ll show you how (and why) to give your spuds space to breathe after baking. 
Boy and girl eating sweet pie with dirty mouths, their parents eating in the background

Nov 22, 2019

How to Safely Prep Your Holiday Pies

It's not a holiday meal without some sort of pie. Every family member has their favorite, but so do bacteria. Find out which types of pie pose more or less risk and how to address those food safety issues. 
Overhead view of fall holidays table with friends hands picking some fingerfood appetizers from a charcuterie board

Nov 21, 2019

Safely Serving Holiday Appetizers

You can always count on a collision of family, friends and finger foods during certain times of the year. We can't guarantee everyone will get along, but we can help you serve them safe and scrumptious appetizers! 
Unidentified person removing a pan of roasted turkey with stuffing fresh from the kitchen oven.

Nov 21, 2019

How to Tell When Your Turkey Is Done

How long should I cook my turkey? How do I know if it’s done? Hint: Make sure you cook your bird to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
Happy father bringing Thanksgiving turkey to the table for his family's' meal.

Nov 21, 2019

Tips for Timing Your Holiday Meal

With such an ambitious menu, you'll want to make sure everything is timed just right to avoid food safety issues. But what should you cook first? And how long can your prized turkey or other foods sit out?