Coming from the heart, homemade food gifts are thoughtful holiday (or anytime) gifts and a nice way to show people just how much they mean to you.
There are many homemade food gift options—fresh baked or prepared foods, jams and jellies, and dry mixes. It is important that food safety and shelf-stability be considered first and foremost when giving a gift of food. See Safe Homemade Food Gifts for more advice.
Dry mixes are very popular and allow for creativity and individualizing gifts. When properly prepared, mixes can be a safe gift to give. Choose a food-grade container and get started with recipes and ideas using these links:
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Cookies are a favorite treat and especially so during the holidays. Holiday cookie baking is a tradition for many families and a fun way to honor family heritage. Whether making sugar cookies for Christmas, rugelach for Hanukkah, or benne/sesame cookies for Kwanzaa, the ingredients play a role in how “the cookie crumbles.”
Tray of assorted cookies – Photo: Canva.com
Cookie baking is more chemistry than art and the ingredients used play an important role in the appearance, taste, texture, color, and flatness of the cookie. Here’s a look at the five traditional ingredients—sugar, fat, flour, leavening agents, and binding agents—used in cookie baking and the role they play.
SUGAR Besides sweetening and tenderizing cookies, the type and amount of sugar plays a role in the flavor, texture, color, and spread of the cookie. Sugars give color to cookies as the sugar granules melt together caramelizing the bottom and edges and gradually spreading over the cookie. Sugar is hygroscopic meaning it attracts and absorbs the liquid in the dough, which slows down the development of gluten, a protein in flour that provides strength and elasticity to dough.
Granulated white sugar contributes to the thinness, crispiness, and lighter color of a cookie. Being neutral in flavor and color, it allows the flavors or colors of other ingredients to come forward. With a neutral pH, interference with gluten development is less, allowing the dough to spread more before it sets during baking. When creamed with a solid fat, white sugar easily aerates the dough for puffier cookies.
Brown sugar contributes more tenderness, flavor, color, and rise to a cookie along with a denser and moister texture. The flavor, color, and moisture of brown sugar comes from the addition of molasses. Due to the molasses, it is slightly acidic. In the presence of baking soda or baking powder, the acid reacts with the sodium bicarbonate (alkaline) to produce carbon dioxide. Being more hygroscopic and acidic than white sugar, brown sugar is able to absorb more moisture and slow gluten development faster so the dough sets more quickly during baking.
Substituting one sugar for the other will not affect the sweetness, but will change the appearance and texture of the cookie.
FATS Fat contributes flavor, tenderness, chewiness or crunchiness, and browning to cookies. Fat options include butter, margarine, shortening, or oil. When sugar is creamed into a solid fat, air pockets are created in the dough resulting in puffier cookies. Further, fats can inhibit or enhance gluten development. When solid fat coats gluten strands, gluten is inhibited and yields tenderness. Chewy cookies are the result of water in melted fat binding with gluten to strengthen structure.
Butter, in solid form, traps air during creaming which expands with heat producing a fluffier cookie. For best results, butter should be at room temperature for baking. Some recipes may specify the use of melted butter or browned butter; melted butter incorporates no air, leading to denser, flatter, and chewier cookies. When butter is browned, the water in butter evaporates resulting in a very dense, but flavor-rich cookie. (Butter is at least 80 percent fat and 16-18 percent water.)
Unsalted butter is the standard in baking unless otherwise specified. However, the amount of salt in salted butter is so small that it can be substituted for unsalted butter in most cookie recipes.
Margarine, made from vegetable oils, may contain more water and less fat than butter. It functions similarly to butter and produces a similar texture. However, cookies made with margarine may be thinner and spread more during baking. Depending upon the fat/water ratio, margarine may not be a direct substitute for butter; for best results, recipes specifically tested with margarine should be used.
Vegetable shortening is 100 percent hydrogenated vegetable oil, contains no water, and has a higher melting point than butter. Cookies made with shortening tend to rise higher, hold their shape during baking, and have a soft, fluffy texture. Cookies made with shortening may stay soft longer after baking because shortening returns to a semi-solid after baking.
Vegetable oil is 100 percent liquid fat. Cookies made with vegetable oils are denser and flatter as very little air can be incorporated. A neutral flavored vegetable oil should be used to retain the intended flavor of the cookies.
FLOUR Wheat flour contains gluten and provides structure by forming a web of gluten strands to catch air bubbles from creaming liquids and leavening agents. Sugar and fats, as mentioned earlier, help restrict gluten formation for a softer, more tender cookie. Generally, all-purpose flour is the flour of choice for cookie baking.
LEAVENTING (RISING) AGENTS A leavening agent helps cookies rise while baking; the type used affects the texture and structure of cookies. The leavening agents most commonly used in cookies are either baking soda or baking powder. While they both create rise during baking, they function very differently.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) requires an acidic ingredient such as vinegar, sour cream/milk, brown sugar, lemon juice, or chocolate to release carbon dioxide and leaven the dough. When baking soda and the acidic ingredient combine, there is a single reaction resulting in a denser cookie. Due to the single reaction, baked goods made with baking soda as the only leavening agent should be mixed quickly and baked immediately to get the most rise.
Baking powder is a chemical agent containing sodium bicarbonate and acids giving cookies more rise and a cakier texture. Baking powder is double acting, meaning it provides leavening first when it gets wet and second when it is heated. Because most of the reaction takes place in the second stage, the dough remains stable and does not have to be baked immediately.
It is quite common for both leavening agents to be used in a recipe, but it is a misconception that the two can be used interchangeably.
BINDING AGENT Binding agents are the liquids in the recipe that hold the cookie dough together, such as eggs and milk which also add flavor, color, structure, moisture, and nutrition. The proteins in eggs, and to a lesser extent in milk, set with heat contributing to the final shape and texture of the cookie. The emulsified fat of the egg yolks contributes to tenderness while egg white contributes to cookie rise.
TIP While not an ingredient, chilling the dough for 24 hours is one of the easiest ways to improve flavor and outcome. As the dough rests, the large molecules of flour and sugar breakdown and the fat hardens. As a result, cookies expand more slowly, hold their shape, have a richer butterscotch-like flavor, and brown more evenly.
Each ingredient plays a key role in the recipe. Understanding their role and the contributions each make to a cookie is important to baking the best cookies ever or adjusting the ingredients to achieve the desired cookie. How Can I Get the Cookie Texture I Want? has suggestions for adjusting key ingredients to change the texture of any cookie recipe. To get a visual idea of how the various ingredients can affect the taste, texture, and appearance of your cookies, visit: The Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies.
While ingredients are key players, they do not hold all the magical powers; the mixing process and baking temperature also affect the end result—topics for another time.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Cookie decorating is one of the most beloved holiday traditions. Royal Icing is the traditional icing used for glazing cookies, piping decorations, or assembling the walls of gingerbread houses. It dries and hardens quickly and is easy for nearly anyone to achieve decorating success! Made traditionally from egg whites and powdered (confectioners’) sugar, it is an easy icing to prepare. However, if raw egg whites are used, the icing may be a health risk.
It is a well-known fact that eggs may contain the bacteria, Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), that can cause foodborne illness. Researchers say that if present, the SE is usually found in the yolk, but the possibility of SE in egg whites cannot be ruled out. To eliminate risk and be certain of a safe frosting, raw egg whites should be replaced with lightly cooked egg whites, meringue powder or dried egg whites, or pasteurized egg whites when making Royal Icing.
Lightly Cooked Egg Whites. Use the following method provided by South Dakota State University which can be used for Royal Icing and other frosting recipes calling for raw egg whites. In a heavy saucepan, the top of a double boiler, or a metal bowl placed over water in a saucepan, stir together the egg whites and sugar from the recipe (at least 2 tablespoons sugar per white), water (1 teaspoon per white) and cream of tartar (1/8 teaspoon per each 2 whites). Cook over low heat or simmering water, beating constantly with a portable mixer at low speed, until the whites reach 160° F. Pour into a large bowl. Beat on high speed until the whites stand in soft peaks. Proceed with the recipe. Note that you must use sugar to keep the whites from coagulating too rapidly. Test with a thermometer as there is no visual clue to doneness. If you use an unlined aluminum saucepan, eliminate the cream of tartar or the two will react and create an unattractive gray meringue.
Meringue Powder. Meringue powder is available in specialty stores wherever cake decorating supplies are sold. Meringue powder is composed of cornstarch, dried egg whites, sugar, citric acid and some stabilizers. It’s perfect for making royal icing. There is usually a recipe on the package. If not the following recipe for Royal Icing works well:
4 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 1/3 cup, plus 2-3 tablespoons, warm water, divided desired food coloring In large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, merinque powder and 13 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 8-10 minutes, addined 2-3 tablespoons warm water, as necessary. Icing should be stiff enough to hold peak when tested. Color as desired.
Dried Egg Whites. Dried egg whites are just that, 100 percent powdered egg white; they require no refrigeration. Dried whites are pasteurized by heating to the required safe temperature. Like meringue poweder, the egg white powder can be reconstituted by mixing with water. The reconstituted powder whips like fresh egg white and, because it is pasteurized, can be used safely without cooking or baking.
Pasteurized Egg Whites. Pasteurized egg whites are of two types—pasteurized in-shell eggs or liquid pasteurized egg whites. Pasteurized in-shell eggs are available at some grocery stores. Shells of such eggs are stamped with a red or blue “P” in a circle. Whites of pasteurized shell eggs may appear slightly cloudy compared to fresh eggs. Liquid pasteurized egg whites are found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store in a milk-like carton usually near the regular eggs. According to the FDA, both of these products are safe to consume raw. Use these two products like raw whites in the recipe.
Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth or tightly wrapped to prevent drying and caking. For longer keeping time, store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freezer for up to three months. In addition to preventing food borne illnesses, refrigeration seems to help with separating. (If separation occurs–yellowish liquid on the bottom—just remix.).
Make sure that your holiday cookies or gingerbread houses bring nothing but joy! Avoid raw egg whites when making your decorating frosting.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
The holidays are here – and unfortunately stains are inevitable! Whether it is on your tablecloth, carpet or clothing there are ways to get those stains out!
Coffee stain on carpet – Photo: Canva.com
Follow these simple tips to fight stains with common household.
Check laundry for stains before washing. Many stains need pretreatment.
Take care of stains promptly. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those over 24 hours old.
Blot up any excess liquid with a clean white cloth or paper towel.
Avoid rubbing. Blot gently to avoid damaging the fabric, taking the color out, spreading the stain.
Check colorfastness. Test stain treatment in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won’t remove the color.
Inspect wet laundry before drying to be sure a stain has been removed. If a stain is still evident, do not dryer dry. The heat of drying sets the stain making it more permanent.
Be patient! Give any product or procedure used time to work. Further, some stains may require multiple treatments to remove.
Appropriately treat the stain based on its type. Different stains require different treatment to remove and prevent setting.
Stain Types
Protein Stains. This includes blood, milk, mud, baby formula, vomit, feces.
Use COLD water! Never use hot water first since it will make the stain more difficult to remove or may set the stain. Fresh stains can be removed by soaking or agitating in cold water. After soaking in cold water, the item can then be washed in warm water with detergent. If the stain is not removed try soaking again
2. Oil Based Stains. This includes butter, bacon fat, mayonnaise, automotive oil, collar stains.
Pretreat the stain with a commercial stain removal product, liquid laundry detergent or liquid dish soap. Wash in water as hot as the item will tolerate, with detergent.
3. Tannin Stains. This includes berries, coffee, tea, fruit juice, alcoholic beverages.
Do not use natural soap (usually found in bar and flake form or detergents containing natural soap). Natural soaps make tannin stains more difficult to remove. Fresh stain can be washed with detergent in hot water, if safe for the fabric.
4. Dye Stains. This includes Kool-Aid, mustard, dye transfer (from bleeding in the washer), grass, felt tip pens.
These can be difficult to remove. First pretreat the stain with detergent and then rinse thoroughly. Try soaking in a dilute solution of all-fabric powdered color safe bleach. Try fresh bleach if the garment is white. If using bleach on a white item the stain should come out within 15 minutes if the bleach is fresh. Bleaching for a longer time may weaken the fabric. Then wash in water as hot as the item will tolerate with detergent.
5. Combination Stains. This includes gravy, ketchup, makeup, candle wax, ballpoint ink.
Remove the oily/waxy portion first by treating with a dry cleaning solvent or stain stick and rinsing the spot in hot water in your sink. Then rub in liquid laundry detergent on the spot before washing.
If you don’t know what the stain is, treat with cold water first. Then follow up with a commercial stain remover and wash as directed on the fabric label. Always follow the label directions on any commercial stain remover used. Give the product time to work ; if directions say to leave on no longer than 10 minutes, be ready to rinse or wash it within that time frame.
Don’t be discouraged if you have a spill over the holidays. Use the above tips to help you remove unwanted stains. For additional stain removal help, use our Quick and Easy Stain Removal Guide or Stain Solutions from the University of Illinois Extension which were both used to provide these great stain removal tips.
And as always, if you need additional help, give us a call at AnswerLine! We are here to help!
Mug of eggnog in moose mug on holiday decorated table – Photo: mrgeiger
Eggnog and holidays seem to go hand in hand. While prepared eggnog is readily available at the supermarket, there is nothing like homemade eggnog. Since eggs are a main ingredient of homemade eggnog, homemade eggnog has the potential to spoil holiday fun and cause Salmonella poisoning from the use of raw or undercooked eggs. Salmonella bacteria is a potential risk even when refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells are used.
How to convert a special family eggnog recipe into a safe recipe
Use a cooked egg base. FoodSafety.gov recommends a cooked egg base for eggnog. This is especially important if you are serving people at high risk for foodborne infections: young children and pregnant women (non-alcoholic eggnog), older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Eggs must be cooked to 160 °F to kill bacteria that may be present such as Salmonella. A cooked egg base or custard is made by heating half of the the milk and/or cream to almost boiling and ever so slowly adding the beaten egg yolks (or sometimes the whole egg) and sugar (or any sugar substitute). Continue to cook and stir the mixture gently until an internal temperature of 160 °F is reached. At this temperature, the mixture will firmly coat a metal spoon and remain separated when a finger is drawn through it. Do not let the mixture go beyond 160 °F as above that temperature, the eggs are likely to curdle. (If curdling occurs, put the mixture in a blend and blend until smooth.) Place the mixture in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking action and prevent curdling or further curdling and then refrigerate.
Use pasteurized eggs yolks.Eggnog may be safely by using whole, liquid or pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes in place of raw eggs. Pasteurized eggs are found next to regular eggs at the store. Commercial pasteurization of eggs is a heat process at low temperatures that destroys any Salmonella that might be present without having a noticeable effect on flavor or nutritional content. Even if you are using pasteurized eggs for your eggnog, both the FDA and the USDA recommend starting with a cooked egg base for optimal safety. When egg substitute products are used, some experimentation might be needed to figure out the right amount to add for the best flavor.
Use alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth.While alcohol will inhibit bacterial growth, adding alcohol (in amounts recommended by most recipes) will not be sufficient to kill bacteria. However, if one wants to use alcohol, Cooks Illustrated suggests that 1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof liquor per egg and three weeks of aging in the refrigerator is sufficient to kill bacteria when dairy is omitted until ready to serve. Such was conclusively proven by microbiologists at Rockefeller University where salmonella bacteria was purposely added to eggnog and analyzed over a three-week period. By the three-week mark, the alcohol had rendered the eggnog completely sterile.
Substitute egg whites. If a recipe calls for adding beaten egg whites to the hot egg/milk custard, use pasteurized egg whites. While pasteurized egg whites do not whip to the same volume as raw egg, they are safe. It has not been proven that raw egg whites are free of Salmonella bacteria; NOR has it been shown that when adding them to the hot milk/egg custard, the custard remains hot enough to kill any bacteria. Another good substitute is whipping cream whipped to soft peaks added at the time of serving.
Here’s to a safe and worry-free holiday! Follow these suggestions for your favorite eggnog recipe to ensure everyone can enjoy delicious, creamy homemade eggnog without worry of a foodborne illness.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
It’s an unavoidable fact of the holiday season—gift returns. Billions of dollars in gifts are returned each holiday season. Consumers rush back to the store or flock to online retailers to return or exchange gifts that they do not want for a variety of reasons–wrong size, duplicate, don’t like it, can’t use it, defective.
While returns may reach a peak after the holidays, consumers are now returning things at record levels due to online shopping. According to the National Retail Federaton, one in five purchases are returned.
Recent retail news indicates that the traditional return or exchange may not be as easy as it’s been in past years; 60% of retailers are said to be rolling out stricter policies. Due to rising transportation and other inflationary costs, companies have been updating their return policies in an effort to curb the costs and hassles of returns. Updates may include a shorter return window, required receipt or proof of purchase, and shipping or restocking fees. Further, a recent Rossen Report states that a significant number of retailers are now charging some sort of fee for returns. To see the list of retailers and the fees one may encounter, check out this Rossen Report with information supplied by Narvar, a returns-management company.
To avoid surprises no matter where you shop, read the fine print or ask questions to familiarize yourself with the return or exchange options before purchase and include a gift receipt with gifts to reduce hassles for the recipient. Consumer Reports outlined the return guidelines for 2023 of popular retailers categorizing them as the “best and worst return policies.”
Make your returns (holiday or otherwise) go more smoothly with these tips:
Know the retailer’s policies before making a purchase. What is the return policy and how does it work? Restocking fee? Cash refunds? Exchanges only? Store credit? Return shipping? Can online purchase be returned to local store? Be aware of third-party sellers who may have a different return policy than the retailer (i.e., Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, eBay, and Newegg).
Understand product warranty. Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. How are returns and repairs handled if an item does not work, stops working or needs replacement parts?
Keep your receipts and packaging. Most retailers will only accept returns and exchanges with a receipt and in original packaging making it important to keep receipts or give gift receipts. Without a receipt, a retailer may refuse a return or offer store credit at the most recent lowest price of the item. Cash for a returned item is usually only offered with the original receipt and when cash was used at the time of sale. Original packaging means keeping all tags in place; if the tag includes a price, mark it out or remove at the perforation. Also, it is best to not open the original package until you are sure you will be keeping the gift. Personalized gifts are usually nonreturnable.
Bring your ID. To avoid holiday return scams, many stores ask to see your ID when you return an item. Some chains use computerized return authorization systems to detect abuse and track your return history. Without a receipt, retailers may deny a return or exchange if history shows you are a frequent returner without receipt.
Return or exchange in a timely fashion. The window for returns or exchanges varies by retailer. Some retailers are expanding their window while others are shortening it. Time is of the essence for ensuring that the chance to exchange or return an item is not missed.
Practice kindness and patience. Waiting a few days after the holidays will reduce crowds at the return counter and clerks will be less frazzled. If you are not satisfied with the way the return or exchange was handled by the clerk, ask to speak to a manager and deal with the problem in a congenial manner—keep your cool!
For additional tips and to protect yourself from holiday scams and theft, visit the BBB Holiday Tips page.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
The USDA advises that all “egg rich pies” be refrigerated after baking and cooling unless it will be served within two hours of baking.* Pumpkin and pecan pies fall in this category along with custard and meringue pies. So the short answer is YES—with one exception.
Pecan and pumpkin pie slices. Photo: Canva.com
ALL homemade and bakery pumpkin and pecan pies made with fresh ingredients should be refrigerated. The reason is that bacteria will grow rapidly when the homemade pie is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F. To prevent foodborne illness, these pies should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
The one exception is store-bought pies displayed and sold unrefrigerated; these commercially produced pies have shelf-stable ingredients and anti-microbial preservatives added to make them shelf-stable and typically do not need to be refrigerated until cut. Pies of this type have a sell-by date which indicates how long the pie will remain safe to eat stored at room temperature. In general, store-bought pies are safe 2-4 days after the sell-by date if they are refrigerated; it is never wrong to store these pies in the refrigerator once they are brought home. Leftover pieces of these pies should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 2-4 days of the sell-by date.
If you are unsure of proper storage for a purchased pie, be sure to ask or check the label for storage instructions to make sure it is safe.
Storing Egg-Rich Pies – Cool, Chill, Wrap
Homemade egg-rich pies should be completely cooled after baking before covering and refrigerating to prevent condensation occurring under the wrapping. Condensation will lead to a soggy crust and perfect conditions for bacteria to breed. A good way to prevent either is to cool the pie completely, place in the refrigerator uncovered until chilled, and then loosely wrap in plastic or place in a pie cover. (Pies that are not completely cooled in two hours may be placed unwrapped in the refrigerator to continue cooling before wrapping.) The same procedure is true for bakery pies made with fresh ingredients; they may be stored in the box or container used by the bakery.
An unrefrigerated store-bought pie, can be stored on the counter per the sell-by date or placed in the refrigerator as soon as you bring it home. You can keep it in the box or container that it was purchased in.
If the pie won’t be served within the safe period (2-4 days), you can easily freeze pumpkin and pecan pie so that it lasts longer. Pie can be frozen whole, half, or in slices. Properly stored, the pie will maintain at best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time if kept constantly frozen at 0°F.
The best way to tell if a pie is bad or spoiled is to inspect it visually and by smell. Discard if there is an off smell or appearance such as mold.
Serving Egg-Rich Pies
According to the FDA, homemade or bakery pumpkin and pecan pie can be left at room temperature for two hours, after which it is in danger of growing harmful bacteria. This is plenty of time for serving either plated on from a buffet. If the pie needs to be held longer than two hours, place it on ice to keep it chilled.
While refrigerating pecan and pumpkin pie is important for food safety, it has an added benefit of getting a perfect slice. Remove the pie from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving to let the filling soften a bit; then slice with a sharp serrated knife (drawing for pumpkin, sawing for pecan) for that perfect slice.
Plan your holiday baking or shoping carefully. Keeping egg-rich pies at room temperature could leave it at risk for foodborne illness or spoiling too soon.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Whether you choose to stuff or fill the bird or prepare stuffing outside of the turkey, each preparation is a personal preference or family tradition made with a combination of bread, vegetables, herbs, spices and perhaps a protein, dried fruits, and nuts. The difference between stuffing and dressing depends on how it’s prepared and regional or family traditions. Stuffing refers to filling the cavity, while dressing is a name for stuffing that is cooked separately from poultry, meat, or vegetables and served alongside it, rather than inside it. Which is it in your house?
Stuffed turkey on left, ? in center, and stuffing in a casserole. Photos: Canva.com
With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, November 21 is appropriately designated National Stuffing Day since we are already thinking about the stuffing, filling, or dressing to accompany the Thanksgiving turkey. However, National Stuffing Day could also be in recognition of stuffing used in pockets of other cuts of meat, fish or vegetables that make excellent vessels for stuffing.
To stuff or not to stuff is the most often asked Thanksgiving turkey question? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking the stuffing outside (external) of the bird for optimal safety; therefore, making it a dressing served on the side. The safety concerns have to do with salmonella and other bacteria, which can come from eggs in the stuffing or from the interior surface of the turkey’s cavity. If the bird is removed from the oven before the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, some bacteria could remain alive and make diners sick.
There are pros and cons to both cooking styles.
In-Bird Stuffing. The primary advantages to an in-bird stuffing are that it is moist, sticky, and has all the flavors of the bird. To be safe, it must reach an internal temperature of 165ºF, which means the bird is likely to cook longer or to an even higher temperature resulting in a potentially dry bird. Stuffing cannot be prepared ahead; it must be prepared just before spooning the hot stuffing mixture into the cavity and placed in the oven. The amount of stuffing in a cavity is limited to 1/2 to 1 cup of prepared stuffing per pound of raw poultry. Aromatics such as celery, onions, apples, oranges, etc must be placed on or around the bird.
Outside the Bird (Dressing). When the stuffing is cooked outside the turkey, it may be prepared ahead (refrigerated or frozen). The temperature of the dressing and the turkey can be measured more reliably. The cavity can be filled loosely with aromatics which steam and infuse heighten flavor and some moisture into the turkey. The turkey will also cook faster. Dressing is the only option for turkeys that are prepared by frying, smoking, grilling or spatchcocking. Dressing is often criticized as being dry or not-as-moist as stuffing. This can be remedied with turkey or chicken broth/stock drizzled over the dressing before baking. Dressing can also be prepared in a slow cooker which frees up the oven for the turkey or other foods and tends to be moister and more stuffing like. (NOTE: Never place frozen stuffing or other frozen food in a slow cooker.) Another benefit of cooking the dressing separately is that larger quantities of it can be made. And it is also an option to let the dressing become a bit crispy as it is an excellent complement to the savory and juicy turkey and creamy mashed potatoes.
For complete how-to for safely preparing and cooking stuffing or dressing, check out the USDA website, Stuffing and Food Safety. For all questions related to turkey preparations, check out Let’s Talk Turkey.
Because stuffing is an excellent medium for bacterial growth, it’s important to handle it safely and cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165ºF as measured with a food thermometer whether prepared inside or outside of the cavity. As you plan for your Thanksgiving dinner, make your decision on whether to stuff or not based on safe handling and preparation.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, the sink, and other foods and utensils. This is called cross-contamination, which can make you and others very sick. Washing your hands before and after handling the turkey and its packaging is crucial to avoid spreading harmful bacteria.
Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. This simple, but important step can help keep everyone safe from foodborne illness. If your raw turkey or its juices come in contact with kitchen surfaces, wash the counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water. For extra protection, surfaces may be sanitized with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Make sure to let those areas dry thoroughly.
The only way to destroy bacteria on turkey or any poultry product is to cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Some chefs prefer to cook to a higher temperature for flavor and texture. Check the turkey’s temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast to be sure it has reached a safe temperature will be free of illness-causing bacteria.
Source: Karlsons, Donna. (2017, February 21). To Wash or Not to Wash Your Turkey . . . . United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
May Day is celebrated on May 1. It is an old day of celebration dating back to the Roman Republic. Over its many years, there have been different meanings, festivities, and representations of May Day. Beginning as a day marked with ceremonies, dances, and feasting, it celebrated the rite of spring. It also marks the half way point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solace. In addition, it has been known as Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, a day commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and labors.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, May Day traditions changed to leaving a gift basket filled with flowers or treats at the front door of a neighbor, friend, or loved one. The giver would leave a basket or cone of treats, ring the doorbell, shout “‘May Basket!” and run away. In some communities, hanging a May basket on someone’s door was a chance to express romantic interest. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss. It has also been celebrated with dancing and singing around a pole laced with streamers or ribbons. During my grade school days, we made May Day baskets filled with homemade treats, candy, or dandelions to exchange with school mates.
May basket filled with biscotti left on door step – Photo: mrgeiger
Today, May Day is almost forgotten. The sentiment of the day certainly has a place in modern society as a time to share a random act of kindness and celebrate spring and friendship—an opportunity to pay it forward. Baskets don’t necessarily have to be left at a front door. Treats can be left for co-workers, teachers, children—anyone—anywhere they will find it.
There are numerous ideas for baskets online—paper cones, styrofoam cups, fabric, tin cans, strawberry baskets—anything goes. And, who says baskets have to be filled with flowers, candy or treats? Don’t limit yourself. Use imagination and creativity. Baskets can be filled with anything appropriate for the recipient. For example, the homeless may appreciate baskets filled with bath products, socks, non-perishable snacks or gift cards. Baskets for others could be filled with small office supplies, seed packets, cooking utensils, hair accessories, or craft supplies. The ideas are endless. Add a little treat to brighten someone’s day with a piece of candy, a flower, or a pop of color with a piece of tissue paper. And if making a basket isn’t for you, maybe buy a cup of coffee for a random stranger and wish them a Happy May Day. Get the kids involved; make it family activity or a youth group project (4-H, Scouts, Church).
So make a basket, ring the doorbell, and run! Spread some kindness! You’ll be glad you did! Happy May Day!
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
