Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving is around the corner, so that means turkey and all the fixings!  Whether you are preparing the turkey for a small or very large gathering, food safety should be kept in mind.  We want to make sure you have all the information at your fingertips to be prepared to cook your Thanksgiving turkey.  Put your chef hat on and think like a real chef!

To get started, you need to know about buying and cooking a turkey.  Visit Cooking a Turkey! for helpful tips on purchasing a fresh or frozen turkey, thawing and roasting.

Some food safety tips to keep in mind during the holiday season:

• Always wash your hands before touching any food.  Wash hands after handling or touching raw turkey or chicken.
• Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next food.
• Don't wash your turkey!  Despite popular belief, washing raw poultry can cause more bacteria to spread around your kitchen no matter how well you clean.

Leftovers:

• Place leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• Cooked turkey is good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Need more information on cooking your turkey?  Visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for more helpful information.