Let me introduce myself to you by talking about a subject I believe is vital to your food’s integrity. The first subject that comes to my mind is what we learn in any cooking school or class and it is food safety. Number one is always Food Safety. The way you manage your cooking area and the proper handling of your food. The most important thing you can do is to work clean. Wash your hands not once, but at least twice being very sure to scrub your nails and the backs of your hands, especially along the lower part of your ring fingers. Many people do not clean their hands with great care. By incorporating a nailbrush, clean towels, paper towels, soap, new or cleaned sponges you will be off to a very good start.
The second on my list is to prepare your work space by cleaning it thoroughly, and when cooking with meat, fish, poultry or seafood, please insure you do not cross contaminate your tools, cutting boards or even your sink.
The next important factor once you and your work area are clean is to insure your food’s safety by storing it properly, always checking the expiration dates and by using fresh ingredients sooner rather than later. Rinse your food as a safety measure and lastly, I encourage you smell and taste your ingredients before you add them to the dish. Over time your palate will develop, as will your sense of smell, plus you will not have consumed any spoiled product.
Over the next week I will be getting to know the members. Should you have any questions just leave a comment and I will respond. I will also be featuring tips like these in future posts: Knife Safety, Teaching Kids To Cook, Highlighting Our Members and much more. I am very pleased that our community is growing. We will have such a good time right here at Half Hour Meals. I want to try your recipes.