Let’s Talk Turkey! Safely!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner—again.  My daughter calls it the forgotten holiday.  As soon as Halloween decorations come down, Christmas displays in stores come out—and where does Thanksgiving fit in?  In our house it is a day to reflect on how grateful we are for everyone and everything we have.  And it just happens to also be a BIG food day!  Childhood memories of a turkey cooking in the oven, and all the trimmings served to family around a crowded table always makes me smile.  Nowhere in that picture is anyone getting sick.

Food safety is VERY important any day—but especially on Thanksgiving, as many novice cooks are attempting to cook in quantities they aren’t used to, and possibly food items they may only prepare once a year.  The day after Thanksgiving there are more people reporting food borne illnesses than any other day.  Follow the rules—and black Friday shopping will not be a problem (also a tradition in our house!).

• Thaw properly—in the fridge ahead of time is best, but under cold running water if somewhat frozen on Thanksgiving morning.
• Cook turkey to 165⁰, and cook the dressing outside of the turkey.  Use a thermometer to be sure, or purchase a turkey with a built in thermometer.
• Put leftovers away quickly.  Once cooked, the turkey can only sit out 4 hours.  This includes the time it takes to carve it, serve and eat it, and then put it away, and any time it is taken out of the fridge after that for leftovers.
• Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days, then either frozen or discarded.
• Your refrigerator must be 41⁰ or lower for food to be stored safely.

Questions on Thanksgiving can still be answered by calling the toll-free USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline.  The hotline will be staffed with food safety specialists on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time to answer your turkey questions. (1-888-674-6854).  You can also call the Butterball Hotline on Thanksgiving with last minute questions at 1-800-288-8372.

Follow these simple rules—and your shopping experience on Friday will be a joyful one, even if you are standing in line at 4:30 AM at Menard’s waiting to get in!

Check out the UNL Foods website for more Thanksgiving food preparation advice.  Happy Thanksgiving—and I’m thankful for all of you also!