Rinsing chicken can spread germs


Do I need to rinse chicken before I cook it?

Years ago, it was thought that rinsing meat with cold water before cooking to rid it of impurities and germs was the most sanitary thing to do. But the United States Department of Agriculture has found the opposite to be true. Rinsing before cooking actually spreads the germs that can cause food-borne illness to more parts of the kitchen – the sink, the utensils, the cutting board and whatever else is nearby.

The only way to eliminate bacteria is to cook chicken well. For a whole bird, that means until a food thermometer registers 165 degrees (about an hour and 15 minutes for a 3- to 4-pound bird). Boneless breasts need 6 to 8 minutes per side on the grill.

Instead of rinsing, place the meat in its packaging in the sink and open it; use paper towels to blot the chicken and remove any excess moisture. Doing so will result in the crispiest skin if roasting, get the best possible sear on the meat if sauteing or pan-roasting, and help seasonings adhere.

In general, keep chicken separated from other foods, in both the grocery cart and the refrigerator; wash hands well after handling raw meat, and dry them with a paper towel instead of a dish towel; and wash cutting boards with hot soapy water right after using.

What's the best way to showcase a 75-year-old quilt?

Hanging is a popular way to display a quilt, but the weight of embroidery, appliques and dense batting can cause it to sag, lose form or rip. If your quilt is lightweight, have a tailor sew a muslin pocket sleeve across the back, 1 inch from the top. Then slide a painted wooden rod through the sleeve and set the rod on brackets.

Try displaying a heavier quilt in a guest room. “I prefer to lay out quilts on a guest bed – a horizontal position provides the best support for them,” says Harold Mailand, a co-author of “Preserving Textiles: A Guide for the Nonspecialist.” Laying the quilt flat is best, but if you fold yours, get some muslin, roll it up and place it inside the fold to prevent permanent creases with dirt lines.

What is the most practical type of dinnerware? Is porcelain the best option, or would earthenware or stoneware be better?

When choosing which type of dinnerware to use in your home, consider your lifestyle. If you have small children, chances are mealtime is often informal and you need sturdy dishes. In this case, invest in stoneware – it's made from clay fired at high temperatures, which results in durability and strength, and it's usually microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Earthenware is also informal, but because it's fired at lower temperatures than stoneware, it's porous and less durable.

If you prefer a more formal setting for family meals, the most suitable – albeit delicate – option may be porcelain, a type of china made of kaolin clay mixed with other materials such as quartz or feldspar. Bone china in particular is highly regarded for its strength and pure-white color.

Earthenware tends to have a porous, grainy texture, while stoneware is rustic yet smooth. Porcelain is the most polished.

Digital & Driveway Delivery - 50% Off
User Agreement



Programs & Promotions
Business Directory
Ads by Google