Food Safety Begins At The Market And Ends At Home
May 30, 2011
A refrigerator can be full of surprises. Wilted lettuce, dried out cheese, apples which have lost their crispness, and other similar surprises inhabit the very best refrigerators. All are victims of improper food storage, and they represent thousands of dollars which consumers unwittingly throw away each year.
Cash in on proper food storage by giving groceries a little extra care with you bring them home from the supermarket. You’ll save money and the food you buy will stay fresh longer, retain more nutritional value, and remain safe to eat.
Proper food storage begins at the supermarket. The way we shop can affect food quality. Many shoppers remember to put fragile fruits and vegetables on top of sturdier items in the grocery cart, but then let the ice cream melt while they wait in line at the deli or bakers. A better solution would be to put frozen and refrigerated foods into the cart last, particularly if you have a lot of shopping to do. You can also ask the person bagging your groceries to put refrigerated and frozen foods in the same bag. These items will keep each other colder on the trip home, plus putting the groceries away becomes less of a chore if everything that belongs in the refrigerator or freezer is in the same bag.
The trip between the checkout counter and your kitchen needs to be as short as possible. When perishable food items sit in the car for any length of time, they lose quality and begin to spoil. It’s a good idea to stop at the dry cleaners and post office before doing the grocery shopping.
At home “think cold”. Under the right conditions bacteria can grow rapidly. The refrigerator temperature won’t kill bacteria, but the cold will slow the growth of most bacteria. Frozen and refrigerated foods require the most care and should be put away first. Dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and most fresh vegetables and fruit, plus custards and whipped-cream-filled pastries are a few of the grocery items that need to be refrigerated promptly.
Some food items require special handling. Taking care of these foods before you store them in the refrigerator will save time as well as money. Iceberg lettuce, for example, keeps better if you remove the core and store the head in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Fresh meat, poultry, and fish which are not pre-packaged need to be rewrapped and stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer. Meats should always be stored in the meat keeper drawer or on lower shelves to prevent cross-contamination of foods.
Storage times still vary even when groceries are carefully wrapped and refrigerated promptly. Berries and other fragile fruits, for example, have the best flavor and texture when eaten within a few days of purchase. Apples and citrus fruits can be stored for up to several weeks or more in the refrigerator. Most fresh meats will keep several days. Fish, poultry, and ground meats, however, should be cooked or frozen within one to two days.
Storing refrigerated foods properly and for the recommended times may not be enough, especially if your refrigerator gets too warm. It is a good idea to keep a refrigerator thermometer on a shelf in the fridge. The thermometer should always register 40ºF or less. In the summer it is a good idea to keep the refrigerator colder than usual because this is the time of the year when family members make frequent trips in and out of the refrigerator.
Often we remember to protect foods when we picnic away from home, but tend to forget that refrigerated foods still require special care when carried only as far away as the backyard. A few simple precautions will ensure these foods are as safe to eat as they are delicious: For backyard barbeques, leave meat, poultry, and fish in the refrigerator until the grill is ready, then grill just what you think you will need and serve promptly. Wait to bring out salads and other cold accompaniments until you are ready to begin serving.
For more information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
Submitted by, Dorothy C. Lee, CFCSm Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Escambia County, dclee@ufl.edu
Molino Park Students Take Part In Bookstore Memorial Day Program
May 30, 2011
Singers from Molino Park Elementary took part in a Memorial Day program this weekend at Barnes and Noble in Pensacola.
The Molino Park students, along with local singers/songwriters Sheila Allen and Ginny Cruz performed “America the Beautiful” and “Stand Up America” during the program.
For more photos of the Molino Park performers, click here.
Molino Park Elementary students participating in the event were Ashley Allen, Joshua Coonrod, Mallory Latham, Madelyn Latham, Trista Lorenzana, Hannah McGahan, Robin Nahkala, Chase O’Connor, Cameron Parker, Seth Parker, Ronnie Plenkers, Christian Taylor, Morgan Taylor and Evan Till.
In conjunction with Pensacola’s celebration of 100 years of Naval Aviation, Barnes & Noble and Reading is Fundamental (RIF) hosted the Memorial Day celebration to honor past, present and future armed service members.
Hill Goodspeed, a historian from the National Naval Aviation Museum, was the featured speaker and signed his books, “One Hundred Years of U.S. Navy Air Power” and “U.S. Naval Aviation.” Other featured speakers were Escambia County School District Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gary Cooper; Phyllis Pia of the USO and Joan Platz, USNA Class 81 & the co-president of the US Naval Academy Parents Club. T
Pictured above: Students from Molino Park Elementary performed this weekend during a special Memorial Day program at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Coming Monday: Northview Class Of 2011 Holds Baccalaureate
May 29, 2011
The Northview High School Class of 2011 held their Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Coming up Monday morning, NorthEscambia.com will have a photo gallery from the event.
Pictured above: Bro. Gary Wieborg leads prayer during the Northview Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Heavy Fog A Factor In Highway 29 Crash
May 29, 2011
Heavy fog was believed to have been a factor in a wreck that injured three people on Highway 29 Sunday morning.
The two vehicle accident was reported about 6 a.m. on Highway 29 near Canoe Creek between Roach Road and Crary Road. Three people were transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
First responders arriving on scene reported visibility to be about 10 yards shortly after the time of the wreck.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Trial Delayed For McDavid Postmaster
May 29, 2011
A new trial date has been set for the McDavid postmaster arrested last month on attempted sexual battery and false imprisonment charges.
James Bruce Lee, 51, was set for trial next week, but his date in court has been postponed until August on the joint request of his attorney and prosecutors. Lee has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
According to Postal Inspector Michael Mulder, the charges stemmed from a January 15 incident that allegedly took place inside the McDavid Post Office. A female mail carrier alleged that Lee attempted to sexually assault her inside the Main Street building.
According to the arrest warrant, the woman alleged Lee approached her from behind while she was sorting mail and began touching her all over her body. She told him to stop, at which time he complied. Later in the day, after the other carriers had left the building, Lee once again approached the carrier holding her by her hands while pulling his pants down, the carrier told investigators, before stopping when he heard a vehicle in the post office parking lot.
Lee provided a sworn written statement and interview to postal investigators; however, his statements were not released by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Lee, who served as McDavid postmaster since January, 2005, was placed on administrative leave, according to Joseph Breckenridge, a postal service spokesman based in Atlanta.
Memorial Day Monday Looks Hot, Dry
May 29, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast for the remainder of the holiday weekend and beyond:
- Tonight: Patchy dense fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Memorial Day: Patchy dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. North wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Pensacola Fair Awards Scholarships To Local Students
May 29, 2011
The Pensacola Interstate Fair, celebrating its 77th year, has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 students from Escambia and Santa Rosa high schools.
The John E. Frenkel Sr. Educational Grants program scholarship winners were chosen by the Fair Grant Committee. The program has awarded more than $930,000 in scholarships since 1983.
Recipients, including several from the North Escambia area, were:
Amber E. Estes, Pensacola State College/home school; Heather L. Kite, Pensacola State Collegiate High School; Jaymee L. Dils, Escambia High School; Antonio D. Grace II, Judy Andrews Center; Stephanie L. Solari and Allison A. Vidak, Northview High School; Michael D. Brusoski, Kyra A. Murrell, Haris A. Peteranecz and William K. Searcy, Pensacola High School; Emily G. Higdon, Tate High School; Payton K. Anderson and Jennifer L. Taylor, West Florida High School; Vickie E. Guy and Ian C. Stephens, Central High School; Robin N. Blackman, Mary K. Borders, Courtney P. Penton, Julia D. Skaggs, Kevin W. Stanton, Trenton E. Sweeny and Brandon W. Urnick, Jay High School; Chris J. Stapleton, Navarre High School; Andrew W. McGowin and Deanna M. Manning, Pace High School.
Recipes: Flavorful, Festive and Fun Memorial Day
May 29, 2011
Memorial Day is often synonymous with a backyard barbecue to kick start the summer. As you celebrate this holiday weekend, have a delicious, grill-inspired meal ready in 45 minutes or less with these fun, flavorful recipe ideas.
With mouthwatering grilled beef, high-quality ingredients like canned tomatoes and bold bursts of flavor from lime juice, chimichurri and barbecue sauces, your Memorial Day menu is sure to be a memorable hit.
Get your grill sizzling with recipes like Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Chimichurri Steak Wraps. And don’t forget a refreshing salad to complete your grilling holiday menu. Spicy Barley and Black Bean Salad is a fast option with a flavorful twist – perfect for your Memorial Day table.
(Scroll down to see all three recipes)
Ingredients
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) reduced-sodium or regular black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 medium poblano chili peppers (about 4 inches long)
Toppings
- Toasted shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds), crumbled queso frescos and lime wedges (optional)
Preparation
- Drain tomatoes, reserving juice for marinade. Set aside diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Combine reserved tomato juice, 1/2 cup cilantro, lime juice and olive oil in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1/3 cup marinade for rice. Place beef steak and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
- Combine rice, reserved 1/3 cup marinade, diced tomatoes, black beans and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Set aside.
- Cut slit lengthwise down 1 side of each poblano pepper to create pocket, leaving stem and tip intact. Make another small crosswise cut just below the stem to form T-shaped opening. Remove and discard seeds and membranes, being careful to keep peppers intact. Spoon rice mixture evenly into peppers. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil to seal.
- Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak in center grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill steak, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Grill peppers, covered, 25 to 30 minutes (20 to 25 minutes on gas grill) or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, turning occasionally.
- Carve steak across grain into thin slices. Remove peppers from foil. Serve peppers with steaks and toppings as desired.
Serves
Makes 6 servings
Total Time:
45 to 50 minutes
Marinate Time:
6 hours to overnight
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Steak Wraps
- 4 medium whole wheat tortillas (8 to 10-inch diameter)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 12 ounces grilled beef steak, cut into slices
Preparation
- Place parsley and garlic in food processor or blender container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar and salt; process just until blended.
- Spread each tortilla evenly with Chimichurri Sauce, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with equal amounts spinach, bell pepper slices and beef slices on top two-thirds of tortilla. Fold bottom of tortilla up over filling. Fold right and left sides to center overlapping edges; secure with wooden picks; if desired.
Serves
Makes 4 servings
Total Time:
15 to 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cook barley, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces each) whole black beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Preparation
- Cook barley according to package directions; drain if necessary. Place barley in large bowl.
- Add corn, garlic salt and pepper; toss to combine. Add black beans, drained tomatoes and onions.
- Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.
Serves
Makes 4 servings (1-1/2 cups each)
Total Time:
25 minutes
Road Construction Break For Holiday
May 29, 2011
Drivers are getting a temporary reprieve from road construction and lane closures over the Memorial Day weekend.
To ease traffic congestion and insure safety along the roadways in northwest Florida, construction contractors working on state roads will cease operations during the Memorial Day weekend, according to Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions from Saturday through Monday, she said. All major roads in northwest Florida will be open to normal traffic.
Northview Baccalaureate Service Today
May 29, 2011
The Northview High School Class of 2011 will hold their Baccalaureate program at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
All NHS seniors (even those that did not attend any practices) are asked to wear their cap and gown and meeting in the sanctuary of the church at 1:30 p.m.
The student-led and organized program will include scripture, prayer and original instrumental and vocal music provided by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble and students. This year’s message will be delivered by Nathan Brown, pastor at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
“Special thanks to Bratt First Baptist Church for providing their facility and to their music and youth minister, Tim Hawsey, for helping with the sound, equipment, typing the program and management of practices. Also thanks to Flomaton First Baptist for printing the programs and to Elaine Holk for her help with music,” said Sarah Killam, Northview Senior Class president.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.