Cent$ible Nutrition News Helping Families Eat Better for Less
February/March 2018
The Unsung Hero, our Refrigerator When it comes to food safety, we don’t always think about the important role the refrigerator plays in our health. The refrigerator helps to keep us healthy by keeping our food cold. Keeping food cold slows the growth of bacteria that can make you and your family sick. It is a good idea to check your refrigerator and freezer regularly to make sure they are protecting your family. Doing so is easy. Here are a few tips to help get you started: • Buy an easy-to-read freestanding appliance thermometer for both your refrigerator and freezer. You can purchase an inexpensive one at most retail stores. • Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F. Bacteria multiple quickly above 40°F so you want the refrigerator below this danger zone. • Avoid over-filling the refrigerator. A refrigerator works by moving cold air around. When it is too full, it can warm up to above 40°F which can cause bacteria to grow more quickly.
Volume 21 • Number 3
Carrot Soup Ingredients • • • • • • • •
1 Tablespoon olive oil ½ cup finely chopped onion ½ teaspoon curry powder 2 cups finely chopped carrots 3 cup chicken broth ¼ cup orange juice Salt and pepper Green onions, sliced
Directions
1. Wash hands in warm, soapy water. 2. Heat oil in saucepan over medium-high heat and cook onions until soft. 3. Stir in curry powder, carrots, and broth. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until carrots are tender. Add orange juice, salt, and pepper. 4. Using a blender, puree the mixture in batches until smooth. 5. Return soup to saucepan. Boil longer if soup is thin or add water if too thick. 6. Serve hot, topped with green onions. Makes 4 servings.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer regular. Wipe down shelves, walls, drawers, and the door. Bacteria can still grow in the refrigerator, especially in spilled food. Vacuum the backside of the refrigerator to remove dust and dirt from the vents. For more tips and information on refrigerator thermometers and food safety, visit the Food and Drug Administration’s website at https://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/ consumers/ucm253954.htm.
From the Cent$ible Nutrition Cookbook, p. 210