10 | Saturday, October 1, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Tip of the week: A perfectly packed cooler
Bad cooler etiquette can crash a tailgate or end-of-fall party. Here are a few tips on how to pack a cooler and avoid soggy chaos. n Get the right cooler. Make sure it has a handle that secures the lid, a latch or a zipper. The last thing you want is your cooler tipping and everything spilling out. An 28-quart cooler packs enough food and beverages for four people, and it can double as an extra seat. n Start with the beverages. Beverages at the bottom of your cooler will stay colder for longer, and won’t smash your food items. Try to refrigerate or buy beverages that are already cold. n Add ice. Ice down beverages before stacking food on top. If you’re working with warm drinks, add a little water and a dash of rock salt to chill beverages quickly. n Use watertight containers. Glass storage containers with tight-sealing plastic lids and Mason jars work well, but a sturdy plastic container is OK, too. Double bag your food if you’re going the plastic bag route. n Don’t forget dessert. Smaller Mason jars are great for individual servings of banana pudding, summer berries and whipped cream, or whatever tasty dessert you dream up. n Pack it right, pack it tight. Add perishables first, because you want to make sure these items are surrounded by ice. Dairy, eggs, meat and fruit should be 40 degrees or colder. Check out FoodSafety.gov for tips on packing a cooler to prevent food poisoning. n Top it off and enjoy your day. Pack your cooler with the remaining ice, but allow enough room for breads, chips and any items that squash easily. You don’t have to add these items, but it’s good to have everything in one place. Source: www.diynetwork.com
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