| Menu Planning |
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| Determine guest allergies, health concerns or food dislikes |
| Read and reread all recipes for ease of execution and all ingredients |
| Check food freshness dates |
| Buy fresh dairy, herbs and main food items day of the event if possible |
| Don’t run additional errands after grocery store |
| Wash fresh fruit and vegetables before cooking or eating |
| Wash raw fish, chicken and poultry inside and out with cold water |
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| Food Preparation |
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| Check dates on home frozen foods |
| Thaw food in refrigerator several days ahead of time |
| Plan all your food preparations in advance |
| Organize your work space |
| Keep conbustionables away from range |
| Keep counter and appliance surfaces clean with hot water and soap |
| Thoroughly wash cutting boards and kitchen utensils after each use |
| Wash hands regularly |
| Use fresh plates when collecting food items after cooking |
| Don’t reuse original marinade unless you boil for at least 5 minutes |
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| Cooking |
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| Stay and watch your food as it cooks so it doesn’t burn and catch on fire |
| Don’t let lose clothes get near burners |
| Consult temperature chart and thermometer reading to ensure doneness |
| Turn off all heat sources such as range, oven and barbecue |
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| Serving |
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| Keep cold food cold, hot food hot |
| Place perishable items in refrigerator |
| Place hot items in oven at 200° for proper holding |
| Clear table of all food items once everyone has finished their meal |
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| Leftover Storage |
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| Place appropriate food in storage containers and place in refrigerator |
| Breakup food into serving portions and freeze separately |
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| Freezer Tips |
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| Keep freezer at 0° Fahrenheit |
| Use freezer paper and tape or freezer bags to avoid freezer burn |
| Label and date your item |
| Put liquids in containers with room at top for expansion |
| Don’t freeze raw vegetables, fried foods or pumpkin pie |
| Avoid freezing soft cheeses, mayonnaise, sour cream, custards |
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| Clean-up |
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| Wash pots, pans and large serving platters with hot soapy water |
| Hand wash and air dry all wood utensils |
| Place all plates and utensils in the dishwasher, if you have one |
| Wash all glassware and sentimental items the next day |
| Clean your exhaust hood and duct above your range regularly |
