30 - Wednesday, December 17, 1997 - North Shore News north shore ne ROOD = ae a chef : in your kitchen Perhaps at no other time of the year do we consume more tropical fruits and imported veg- etables than at Christmas time. The last ovo weeks of the year are for guests and parties, when food is prepared in larger quantities. Food often lett on the service table includes cold meats, cheeses, veggies and fruits for consumption through the evening. Food safety today is an important concern for con- summers. The traditional food-born illnesses caused by bacteria and toxins are relatively well known, ver cach vear there are several reported cases of hospi- talization. The most frequent culprit of this category is salmonella. Chicken, turkey, pork, eges and dairy products are the common sources. Salmonellosis can be pre- vented with good kitchen prac- tices. The fastest possible cook- ing of foods to 40 F and the maintenance of hot-cooked foods above 140 F are both effective. Generally, cooking foods to an internal tempera- ture of 165 F kills the salmo- nella bacterim. Be careful when turkey, duck or goose is prepared for the holiday table. A good meat thermometer is a worthwhile investment. Staphylococcus aureus grows on many foods, particu- larly on those which contain a high protein content. It is most active around 95 F - 98.5 F, but it can survive temperatures as low as 44 F and as high as 118 F. The best defence against this illness is good perscnal hygiene; and keeping cold toods cold, and hot foods hot. It is a good idea to purchase 2 refrigerator thermostat, and check it frequently for the efti- ciency of the most important equipment in your kitchen. E. coli has been in the news _ frequently for the past several years. It is a bacteria that is found in the intestinal tract of animals. Because ground beefis a popular commodity, this bac- WS NEWS photo Cindy Goodman WASHING fruits and vegetables well will dissolve insecticides and dirt on their sur- face, and prevent bacteria such as listeria and clostridium from causing illness. terial illness is associated with raw hamburger meat. Cook all commercially ground beef, chicken and turkey well done. Another good practice is to purchase meat in one piece, and prepare the ground beet at home. Food processors and meat grinders work just’ fine while smaller meat grinders can be purchased relatively inex- pensively. Listeria, and clostridium are nwo bacteria found in the soil and in the intestinal tracts of many domestic and wild birds and animals such as cattle, poultry, sheep and pigs. They can be a potential source of danger, if natural fertilizers are used or if farm animals roam on planted fields. With the rapid increase of imported produce and_ fruits from subtropical regions we must be vigilant and careful, especially if children or the elderly consume the food we prepare. Special challenges are present for those with allergies and low immune defences. Wash all fruit and vegetables very well. This includes metons, mandarins, bananas, lychees, papaya, avocados, grapes, let- tuce, broccoli, cauliflower etc. The washing should include a period of soaking and several rinses. This will dissolve pesti- cides, insecticides, and dirt on the surface of the food, and most of it will be rinsed away. There are also some very See Selection page 31 Rens Rey Chocolates Discover our Award (htt Chocolates | Sun, Moon Stars Chocolates * SPECIAL 1509 INSTORE SAVINGS ON... SEASHELL MINIATURES HAND-MADE TRUFFLES DELUXE CHOCOLATES or 3 LIQUEUR CHOCOLATES box for $10 AND MANY MORE... Purchase $30 & receive a FREE recipe booklet 1119 W. 14th St. North Vancouver CORPORATE ORDERS AVAL. 9 5- __MON, - FRL 9am - 6pm SA Jamn-5pm, HEDGEHOGS Box of 20pc individually wrapped 0 (49¢ eachl} Great stocking stuffers. PEMBERTON NORTH SHORE S171.3 million is spent annually on food spent in vestauvants on the North Share. To reach this eeurmer market, place your ads where the readership is. Tools and Techniques ta. aene The Holiday Store For Cooks =.= 250 - 16th Street - West Vancouver: Tel: (604) 925-1835 Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-6 - fri 9-9 - Sat 9-6 > Sun 12-S email: teolscooks@be.sympatico.ca Gook with he “Urban Peasant in Tuscany Join James Barber, host of the acclaimed Urban Peasant television cooking show for a Cooking Schoo! and Tour of Italy's Tuscany region. Imo Departures: October 98 ROSEWAY TRAVEL # 106-100 Park Royal South —~ (ground floor black office tower, 926-4344 PORTABLE | DISHWASHER Muay +A BITTON H+ SLVR WasH GRANITE LOOK Tor YRC4210 [sa19 Ts West Vancouver. More expensive? Less, actucliy.