Chop Smart
True or False: You should always use a dull knife because it's less likely to cut you.
False. Dull knives are more dangerous because they require more force and can slip.
If you're cooking on the stove, which way should the handles of your pots and pans face?
Inwards or to the side, away from the edge of the stove.
How quickly should cooked leftovers be put into the refrigerator?
Within 2 hours.
What is the most important thing to do with your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meat?
Wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water.
If you spill water or juice on the kitchen floor, what's the first thing you should do immediately?
Clean it up right away to prevent anyone from slipping and falling.
When cutting food, should you hold the food with your fingertips curled under like a claw, or with your fingers flat?
Fingers curled under like a claw (the "claw grip") to protect your fingertips.
What should you always use to grab something hot from the oven or stove?
Oven mitts or thick potholders.
Where is the safest place to thaw (defrost) frozen meat or poultry?
In the refrigerator, in cold water (changed every 30 mins), or in the microwave (if cooking immediately after). Never on the counter!
Why is it dangerous to use the same cutting board you just used for raw chicken to then chop vegetables for a salad without washing it first?
Cross-contamination. Harmful germs from the raw chicken can transfer to the fresh vegetables, which won't be cooked to kill the germs.
What should you never use to pick up broken glass from the floor?
Your bare hands. Use a broom and dustpan, or thick gloves and paper towels.
What is the best way to safely wash a sharp knife after using it?
Wash it immediately and separately from other dishes, holding it by the handle with the blade away from you.
True or False: If a pot of oil catches fire on the stove, you should quickly throw water on it to put out the flames.
False. Water will make a grease fire much worse. You should turn off the heat and cover it with a lid, or use baking soda (not flour).
True or False: It's okay to put a really big, hot pot of soup straight into the refrigerator.
False. It can make the fridge too warm for other foods, and the soup itself will take too long to cool down, allowing germs to grow. It's better to divide it into smaller, shallow containers first.
rue or False: If you drop a spoon on the floor, you can just rinse it with water and keep using it.
False. It needs to be washed with soap and water (or put in the dishwasher) because germs can easily transfer from the floor.
True or False: It's fine to plug in a blender with wet hands as long as the blender itself isn't wet.
False. Water and electricity don't mix; wet hands can increase the risk of electric shock.
Why is it important to use a cutting board that doesn't slide around? What can you put under it if it's slippery?
A slippery board can cause the knife to slip and injure you. You can put a damp paper towel or a non-slip mat under it.
Why should you always stand a little to the side when opening a hot oven door?
To avoid the rush of hot steam that comes out, which can cause burns.
Why should you keep raw meats (like uncooked chicken) separate from other foods in your shopping cart and in your refrigerator?
To prevent cross-contamination – raw juices can have germs that can spread to foods that won't be cooked.
Besides your hands, what are two other kitchen items or surfaces that need to be cleaned often to prevent germ spread?
Cutting boards, countertops, sponges/dishcloths, sinks, kitchen utensils.
If you have long hair, what's a safety tip for keeping it out of your food and away from flames when cooking?
Tie it back or put it in a bun.