|
If you would like to ask a question
click here
See our Archive of all the previous questions our expert has answered
|
|
Search for more expert advice
|
Question:
Are crock-pots a safe way to prepare food? I recently read that they may promote food poisoning. Are there safety measures that should be taken?
.. — Gillian, RI |
Bonnie Moore
Answer:
Crock-pots are a very convenient way to prepare soups, stews and all kinds of one-pot meals. There are a few food safety tips you should keep in mind.
- While crock-pots can get hot enough to keep foods out of the so-called danger zone where harmful bacteria can grow (40° - 140°F), they don''t heat up quickly enough. So bring your food to a boil on the stove first, then transfer it to the crock-pot to continue cooking.
- Never use a crock-pot for reheating.
- Keep the lid on. The temperature can drop very quickly and could fall into the danger zone. (For more tips, see All About...Food Safety.)
- Use an instant read thermometer to make sure your meal reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
| About Bonnie Moore |
Bonnie Moore, FoodFit's Executive Chef, graduated from Boston University with a bachelor's
degree in Math and Statistics before forsaking her calculator for a whisk. Bonnie earned an
associate degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University and a degree in pastry
arts from L'Academie de Cuisine. She was the sous chef at the Inn at Little
Washington, the only five-star, five-diamond kitchen in the United States,
and a former chef-instructor in the professional program at L'Academie de Cuisine in Maryland.
Bonnie likes to be involved with food at every stage, from planting seeds at the farm to
creating a meal for her family. She believes that there is no better place to foster
community and nourish those you love than around a table piled with delicious food.
|
|
|
