Food Safety

Person serving themselves stew

Community Food Events, Volunteers, and Food Safety

— By Kathy Savoie, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Educator Maine has a rich history of community food events such as public meals at churches, granges, fraternal organizations, soup kitchens and food fundraising events that rely on the participation of volunteers. The volunteers are critical to the long-term success of not only the individual event, […]

Read more

Ask EFNEP: Thanksgiving Planning Tips

— By Debbie Barnett, EFNEP CEA in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties – University of Maine Cooperative Extension If you are like me, the thought of having guests over for Thanksgiving, or any big occasion, can be stressful and time consuming. Questions like, How many people will be coming? How will I decorate? And […]

Read more

Knife with Chopped Garlic on Cutting Board

Cutting Board Safety

— By Danielle Breunig, University of Maine Dietetic Intern  Cutting Boards and Food Safety As fall rolls around that means the holidays are just around the corner, and there may be plenty of food to start thinking about prepping. Holiday cooking can get chaotic and messy. In my house, there are a bunch of different foods […]

Read more

three red apples

Safe Cider Know-How

— By Danielle Breunig, University of Maine Dietetic Intern  Make Safe Cider at Home Fresh unpasteurized cider can cause foodborne illness outbreaks due to contamination of foodborne pathogens. Certain age groups such as children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Precautions can be taken to prevent the risk […]

Read more

Black pan over a camp fire

Healthy Camping & Hiking Tips

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP) Youth Curriculum Coordinator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties As a relatively new resident of Maine, I’m always finding ways to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty the state has to offer. Whether it is camping, backpacking, […]

Read more

Seven burgers on a grill

Let’s Get Grilling!

— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension The propane tank is full and it seems like the weather is cooperating for the return to grilling season at my house. Many of us enjoy cookouts and backyard barbecues during the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, barbeque season brings an increase in foodborne […]

Read more

three different electric pressure cookers are show side-by-side on a kitchen counter

Tips for Cooking With Electric Pressure Cookers

— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Often known by the brand name (Instant Pot being a popular one), electric pressure cookers are beloved by home cooks for their ability to cook food quickly through a combination of high pressure and heat. I’ve made beef stew, hard boiled eggs, pulled pork, […]

Read more

Overhead view of strips of chopped vegetables on a board with a small dish of hummus and crackers

Super Bowl Food Safety

— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Blow the whistle to keep food safe! This Sunday, my family will join millions of other Americans who watch the Super Bowl and feast on hot and cold snacks throughout the four-hour event. None of us are big football fans but we do like […]

Read more