RULES OF KITCHEN AND FOOD SAFETY
(HOW NOT TO SPOIL YOUR FOOD OR YOUR FUN)

HERE ARE SOME RULES TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FOOD SAFE IN THE KITCHEN.

A. ADULTS are awesome. Never, ever cook without an adult in the house. You should double-check with an adult before tackling a recipe and let them know which steps you will need help with (noted in each recipe). Adults must supervise all uses of heat (such as the oven, stove, and microwave) and sharp objects (such as knives) as well as food safety, including clean-up and proper refrigeration.

B. BEWARE hot liquids—always use adult supervision. Heated sugar syrup and other boiling liquids can cause dangerous and painful burns. Adults should remove hot liquids from the stove or microwave and pour them. Kids should keep their distance until liquids have cooled. Use a candy thermometer rather than a finger to check the temperature of any hot liquid.

C. COVER bare feet and pull back long hair. Not only is dangling hair a fire hazard, it’s disgusting to find hair in your food. Feet should be covered to avoid burns caused by splashing hot liquids and injuries from dropped kitchen equipment.

D. DILIGENCE prevents fires. Never turn your back on the stove or leave a hot oven unattended. Keep hot pads, oven mitts, and potholders away from open flames and burners.

E. ELECTRICAL SAFETY MEASURES should always be observed. Keep all cords away from water and electrical appliances away from the sink. Always keep wet hands away from electrical outlets.

F. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are a cook’s best friend, and you should always have one handy in the kitchen. Remember: an adult should be nearby any time you cook or bake to put out any fire that might occur. Never throw water or flour on a grease (fat, butter, or oil) fire. If hot oil catches fire, have an adult cover it with a lid. Salt and baking soda can also be used to put out grease fires.

G. GERMS are not your friends. Although some microbes keep you healthy, many can make you sick, so be mindful of microbes.

· Hands should be washed with soap before preparing food and re-washed after handling raw meat or eggs. Say the ABCs while washing to ensure 30 seconds of scrubbing.

· Wash raw fruits and vegetables well.

· Don’t lick your fingers while preparing food. If you sneeze, turn away from the food and cover your sneeze with your arm.

· Keep perishable foods like meat and dairy in the refrigerator and refrigerate prepared foods, once they’ve cooled to room temperature.

H. HANDLES IN. Pot and pan handles should be turned toward the back of the stove when you’re not using them, to prevent accidents.

I. INSPECT the kitchen when you’re finished cooking. Double-check that ovens and burners are turned off and that counters have been wiped down with a soapy rag.

J. JUST ASK. If you’re not sure something is safe to do on your own, or how to do it, ask an adult for help.

K. KNIVES are essential to cooking, but even the most experienced chef knows that you must use them correctly and carefully. All cutting and chopping should be done under adult supervision.

L. LEARN from your mistakes. If a recipe doesn’t turn out or you have a kitchen disaster, figure out what went wrong and try it again, or try it a different way. Cooking is science, and many great scientific discoveries and ideas come from experiments that have taken an unexpected turn.