When in Doubt, Throw It Out: A Chef's Guide to Food Safety at Home

Many of us have all learned something in the kitchen from our grandparents, whether it was a recipe, a shortcut, or a certain way to cook a turkey or make a dessert. Sometimes those lessons included food safety habits that get passed down from generation to generation without anyone ever stopping to ask if they still hold up. Jody puts her one hundred and ten percent chef school food safety mark to good use, walking us through the rules that actually matter at home, and the ones we can let go of. We are talking best before dates versus expiry dates, the truth about washing your chicken, why your freezer is not actually a magic time machine, and the four hour rule that could save your next potluck. We also get into the truth about rice, including what Jody and Kirstie call the danger zone. There is a lot of great knowledge in this episode and I think it will help many of us update what’s passed down to the next generation of cooks. Key topics covered: Best before versus expiry dates, and what they really mean Cutting mould off cheese: when it is fine and when it is not The truth about rice and grain safety, including the "danger zone" How to properly cool, freeze, and reheat rice (the wet paper towel trick) Why washing raw rice and grains is about texture, not dirt Why you should never wash raw chicken, and what actually kills salmonella Cutting boards at home: wood versus plastic, and keeping raw meat separate The four hour rule for food left at room temperature, including potlucks and groceries How to properly store your fridge, and where the raw meat actually goes The three to four day rule for leftovers, and reheating to a safe temperature Cross contamination basics: hands, pets, hair, and cutting boards Amy's raw chicken parmesan confession Chef Over Your Shoulder is our podcast about the connections we make through cooking. Pairing professional Chefs Jody O'Malley and Kirstie Herbstreitand from the Culinary Studio with me, a burn-to-the-bottom-of-the-pan expert, creates the perfect “recipe” to demystify the kitchen and bring back the joy of cooking…without the pressure. Links and Resources Food Safety Blog Chicken Parmesan Recipe Greek Quinoa Recipe Connect with us! The Culinary Studio Website The Culinary Studio Instagram Amy Schlueter Instagram The Culinary Studio Facebook The Culinary Studio TikTok