By Chef Shael Berni
The kitchen is a great place to let your imagination run wild and have fun. More so if you are cooking with your kids. Though we must keep in mind their safety always comes first. The kitchen can potentially be a dangerous place. There are some considerations to take into account to make it a safe environment. If you want to know what to watch out for read on.
Invisible Danger: Bacteria
The presence of dangerous bacteria could make someone sick. It is important to know how to handle foods properly to avoid the spreading of bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. So, there are a few things you have to take into account before you start creating all kinds of mouth-watering goodies. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and very warm water. Your hands can spread bacteria and get into the food that you are preparing. After touching raw meat, poultry or fish you should be extremely careful and wash your hands thoroughly. Meat can contain deadly bacteria called e-coli. To avoid contaminating other food, it is important to also wash counter tops well with anti-bacterial spray, as well as chopping boards, knives, and any other utensils that raw meat touches. This will ensure that the food you prepare won't make you, or anyone else that eats it, ill.
Sharp Objects
Knives are necessary tools when you're working in the kitchen. However, if they are not handled and cared for properly, they can become very dangerous. When using a knife, always cut away from your body. Otherwise the knife can slip and cut you. To keep the knife from slipping in your hand, keep knives clean, including the handle. When washing and drying knives, be sure to keep the cutting edge away from your hands. Also, put them away in the proper area when you are finished using them.
Knives are not the only sharp things found in the kitchen. Beware and be careful with the following objects as well: scissors, blades of a blender and mixer (these appliances should be unplugged before touching the blades), can openers, broken glass (including chipped dishes), and potato peeler. If you respect sharp tools and handle them properly, they will help you get the job done without any casualties.
Burning
There are many hazards in the kitchen that are caused by hot things. Plenty of caution is number one when using the stove, oven, or microwave. Always use oven mitts or hot pads when picking up things that are hot. Keep pot handles pointed to the back of the stove to avoid bumping a handle and getting splashed with hot liquid. With microwaves, always use microwave safe cookware. When frying foods, remember to use a splatter screen. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure it is working properly. If a fire extinguisher is not available, keep a container of baking soda or salt nearby when cooking. Either of these are handy to smother a small grease fire.
Make safety your number one priority. Stay safe by practicing good kitchen safety. Keep in mind carelessness can cause severe injury. Before engaging in cooking classes for kids, go over the basics and make sure they understand the importance of safety.
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Chef Shael Berni offers cooking classes for kids in Aspen, Colorado. Her goal is to teach children to eat healthy and stimulate their creativity, while they have fun with food! Her motto is, “Smart Foods for Smart Kids!”
Source:www.isnare.com |
