TIP OF THE WEEK

Basic food safety

Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist for the University of Missouri Extension, offers these safety tips:

• Don’t rinse meats before cooking, which could spread germs around the sink and cross-contaminate other foods.

• Any dishes containing eggs should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees.

• Don’t chop vegetables on the same cutting boards you use for meats unless you’ve washed the board thoroughly between uses.

RESEARCH
Repair lungs with food

Eating a diet high in tomatoes and fruits can help repair the lung functions of ex-smokers, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Their study found that the natural decline in lung function over a 10-year period was slower among former smokers with a diet high in tomatoes and fruit.— More Content Now

EASY RECIPES
House Dressing
(Honey Dijon Dressing)

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons clover honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup oil
• ¼ cup half and half

Combine yolks, mustard, honey, salt and lemon juice in medium bowl. Using a hand whisk, gradually add the oil, whisking continuously. Stir in half and half and blend well. Refrigerate. Makes about 1¹⁄ ³ cups.

Catalina Dressing

• ²⁄ ³ cup ketchup
• ²⁄ ³ cup sugar
• ²⁄ ³ red wine vinegar
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1¼ cup oil (I use canola oil)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Combine ketchup, sugar, vinegar, onions, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in blender. Process just until onions are minced and mixture is blended. With blender running, slowly add oil until mixture is smooth.Taste and add salt and black pepper, if needed.