|
The biggest disadvantage of a fork is that it could pierce
the produce and allow the juice to run out. The cooking
times for each type of produce will vary. Obviously, the
most tender and thinly sliced produce will take the least
amount of cooking time. A few will take as little as three
to five minutes on each side and most vegetables will be
tender and lightly browned in 12-15 minutes (over a
recommended medium heat).
Create a healthy foil packet meal to please all tastes.
Choose a protein, vegetables, herbs and fruit. Use heavy
aluminum foil, spray well with cooking spray. After adding
all the ingredients on top of the foil, fold the foil edges
together and seal well. Place the foil packets on a grill
(medium) and cook for 10 – 30 minutes. The difference in
time will depend on the size of the ingredients as well as
the internal temperature of the meat. Make sure to open the
foil packets carefully so that steam does not burn. What
types of combinations of food will make your meal?
·
Turkey sausage, potatoes, onions, peppers and chopped greens
·
Salmon, summer squash, onions, oregano and garlic
·
Shrimp, black beans, pineapple and peppers
The Partnership for Food Safety Education recommends using a
food thermometer to check the inside temper of all meat to
make sure it is at a safe minimum temperature. Meat, poultry
and seafood cooked on the grill can brown quickly on the
outside. Use the following minimum internal temperatures for
each type of meat:
·
145°F minimum internal temperature for beef, pork, lamb and
veal steaks, chops and roasts
·
145°F minimum internal temperature for fish and shellfish
·
160°F minimum internal temperature for ground meats
(beef, pork, lamb, and veal)
·
165°F for all poultry (chicken, turkey)
Grilled fruit can be a healthy summer dessert. Like the
vegetables, you can choose to thread fruit cubes onto
skewers or slice the fruit in half and place it right on a
clean and greased grill rack. Hard fruits are better for
grilling verses soft, juicy fruit. Try apples, peaches,
pineapples or plums.
Summer Opportunities in the Community
The Toledo Farmers Market is once again offering Double
Up Food Bucks for shoppers who use SNAP benefits to
purchase food. How does it work? Go to the information
booth. Swipe your SNAP/EBT card for the amount you choose to
spend. You will receive coins to spend at the farmers
market. Double Up Food Bucks must be purchased in $2
increments. Double Up Food Bucks can be purchased and spent
at both the Downtown Toledo Farmers Market every Saturday 8
a.m. – 2 p.m. at 525 Market Street and at Westgate market
on Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m. from May – October at 3300 Secor
Road in the Elder Beerman’s Parking Lot.
Blender Bike Tour Summer 2017:
As mentioned in the May article, a Blender Bike is a
stationary bike with a blender in front and it’s powered by
the person on the bike. Here are some July dates and events
where you can see the bike demonstration and sample a fresh
recipe made in the blender. Look for the Lucas County
Extension display in the Green Building at the Lucas County
Fair on Tuesday July 11, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The Blender Bike
will also be at Pickett Academy, 1144 Blum Street, Toledo,
43607 on Thursday July 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. as the
school partners with Food for Thought for free groceries.
The following week, the Blender Bike will be at the
Northwest Ohio Food Council’s Local Food Tuesday. See the
bike, buy lunch from a food truck and buy some local produce
from farmers from 11:00am – 1:30pm on Jackson Street,
outside the Government Center in downtown Toledo.
|
