kitchen safety

How to Cut Winter Squash Safely: Essential Knife Tips

Posted on 2026-08-232026-08-23 by Bert Swope

This guide explains how to cut winter squash safely by stabilizing the squash, choosing a sharp chef’s knife, and making controlled cuts that keep hands out of the blade’s path.

How Many Times Can You Thaw and Refreeze Food Safely?

Posted on 2026-04-242026-08-12 by Bert Swope

Essential Concepts

Refreeze only if thawed in the refrigerator and kept at or below 40°F. If food thawed in cold water, the microwave, or at room temperature, cook it first or discard it if it warmed too long.

Tips for Handling Hot Chili Peppers (Without the Pain Later)

Posted on 2025-09-072026-08-03 by Bert Swope

Hot chilies can bring incredible flavor to your cooking, but they can also sting your hands, eyes, and kitchen if you’re not prepared. Learn the simple, practical tricks for handling peppers safely, dialing in the heat you want, and cleaning up without the burn.

Food Thermometer Guide and Safe Temperatures Chart

Posted on 2025-08-242026-07-05 by Bert Swope

Cooking food to the right temperature is one of the simplest ways to protect your family from foodborne illness. This guide and safe temperatures chart make it easy to use a thermometer with confidence and know exactly when your food is ready.

The Complete Guide to Safely Thawing a Turkey

Posted on 2024-10-312026-07-05 by Bert Swope

Need to thaw a turkey in time for Thanksgiving? Learn the safest methods, exact thawing times by weight, and simple tips to keep your bird juicy, evenly thawed, and food-safe.