First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States:
February 9, 2018LAFOURCHE —ACCIDENT— MORE COMMON THAN PEOPLE REALIZE
February 9, 2018
While catching beads this March Gras season, make sure you don’t contract foodborne illness. Wenqing Xu, LSU AgCenter food safety specialist, said following food safety practices can help to ensure you have an enjoyable carnival season.
“With a few simple practices, you can enjoy the festivities while reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses,” Xu said.
The four food safety principles include separate, clean, cook and chill, she said.
• Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean contact surfaces, utensils and especially your hands.
• Cook poultry and seafood to a safe temperature. Make sure to use a food thermometer.
• Chill any leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours.
Xu said to be cautious when cooking for large groups.
“If you have a cookout. make sure you have enough ice to keep the food chilled, and make sure you wash hands thoroughly before handling foods,” Xu said. “Transferring food in a clean container and preventing cross-contamination are critical.”
Xu also recommended bringing thermal packs or ice packs to keep foods at the proper temperature while on the parade route.
Having access to soap and water is preferable to keep hands clean while eating or handling food, but Xu said if that isn’t possible, at least bring hand sanitizer.
Everyone’s favorite dessert at Carnival time is a king cake! Here’s an easy-to-make recipe to try in your own kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
Cake:
Cooking spray
2 cans (8-ounce) reduced-fat crescent rolls
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 Tbsp skim milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract Purple, green and gold sugars
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven 350F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. To prepare cake, separate crescent rolls at perforations, into 16 slices. Place slices around pan with points in the center. About halfway down from points, press seams together.
3. Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Using a mixer at medium speed, beat until creamy. Spread cream cheese mixture on dough in the center where seams have been pressed together.
4. Combine butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over cream cheese. Fold dough points over filling, then fold base of triangles over points forming a circular roll.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. To prepare icing, combine all ingredients except colored sugars in a small bowl. Whisk until icing reaches desired consistency, adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed. Drizzle over cooled cake.
7. Sprinkle colored sugars in wide horizontal bands over the iced cake.
