Cooking Beef

1. Refrigerator: Safest method. Allow 12 hours to thaw 1 pound. Meat does not need to be cooked immediately and could be re-frozen.

2. Cold water: Safe if water is kept cold and covers the package. Allow 1 hour to thaw 1 pound. Cook meat immediately after thawing.

❁ Color of ground beef can vary from dark purple-red to a bright red on surfaces exposed to oxygen. Darker color on the inside does not mean poor quality or spoilage.

❁ Watch for sale prices on meat. Stock up if you can cook or freeze within a few days.