ground beef

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

❁ safely handle the sharp lids when opening cans.

❁ measure ingredients.

❁ use a spatula to break up ground beef as it browns.

■ Refrigerate raw ground beef and use within a few days after the ‘sell by’ date for best quality.

■ Refrigerate cooked meat for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage; use within 2 to 3 months in any recipe using cooked ground 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.