![A flour-dusted rolling pin sits next to a pile of white flour and a pair of uncracked eggs. [CREDIT: pixabay.com, Alexa]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/12/2022_FCS_blogBakingFlourEggsRollingPin01_pixabayAlexa_CROP1338x357TINY.png)
Many of us enjoy baking during the holiday season. It's a time to get out our favorite cookie recipes, put on our aprons, break out the measuring cups and spoons, and get started baking those family-treasured delights. But, it's not a time to ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![friends gather around a table full of food and beverages for a celebration. [credit: pixabay.com, vivienviv0]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/12/2022_FCS_blogHolidayParty01_pixabayVivienviv0_CROP1338x357TINY.png)
If you're like me, the holiday season is a looooong stretch of eating, and sometimes indulging on foods I normally don't eat during the year. It starts with Thanksgiving. Usually ends with a family gathering on New Year's Day. And, is sprinkled ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![A large pumpkin grows in a northern Florida farm field. [CREDIT: UF/IFAS, Eric Zamora]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/10/2022_FCS_pumpkinPatch01_ifasZamoraEric_CROP1338x357TINY.png)
October is one of my favorite months of the year for many reasons, from the beginning of cooler weather to the love of pumpkin everything! October brings pumpkin to everything: scented candles, drinks and coffees, pies, muffins, breads, cakes, ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![hurricane ian nears the florida coast, in this sept. 28, 2022, satellite image. [credit: national oceanic and atmospheric administration]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/10/2022_FCS_hurrIan01_dateUnknown_noaaCROP1338x357.png)
A federal-state partnership is aiming to help individuals/families impacted by Hurricane Ian but not already receiving food assistance benefits. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), offered by the U.S. Department ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition![A man clasps his hands over his stomach, in apparent pain. [CREDIT: pxhere.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2021/11/2018_FCS_blogFoodSafety01_pxhere1338x357TINY.jpg)
With our growing-friendly climate and the availability of fast transportation options from far-removed points, we have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables are available year-round. If we want to truly enjoy these delicious ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition![a 'hello kitty' lunch bag, as seen on a passerby. [credit: pixabay.com, hesiyi]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/09/2022_FCS_blogLunchBoxHelloKitty_pixabayHesiyi_CROP1338x357TINY.png)
Have you ever thought about how long a lunchbox stands at room temperature before it is enjoyed? And what that means for your food safety? You should. Because, whether you are packing a lunchbox or packing up for a picnic, unwanted bacteria ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition![A tomato being hand-washed in a kitchen sink. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2019/06/2017_FCS_foodSafety_ifasCROP1338x357.jpg)
September has been designated as National Food Safety Education Month by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And, even though the United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world, according to the U.S. ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & NutritionHave you ever had a foodborne illness? Would you know if you had? Foodborne illness symptoms can mimic the flu, with upset stomach, fever and diarrhea as common issues. So, it's important to note that we are all vulnerable and anyone can ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![food can with the "best before" product date shown on the top. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/01/2020_FCS_foodlabeldateBestBefore07_ufsaraextCROP1338x357.jpg)
In the last blog post, we discussed how prevalent are foodborne illnesses, the populations especially vulnerable to this issue. In this post, we will discuss some safe food-handling practices while we are at the grocery store. Sometimes, ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life![suds on hands clenched while washing. [credit: pxhere.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/03/2020_FCS_blogHandwashing101_pxhere01CROP1338x357.jpg)
In my last blog, we celebrated World Food Safety Day (June 07) and listed out the four food safety practices: CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK, and CHILL. This blog will focus on keeping things CLEAN, and some everyday habits that you can incorporate into ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Work & Life