Thanksgiving History/Cooking Safety

 We tend to get caught up in all that we have to do to prepare for the holiday, we forget what it means, how it came about so this is just a reminder as to what we really are celebrating.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.  If you are traveling this week, safe travels to you.

 http://holydays.tripod.com/thanks.htm

Keep in mind that if you are hosting Thanksgiving at your home you can save on heating cost that day.  Turn your heat off once the crowd shows.  Let the body heat and the heat from the kitchen heat your home.  Also keep in mind if there should be a grease fire in the kitchen, do not attempt to put it out with water.

• Turn the Heat Off - Don't try to move the pot. You might accidentally splash yourself or your kitchen with burning oil. And that would be bad.
• Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid - Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.
• Pour on Baking Soda - Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they're small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job.
• Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher - This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen. Still, it's better than the alternative if the fire is getting out of control.
• Get Out and Call 911 - If the fire does break out of control, don't try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call 911.


Whatever you do, DO NOT do the following:
• Do Not Use Water - Pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. The vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, also spreading the fire.
• Do Not Move the Pot or Carry It Outside - Throwing the pot outside might seem logical in the frenzy of the moment. But trying to move the pot might splash burning oil on you, your home, and anything outside.
• Do Not Throw Any Other Baking Product On the Fire - Flour might look like baking soda, but it won't react the same. Only baking soda can help put out a grease fire.