Washing Your Chicken Before Cooking It Is a Seriously Risky Move

dinsdag 20 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 2 hours ago

My husband and I have chicken for dinner more often than I'd really like to admit. But while I've been especially concerned about buying organic chicken (to avoid antibiotics, hormones, arsenic!), I've never really cared so much about doing one thing as many as 90 percent of people do to avoid getting sick from their meal: Rinsing it in an attempt to eliminate bacteria. I'm not sure why I've never done it ... I don't recall ever seeing my mom do it. And we only really buy prepared breasts that have been packaged by the butcher, and I guess I just figured they've been cleaned up beforehand.

But as it turns out, there's really no reason for me to fret about it, because it's better NOT to wash your chicken, say food safety experts from Drexel University.

Food microbiologist Jennifer Quinlan says:

The reality is the water is hitting the chicken. Much is going down (the drain) but then you have what is called aerosolization -- an invisible spray that's going to potentially carry that bacteria for a foot or two feet.

In focus groups and surveys with everyday cooks, her research team found that although some people rinsed their chicken in the sink, others rinsed it with vinegar water or lemon water with the idea that those acidic agents would kill all the bacteria. None of 'em were getting it right. She explained:

There's no benefit. You aren't killing the bacteria with the washing, and the cooking is killing anything that was on there to begin with.

What's more, washing chicken creates high risks for cross contamination. Chicken water -- carrying salmonella -- can splash on to clean dishes by the sink or slosh into raw vegetables waiting on the counter. Gross!!

It makes sense to me. But then again, I guess I'm in the minority. Still, if you're skeptical about this research, consider where the USDA stands on the matter: They've been advising against washing your poultry since at least 2005.

How do you feel about washing your chicken before prep?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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'50 Shades of Grey' Audition News Will Seriously Upset Fans

zaterdag 10 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 15 hours ago

The entire time we've been waiting to hear Fifty Shades of Grey movie casting news, we've had visions of Ian Somerhalder or Matt Bomer as Christian Grey, Alexis Bledel or Lucy Hale as Anastasia Steele, and maybe even Katie Cassidy as Kate Kavanaugh dancing in our heads. But if the latest casting buzz is any indication, that could all be about to change ... 

Sounds like lesser-known actors -- aka not complete unknowns, but young ones with short resumes -- are taking the lead in the race for the film's top roles. Take, for instance, 20-year-old Cara Delevingne, who has supposedly auditioned for a part. I know ... Cara who?!

The actress made her debut not long ago in Anna Karenina, alongside Keira Knightley. (Go figure! Those Focus people just love the indie-looking ingenues, eh?) A source told The Sun, "Cara is a front-runner for a part. She’s desperate to get the gig and has always said that she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress." But you can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to one thing: It doesn't sound like she's up for Ana. She supposedly auditioned for a "secondary part." Whew!

The source goes on to say, "[Cara] is a global icon now and a good actress as well and Sam [Taylor-Johnson] wants her in the movie -- though which part exactly hasn’t been established. ... [Cara's] agent has also been talking to Kelly Marcel, the screenplay writer. And, if need be, a strong role will be written in for her."

Whoa. Well, no matter what part she nabs, sounds like her chances are high, in part because of who she knows. Her socialite sisters Poppy and Chloe know Sam through their public school pals, which the source went on to say puts Cara in a good position for a "decent role." Cara also worked with Sam's husband Aaron on Anna Karenina.

Meanwhile, a South African model named Devin Paisley is garnering attention as a possible contender for Christian Grey. Not sure where the rumors began, but Devin's fans are lobbying for him to be considered -- in part because he stars in a viral YouTube clip as Kellan Kyle from S.C. Stephens' own erotic book series, Thoughtless.

'Course neither Cara or Devin are who we expected to be cast in the flick. But if their names being floated around are any indication of who will land the key parts, we better brace ourselves. We may have to get used to the idea of absolute unknowns -- or at least, lesser-knowns -- very quickly.

What do you think about the idea of lesser-knowns like Cara and Devin in main or even supporting roles?

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Click the "Like" button below if you're a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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City Wants People to Pay to Exercise in Public Parks -- Seriously?!

donderdag 18 juli 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 11 hours ago

When I go to the park and see people working out here in New York City, it makes me feel good. It makes me happy to know I live in a place where at least some of the population cares about their physical fitness. Which is why it is absolutely absurd to me that Denver is contemplating charging people to exercise in parks. Yes. As in, making them pay. As in, they're discusing whether or not workout groups, like yoga clubs, joggers, and boot camps, should have to pay extra fees to conduct classes in public parks.

I am ... dumbfounded. I get it. These "businesses" are using the park as a place to provide their services and "goods." Without a permit, they're sorta kinda "breaking the law." But GIVE ME A BREAK, DENVER. Are they really that desperate for money over there?

I just can't get over the idea that Denver is essentially contemplating whether or not they should penalize people for working out. Plain and simple: No one needs discouragement to get healthy. Instead, we should all applaud those exercising, getting out, and getting their rear into gear. At least, that's where I'm at.

Plus -- aren't there bigger issues at hand, here? What about crime over there? Or bullying? Or for Pete's sake, if the city is killing itself over money then go on and impose some sort of drive thru-tax or something. Cigarettes! Anything! Healthy people make your city a more attractive place to live. I'm sure as hell that people who are spending their time being active should be the least of your worries, Denver.

Force the workout buffs out of the park, and I'll be interested to see what happens next.

Do you think this is ridiculous?

Image via lululemon athletica/ Flickr

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