Laerning for Life: Why use a food thermometer?

Using a food thermometer is the only sure way to determine if your food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria. Many people rely on “eyeballing” food. This can be misleading, especially if cooking by color. According to USDA research 1 out of 4 hamburgers turn brown in the middle before it has reached a safe internal temperature.

With Thanksgiving approaching a food thermometer is a must for the turkey, dressing and reheating leftovers. We have set up an identification activity for you to test your knowledge of internal temperatures of food. Participate in the activity and you will be entered to win a digital food thermometer before Thanksgiving.

While you are in our office pick up a free copy of “Use a Food Thermometer,” “Serving Turkey Safely,” and “Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.”

We are located at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Suite A, Soldotna. This is the same building as Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come on in; the activity will only take a few minutes.

For more information call us at 262-5824, or visit our website at http://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai/.

Submitted by Linda Tannehill, UAF School of Natural Resources and Extension; Cooperative Extension Service, Health, Home and Family Development, Kenai Peninsula District.

More in Life

The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is held at Kachemak Bay Campus starting on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference returns for 23rd year

This year’s keynote presenter is author Ruth Ozeki.

This salad mixes broccoli, carrots and pineapple chunks for a bright, sweet dish. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A bright and sweet Mother’s Day treat

Broccoli, pineapple and carrots are the heart of this flavorful salad.

file
Minister’s Message: Prudence prevents pain, and, possibly, fender benders

Parents carry the responsibility of passing down prudence and wisdom to their children.

This Library of Congress photo shows the U.S.S. Maine, which exploded and sank in the harbor at Havanna, Cuba, about the same time the Kings County Mining Company’s ship, the Agate left Brooklyn for Alaska. The Maine incident prompted the start of the Spanish-American War and complicated the mining company’s attempt to sail around Cape Horn.
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska adventure — Part 4

The Penney clan experienced a few weeks fraught with the possibility that Mary might never be returning home.

Students throw brightly hued powder into the air during a color run at Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Color run paints students with kaleidoscope of hues

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science on Saturday gathered parents and students… Continue reading

Artwork by The Art Gaggle is displayed as part of “What We Do” at the Kenai Art Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Local artists share ‘What We Do’ in May show at Kenai Art Center

An eclectic mix of local art makes up the May show at… Continue reading

People from various faiths stand together at the conclusion of a prayer by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Heartbeat of Mother Earth Drum group during a National Day of Prayer Celebration hosted by the KPen Interfaith Community at Soldotna High School in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Celebrating unity and diversity

An array of groups offered prayers and songs at The National Day of Prayer concert in Soldotna.

tease
‘What gives it teeth’

Indigenous author Lily H. Tuzroyluke spoke on her novel and writing process last week at the Homer Public Library.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Donna Shirnberg rehearses”Picnic” at the Kenai Performers Theater near Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Small town America grapples with big emotions

Kenai Performers stage playwright William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Picnic.”

Individual Artist Awards logo. Photo courtesy of the Rasmuson Foundation
Rasmuson Foundation accepting applications for Individual Artist Awards

Project Awards are for short-term projects that clearly benefit the artist and their development.

File
Minister’s Message: Noticing the gorilla

Where we turn our attention determines what we can and cannot see.

Nikiski Bulldog Theatre actors rehearse “All Shook Up” in the Nikiski Middle/High School Auditorium on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Elvis-themed musical brings music and moves to Nikiski stage

“All Shook Up” combines the familiar tunes of Elvis Presley with Shakespearean narrative of romance and identity.