Tasty Tuesday - Summer Food Danger Zones

To send this card: Saint Thomas the Apostle

Quote for the Day: “My Lord and My God!” St. Thomas the Apostle

Hurray! Today is the day we can take an honest look at our doubts and fears and have a good friend to help us out with them.

Blessings of Peace and all Good,
Sister Patricia

Mini Retreat Theme: Celebrate the Day Today look for an area that is a "hot spot" for you. Something that triggers your emotions in a negative way. A comment that makes you boil, an action someone does or doesn't do that gets you upset, a look, whatever. Take that "hot spot" into your time of prayer. Ask Jesus to show you why that button is such an easy mark for you. Don't worry about the "who" that pushed your button - instead try to figure out how you can defuse it so that whoever pushes it you do not react. The answer will come if you are open to honestly finding an answer. Meditation: (set your timer for ten minutes) Prayer when time is completed: Jesus, you are my friend and healer. Help me to bring my wounds to you for healing. Give me the humility to accept being healed. Amen.

Tasty Tip of the Week

from Barbara George

Happy 4th of July (safely).

Welcome, it’s time to celebrate our nation’s freedom on the 4th of July. This message is sent to wish you well and keep you well. Some safety picnic tips, and a quicker than ever dessert that your family and friends will love.

2 Hour danger zone: you’ve heard it over and over again. Here’s how to make sure your picnic preserves happy memories long after the deviled eggs are gone...

The 2 hour danger zone is the time food can sit in temperatures warmer than the refrigerator but not as hot as the grill. There are several things to consider.
1. 2 hours includes any time the food is in the unsafe zone from the time it is prepared until it is put away. So, if you make potato salad the night before, count all the time the ingredients sit out and then how long you keep it out for the picnic.
2. Protein foods are not the only foods that cause food related illness, these are everything from rice to chicken, including mayonnaise salads, eggs and puddings, even baked potatoes.
3. Cross contamination occurs when foods like raw meat are allowed to sit on the same surface as foods that you eat raw . This can allow dangerous bacteria to grow. Always use separate cutting surfaces, utensils, and when you carry the meat to the grill, that plate is now dirty, so is the spatula you put the meat on the grill with. Use a clean spatula to remove the cooked meats onto a clean plate.
4. Food left on the grill too long? If in doubt–throw it out!!!

Here is a simple finish everyone will love and remember...in the tradition of holiday appropriate desserts!

Ice cream pie:

Lightly spread raspberry preserves over a graham cracker crust. Soften vanilla ice cream just until able to spread, and scoop into crust. Spread out even and chill. Meanwhile, slice fresh strawberries, and mix with fresh blueberries. Add a little sugar and let warm for about 2 hours until they make juice, cover and chill until ready to use.

When it's time for dessert, slice the frozen pie, plate, and generously add berry mixture. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy your red white and blue delight!

Happy 4th of July!