Summer is the time for all sorts of outdoor cooking fun, like picnics in the park, backyard cookouts, campsite grilling, and more! These outdoor activities are all privileges we get to enjoy as a result of the beautiful Georgia summer weather. Although we Hoosiers love to cook outdoors, it is vital to remember how to safely prepare food for outdoor activities in order to protect others, especially in the sun and heat.
Continue reading to learn some important tips about safe outdoor food preparation and cooking, as well as, what you can do to make large-scale outdoor party planning much easier this season!
Keep Clean With Regular Hand Washing
This is the first and most obvious step to preparing food for people outside is washing your hands. Regular hand washing can ensure that you are not spreading any salmonella from raw meats, or germs from other places. Keep your hands clean while chopping fruits, handling raw meat, shaping burger patties, and mixing beverages.
Keep a Clean Workstation
On top of washing your hands, be sure to sanitize all your working stations. This means thoroughly cleansing cutting boards, tables, counter tops, and of course, dishware and utensils. Disease, bacteria, and viruses can easily be spread through dirty workstations. Using a clean wet rag dipped in a light sanitizing solution helps eliminate this possibility.
Properly Preserve Temperature
When serving food outdoors, especially buffet style occasions, it is crucial to keep certain categories of food at their appropriate temperatures to avoid food borne illnesses and food poisoning. For example, be sure cold foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurts, dips, anything containing sour cream, cheese, or dairy, and beverages, remain on ice and cool. This prevents bacteria from growing and making someone sick, as well as, keeps your guests and family cool from the heat. Other vulnerable foods should be covered and protected from insects, leaves, bird droppings, and animals. Cover chips, side dishes, meat trays, and anything else that can be contaminated.
No Time for Outdoor Food Prep?
If outdoor cooking isn’t for you, no worries! You can still host a fun, outdoor family cookout and fun while keeping all food and buffet items indoors. There is never any fuss about making your plate indoors and eating outside to enjoy a nice summer evening. You can also hire a professional catering company and skip all the related responsibilities altogether. They will set coordinate every detail for you, down to food allergens, outdoor food temperature maintenance, linens, ice, and more.
Where to Find Trusted Outdoor Catering Services in Newnan, GA
Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for personalized outdoor catering services in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes, and can bring your vision to life this summer. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Request a free quote while you still have time!
