Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Avoiding Burns in the Kitchen - Kitchen Safety

By Veronica Carrillo

There is always a danger of getting burned in the kitchen, by its very nature a kitchen presents hazards from heat producing appliances that can result in a nasty burn. Ovens, hotplates, hobs, grills and kettles all produce enough heat to give you a burn if you are not careful. This article addresses ways in which you can minimize the risk of burns in the kitchen to yourself, your family members, guests and pets.

The crock-pot is a perfect solution to this problem. Pull yours out of the cabinet (once you've started using it you may realize you want a couple of them, I can have a 3-course meal going in the crock-pot for my family of 6!) All you need to do to get your slow cooker ready to go is a good recipe (you can find tons of great ones online). Then you get your meat and vegetables ready, throw them into the crock-pot, add spices and liquids and you're done. You put the crock on the setting the recipe instructs and then you can literally forget it. Go about your day and don't worry about supper-time. Your meal will be ready when you are!

If your hob or hotplate has front and back burners or elements then always use the back ones when you can and turn the saucepan handles away from the front. This prevents children, pets or yourself from getting burned by brushing against or knocking over a hot cooking utensil. Never leave hot items like spoons or ladles near the edge of the work surface where a child or pet could reach them.

Do not cook while wearing artificial nails. If you are handling hot food and pans they can get hot and melt while still attached to your fingers. This can give you a nasty burn. Tell your children that cannot touch the oven door. Only touch the oven door yourself by using the handle and always use oven gloves or a towel. Having an eye level oven is a good idea. Not only is it easier to use but it also keeps the hot door out of reach of small children.

You can get a new crock-pot at almost any store. The variety of colors and sizes is wonderful, so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. The simplest models offer a dial to choose from "low" or "high." I highly recommend you get a slightly nicer model that offers a "warm" option as well - it comes in handy. You can also get digital, programmable crock-pots, which can be especially good if you're a busy working mother and need to get out the door early.

Get your crock-pot out (or go get one) and start trying supper, side dish, appetizer, and dessert recipes - you'll be hooked. And the peace of mind you get from having your meal waiting for you is priceless.

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