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Articles written by Tammie Ostdiek


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  • Donate Garden Produce

    Tammie Ostdiek, Extension Educator|Aug 10, 2022

    Delicious vegetables and fruits are abundant in August. And gardeners know that a lot of this produce is ready for harvest at the same time, making it difficult to use before it goes to waste. To avoid throwing out produce, start with a plan to use what the family can eat fresh, possibly preserve some for the winter, and then consider sharing with others. Donating to a food pantry is a great way to share the abundance with people who need food and often appreciate the fresh, locally grown produce. Check with food pantries in your area to see...

  • UNL FOR FAMILIES: Cooking Dry Beans

    Tammie Ostdiek, UNL Extension Educator, Morrill County|Mar 31, 2021

    In the early months of the pandemic, non-perishable foods like dry beans were flying off grocery store shelves. If you still have some packaged dry beans in your pantry, winter is the perfect time to prepare them. While canned beans are cooked and ready to be heated, served, or used in recipes, packaged dry beans need to be cooked to a palatable texture. For best results, it helps to understand the variables involved with cooking dry beans. Cooking time depends on the type of beans and the seed...

  • PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: Food safety for the holidays

    Tammie Ostdiek, Extension Educator Food, Nutrition and Health|Nov 16, 2018

    Family and friends gather in the kitchen and around the table during the holidays. But nobody wants to miss the fun times with family and friends because of foodbourne illness. Follow these food safety guidelines to reduce the risk of contamination. PLAN AHEAD: Thawing turkey in the refrigerator will require about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. A 20-pound bird will defrost in about five to six days. A thawed turkey can safely remain in the refrigerator for one to two days before cooking. Turkey...