Extension offering ‘Cooking for Crowds’

Extension offering ‘Cooking for Crowds’
Penn State Extension is offering a workshop, “Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer’s Guide to Safe Food Handling,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Carmichaels Activity Center, 100 Nemacolin Road.
Participants will learn up-to-date methods for safely handling and preparing food for large groups. The workshop is appropriate for nonprofit food providers, such as churches, fire companies, schools and civic groups.
Cost is $25 for an individual or $50 per organization for up to four participants, with an extra $5 fee for each additional participant from the same group. Individuals and organizations will receive a food safety manual, posters and a food thermometer. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The workshop will be presented through lecture, discussion and activities on food safety topics. Topics include how food becomes unsafe, preparation practices to keep food safe and purchasing and storage of food and supplies. Participants will learn recommended methods for taking food temperatures and how to calibrate a thermometer for accuracy.
Other topics to be discussed will include holding hot and cold foods, safe thawing and reheating practices, handling leftovers, personal hygiene practices and how-to clean and sanitize.
Registration deadline is Oct. 23. To register, call the Penn State Extension between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or go online at extension.psu.edu/food-safety and click on the upcoming events section.