Franklin County Extension staff members want to wish you all the best for the holiday season and the New Year. We appreciate the support that is given on our behalf during uncertain funding times and to make programming possible. Also remember that our office has a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics that is available to you. Call on us anytime you think we may be able to help.

Give the Gift of Time this Holiday Season

As you prepare for the holidays, think about giving one of the most priceless gifts this season—the gift of time. An anonymous source stated, "The best thing parents can spend on their children is time, not money."

"Most of us probably don't remember what gifts we received last year, but we do remember the special times our family spent together for the holiday," says Milly Kaiser, University of Illinois Extension family life educator. "Maybe your family spent time baking cookies or attending a concert together. Whatever quality time you spent together, you provided your children with the gift of time that keeps on 'ticking,' giving them a sense of security, stability and connection."

The things you continue to do each year become family traditions. And through the passing of time, traditions reinforce the unspoken message that family is important.

In addition to the family benefits of spending quality time together, research shows that children benefit, too. They often make better grades in school, are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, and tend to be competent in solving problems. What a gift!

Start a new family tradition this year and have each family member wrap one gift that includes a note that says, "This is a coupon for the gift of time." And then state what you plan to do. The coupon could be for a bike ride or reading a book together. All it costs is your time, but the benefits are great. Have a priceless holiday!

Storing Holiday Leftovers

Leftovers are a tasty holiday tradition in many homes. According to Jananne Finck, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, tradition can create food safety concerns if leftovers are not handled properly.

When storing leftovers, the following procedures are recommended from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS):

· Refrigerate leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy within 2 hours if left at room temperature and within 1 hour in temperatures above 90 F.

· Divide leftovers into smaller portions. Refrigerate, or freeze in covered shallow containers for quicker cooling.

· Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within 3 to 4 days and use gravy within 1 to 2 days; or freeze these foods.

· Use frozen leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality.

Cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat turkey in the oven, set the oven temperature no lower than 325 F. Reheat thoroughly to a temperature of 165 F. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.

To reheat in the microwave oven, cover the food and rotate for even heating, allowing for standing time also. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 F. Check your microwave oven owner's manual for recommended times and power levels.

For additional food safety information (in English and Spanish) about meat, poultry or egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time) or visit the website at www.fsis.usda.gov.

University of Illinois Extension features turkey information (in English and Spanish), including recipes at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/turkey , or call the office at 618-439-3178 through December 23^rd.

Extension Office to be Closed

The Extension Office will be closed from December 24 through January 4 for the holidays. We look forward to seeing you next year.