Health Tip: Stuff Your Turkey Safely

Make sure everyone has a good time during and after your Thanksgiving meal by taking steps to prepare all that food properly.

The University of Illinois Extension offers these holiday suggestions:

• Stuff the turkey just before you plan to start cooking it.
• Mix the ingredients, wash the cavity of the turkey, and lightly stuff inside.
• Chop and prepare dry ingredients ahead of time, but add any moist ingredients just before cooking the turkey.
• Prepare about 1/2 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey. Since stuffing will expand as it cooks, don't overstuff. Cook any extras in a separate pan.
• Make sure stuffing is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Stuffing often contains eggs and other ingredients that can be harmful if undercooked.
• Before you carve the turkey, remove the stuffing.
• Make sure leftovers are refrigerated within two hours of serving, are reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are eaten within two days.