Cooperative Extension Service Meade County 1041 Old Ekron Road Brandenburg KY 40108 (270) 422-4958

2019

Happy New Year to everyone!!! We have been getting very spoiled by the

unusually warm weather we have had so far this winter. We know how our

Kentucky weather can change minute to minute. Below are a few precautions

and reminders regarding winter season. Stay safe and warm!

https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Snowstorms & Extreme Cold Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. A winter storm can: Last a few hours or several days; Knock out heat, power, and communication services; and Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk. If You Are Under A Winter Storm Warning, Find Shelter Right Away Stay off roads. Stay indoors and dress warmly. Prepare for power outages. Use generators outside only and away from windows. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Check on neighbors.

Prepare NOW Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Keep the gas tank full. Learn the signs of, and basic

treatments for, frostbite and

hypothermia.

Recognize & Respond Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin. Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad. Hypothermia is an unusu-ally low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Signs: Shivering, exhaus-tion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness

Actions: Go to a warm

room. Warm the center of

the body first—chest, neck,

head, and groin. Keep dry

and wrapped up in warm

blankets, including the head

and neck.

Dear Extension Homemakers ~

It is hard for me to believe that 2018 is gone. Where did the time go? I always heard that time goes faster as

you get older and I am finding that to be so true. I sincerely hope that each of you and your families had a

wonderful Christmas.

As in past years, our organization accomplished many things which contributed to the betterment of our communities in which we live. Donations of money, time, effort and talent were contributed by our members. As I have said many times before, all of us working together as a team is what makes our organization the positive organization it is today. We are once again embarking on a new year with many programs already in the making. Thank you for your great support in 2018, and as you know, I will once again be asking for your continued support and efforts in the accomplishment of our programs in 2019. 2019 Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association (KEHA) State Meeting - May 14-16, 2019 - Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville - The lodging room block is open for reservations. Room rate is $114 per night + tax for a standard room and $139 to 1889 + tax for suites. Reservations may be made by calling 1-888-233-9527. Make sure and request the KEHA rate. - You can also make reservations online www.keha.org and the link is posted under the State Meeting page. I encourage as many as possible to attend this year’s meeting. It couldn’t get any closer to us and this will be the last year in Louisville for a few years. If you are not able to attend for the whole three days, I encourage you to at least consider attending one day and attend some of the seminars and officer and educational chairman training. It is not only a learning meeting but a lot of fun and a great way to see old friends and make new ones as well. It is also a great way to network and pick up new ideas. KEHA is seeking nominees for three positions - Secretary - 4-H Youth Development Educational Chairman - Management & Safety Educational Chairman. Job descriptions for these positions are posted at www.keha.org in the State Board section. Credentials for these positions are due by April 13, 2019. Credentials should be sent by certified mail to Starlene Harris, KEHA Secretary, 138 Dickerson Road, Olive Hill, KY 41164-8116. The forms can be found at www.keha.org or in the KEHA Manual at Appendix pages 6 through 9. I strongly encourage those who would be eligible to submit your credentials. I know we have many members who could qualify for the upcoming open positions and would make positive additions to the KEHA State Board. Lincoln Trail Area is responsible for hosting this year ’s KEHA State Meeting. This encompasses many

responsibilities. A planning meeting has taken place with representatives from all the counties within the Lincoln Trail Area. Many decisions were made at this meeting. There will be need for volunteers at the state meeting to perform several duties and I will be asking for volunteers later. I thank you in advance for

volunteering when called upon. Cultural Arts and Heritage Creative Writing Contest.

- Categories are Poetry, Memoirs and/or Short Stories. - Guidelines and entry forms may be obtained by going to the KEHA Handbook page 40, 41 and 41a or by coming to the Extension Office.

Entries are due by March 1 to Marilyn Watson, KEHA Cultural Arts Chairman, 2286 Melwood Drive, Henderson, KY 42420. (Please bring all entries to the Extension Office no later than February 18 for us to mail). I wish each of you a blessed and healthy 2019. Sincerely, Janet Hobbs, President

Meade County Extension Homemakers

Explore Our Heritage at The State Capitol

An Area Trip to Frankfort is set for February 28. Cost will be determined but should be

no more than $30-$45 per person. Please reserve your spot by contacting the Meade

County Extension Office by February 14th. More information will be forthcoming from

Martha Thomas soon. Flyer with additional information on back of newsletter.

January 17 - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Volunteers needed to help prepare the meal and any

profits will go into the Backpack for Hunger Account.

Contact the Extension Office to sign up.

February 1 - LLT, 11 a.m., E.T. Extension Office

Pull Yourself Together - Techniques for Mindfulness

February 28 - LLT, 10:30 a.m., E.T., Extension Office

Economical Entrees with Time Saving Appliances

March 1 - EH Council Meeting

9:30 a.m., Extension Office

March 5 - International Luncheon

Topic: Thailand

Luke Fries, Nelson County FCS Agent will be guest

speaker.

March 21 - Manners Luncheon

June 20 - EH Annual Meeting.

Roll Call:

Name one goal you would like to

accomplish this year.

Thought for the Day:

“If you focus on what you left behind,

YOU WILL NEVER SEE WHAT LIES

AHEAD.”

Ratatouille Gusteau

By The Way- - - -

If you come by the Extension Office, we

have a table of various types of books,

FREE for the taking. So if you enjoy

reading or know someone who does,

please come by and help yourself.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

2 - Daisy Coleman 20 - Lindsey Kendall

6 - Mary Lou Mayoros 20 - Cathy Smith

16 - Teressa Ramsey 27 - Betty Barger

19 - Geraldine Shanahan 28 - Timi Michelle Tolhurst

Ovarian Cancer Screening We have scheduled the Ovarian

Cancer Screening at the UK Markey Cancer

Center in Lexington for March 26 at 1p.m.

We have four (4) reserved spots remaining.

This program is free and is open to women

ages 50 and older and to those older than

25 who have a family history of ovarian

cancer. If interested in going, please contact the

Extension Office at 270-422-4958.

Sous Vide Cooking There will be a class on Sous Vide Cooking at the Extension

Office on Thursday, January 31 at 6p.m. Call 270-422-4958 to

register.

Sous vide (pronounced sue veed) is a French word meaning ‘under vacuum.’ It is a way of cooking

food sealed in an airtight bag under water. The water is temperature-controlled (and circulated in some in-

stances), so the food cooks slowly and evenly at a constant temperature of your choice.

Meats and vegetables are best for cooking sous vide because they can withstand a long cook

time. Meats typically cook several hours at temperatures between 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees

Fahrenheit. Vegetables cook for shorter periods of time at higher temperatures between 170 degrees

Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Seafood does not do well using the sous vide method as the long cook

time in the airtight bag tends to result in a mushy product.

No burner or stove top is required. However, you do need an electric outlet and equipment specifically

designed for this type of cooking. A sous vide machine, or immersion cooker as they are commonly referred

to, is a must. It is a tubular-shaped device that uses a heated metal coil to control water temperature. It

attaches to the side of the pot.

Some immersion cookers are capable of circulating the water in addition to heating it. This is a great

feature, but increases the cost of the unit. Food-grade plastic zipper freezer bags are also a must. A vacuum

sealer is not required, but in some cases, produces a better result.

Lastly, you need a pot to hold the water. Any pot or large container will work. Just make sure it will

hold enough water to cover the product you are cooking.

There are numerous benefits to sous vide cooking. One of the most obvious is that your foods are

never overcooked since it is not possible for the food to exceed the temperature of the water bath. With sous

vide cooking, foods retain flavor and their natural juices. Foods are cooked and ready to eat right out of the

water bath.

But most foods, meats especially, are better when they’ve been seared afterward on a grill or in a hot

skillet to create crispness and color. Sous vide cooking is also low maintenance. Much like a slow cooker,

food can cook while you concentrate on other parts of the meal.

But, along with the benefits, come potential food safety hazards. Meat and vegetables should always be

thawed properly before cooking, and the prescribed cooking times and temperatures for each machine should

be followed in order to avoid potentially dangerous bacteria in the food.

Sous vide equipment is not as expensive as you might think. There are basic versions for less than

$100. However, you must weigh the options of cost and usage.

Each sous vide machine comes with an operator manual. Be sure to read through all the material

before you start. The manuals contain valuable information on how to prep your food, seal it, and cook

it. Time and temperature charts are included for reference as well as tips for seasoning and floating bags.

References: https://curious.stratford.edu/2018/06/28/sous-vide-what-is-it-anyways/ http://tsp1-web-d01.its.utexas.edu/life-and-arts/2014/03/27/sous-vide-offers-an-alternative-cooking-method Source: Annhall Norr is, Extension Associate

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Meade County Cooperative Extension Service

1041 Old Ekron Rd

Brandenburg, KY 40108

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