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A Fresh and Clean Refrigerator
We have reached the last task of our January kitchen refresh! Cleaning out the fridge likely doesn’t fall high on anyone’s priority list; however, it always feels good to get it done.

A Spicy New Year
We are refreshing our kitchens here at Spend Smart. Eat Smart. in the new year. Last week Jody shared how she is working on getting back in the groove of meal prepping by making some meals ahead to pack for her lunch. She highlighted our Vegetarian Chili recipe and also shared some great tips on managing our canned food at home to make sure we use the oldest items first. The same principle applies to our spices and the start of a new year is a great time to take a look at what you have.

Knife Safety in the Kitchen
Over the next couple of months as we head into the holiday season, many people will be spending extra time in the kitchen preparing food to enjoy with family and friends. You may have some fun with helpers in the kitchen who do not cook often. This is a great time to think about some basic kitchen safety to avoid injuries and trips to the doctor mid-holiday.

Start Simple with Food Preservation
This time of year is one of our favorites. The work of planning and planting a garden is behind us and now it is time to think about how to preserve our summer bounty. Whether you are freezing, canning or dehydrating there are necessary steps to take to ensure both quality and safety.

Home Questions? – Call AnswerLine
When I was a student at Iowa State University, I worked in a job where I shared an office with an amazing resource. That resource was AnswerLine – a hotline that answers your questions about home, food, and family. As a young adult starting a home of her own, the AnswerLine folks gave me tips on food safety, food preservation, and cleaning. A few years later, I found myself working at Iowa State University again. Throughout my career, AnswerLine has been there to help me when I have tough questions about food and nutrition. As a mom, I rely on AnswerLine for tips on getting stains out of laundry. If you cannot tell already, I love AnswerLine and I want to share this resource with you today!