Teaching Michael Mondays (2/29): Defrosting 101

Last Monday, Michael wanted to do a protein-heavy dinner as he was scheduled to donate blood the following day, and wanted a high iron count. He figured chicken was his best bet (red meat works better, kid.) Unfortunately for Michael, he'd purchased a pack of two chicken breasts and had forgotten to defrost them.

Being the problem solver that he is, Michael looked online and found advice to stick the frozen meat in a sealed plastic bag, and run cold water over the bag to thaw the meat. He also knew that his microwave had a defrost setting, but had never used it. Two options -- What to do?

Now those who follow this blog know that Michael often deviates from directions, but somehow still maintains that he follows them to the letter of the law.

Arguably, if Michael did follow directions, there might not be a need for this delightful segment, so maybe we don't tell him, hmm?

With utter determination and gusto, our daring young cook took the chicken out of the package, said "screw the plastic bag," and proceeded to put the frozen block of chicken breast in a clean Tupperware container that he then overflowed with water, so that it circulated.

After a short time, and a change of fresh water, the chicken softened to the point that Michael could roughly break the block of meat in half. He patted dry one piece, put it in a new ziploc baggie, and put that back in the freezer. And attempted to cook the other.

Now, Michael didn't do so bad on this one, but improperly defrosted and cooked meat puts those eating the meat at risk for food poisoning. (Also, that second piece of chicken has a 90% chance of being frostbitten).

Which brings me to today's lesson: Defrosting 101

The three "safest" ways to defrost frozen meats are as follows:

1. Allow the meat to come to temperature "naturally" -- by placing in the refrigerator a day or two before intended cook time. Do NOT leave meat out on the counter -- this will allow harmful bacteria to bloom
2. Use the microwave's "defrost" setting -- I usually don't use this technique, I don't trust microwaves to cook evenly and I find that microwaves often compromise the texture of the protein.
3. The "water" method -- essentially what Michael attempted to do, but without the risk of salmonella. Put the meat/fish in an airtight plastic bag and either submerge in, or run cold water over the protein until it has thawed. Do NOT use hot water, you have a much greater chance of allowing bacteria to come in contact with chicken in conditions that allow it to bloom.

Other tips:

• When living alone, it is often best to separate meat out into preportioned freezer packs using plastic bags. Alternatively, to save time -- some companies sell individual packs of chicken that you can toss into the fridge to thaw overnight. I am a big fan of the individual portions of frozen fish, which will thaw in the refrigerator during the day while I'm at work.
• Those living with cats: Make sure there is a sealed cover over your container, as mischievous kitties may go for the raw meat or fish. Case in point: SNOOP DOGG THE FISH THIEF
• If, like in Michael's case, you forgot to separate meat into portions and have defrosted multiple pieces -- cook them all, and keep leftovers in the fridge to add into pastas and over salads in the next few days. Just remember to consume the cooked chicken within 3-4 days. 

Snoop Dogg and the Oven

Weirdos.... we've all got one.

Teaching Michael Mondays (2/1) -- Two Cats, One Apartment, with a Man Who Can't Cook

Once upon a time in the Goldman family household, yours truly decided she wanted a second cat, so that Snoop Dogg could have someone to play with. Mama Goldman promptly decided to window-shop, and then foster a cat on my behalf, who I attempted to dub, "Ludacris." Now, long story short, Snoop Dogg and Ludacris had a MASSIVE beef -- and so I now have a happy Snoop Dogg dominated, single-cat household.

Why do I bring up this story? Well, this past weekend, "Mocha" - the cat formerly known as Ludacris, and our 6-toed bundle of kitten-craziness, Parker, went to live with Michael.

Yes, two cats in one apartment, with a man who can't cook. Watch out ladies, he's got an in-suite washer and dryer, too (Me-ow!)

Michael's newest roommates bring me to this week's lesson: storing food -- important normally, imperative when you have cats.

Since the move on Saturday, Michael has already lost a 5 lbs bag of flour when one of his "darlings" splashed water from the dish that he had set out -- soaking the flour through not only its original packaging, but also a plastic bag that Michael had been storing it in.

Michael is not alone: I once placed a frantic phone call to my parents at 5:30 am because Snoop Dogg, the dear sweet troublemaker that she is, decided to eat 7 Hershey kisses from a mug I had been keeping on my counter. [Chocolate IS toxic to cats, but darker varieties are exponentially more dangerous.]

There's also been multiple occasions where Snoop Dogg has gone after cookies. The first time, they were on the counter in a Ziploc; she clawed through the bag to get at them. The second time, I thought I was being smarter -- I had the cookies in tuperware: nope, the container didn't stand a chance. I woke up to cookies strewn and half eaten all over the floor.

So what can the cat-loving home cook do? I tend to assume that Snoop Dogg is a ninja, and if a container is left of the counter, she WILL break into it. As such, I keep my kitchen obscenely clean. I also tuck "goodies" away either in the fridge, or in cabinets. Things should be double wrapped and away from the edge of the counter. I'd also recommend looking into household plants/foods that are poisonous to cats.

So Michael, and my readers with cats, take heed. It's THEIR kitchen, we're just cooking in it.

Sous Chef Snoop Dogg

I've got a helper, today! I'm making a veggie stir fry with peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, water chestnuts, soy sauce and sesame oil over brown rice!

Anyone else have kitchen "helpers"?

Fish Thief

Weight Watchers puts a lot of stress on meal planning, and for the most part -- I do a decent job of it.  While I may not know exactly what I'm having for dinner every night, I keep multiple grain, protein and vegetable options on hand at all times.

One of my favorite protein options is individually sealed portions of fish (found in the frozen section). Its very easy to put a portion of fish into the refrigerator to defrost during the day, and sear it once I'm home and prepping dinner. However, there are plenty of times where I don't plan and defrost. Not to worry: I simply fill a container with cold water and submerge the sealed fish filet until it has thawed.

At least, that's what I did before I got Snoop Dogg.

Caught in the act!

For more of Snoop Dogg's adventures, check out my Instagram, Steph_Goldman with the hashtag, #SnoopDoggthecat.