NCCE-Richmond County Family and Consumer Sciences Program

04/29/2026

Eggs are one of the "Big 9" allergens, meaning they are in a category that is responsible for 90% of food allergies in the U.S. In fact, many people have egg allergies and don't realize it. Egg allergies are common in children but can also occur during adulthood.
Yesterday attendees in the "Homesteading Basics: A Guide to Egg Free Binding in Cooking" class learned the best non-egg binders for different foods. Attendees also prepared dishes using a variety of non-egg binders, gaining hands-on experience in creating foods made with egg-free binding alternatives from start to finish. The binders used in class also packed powerful nutrients and health benefits, as a bonus!
Attendees made their own "chia egg" to gain experience in how the "egg" will form from chia seeds to a gelatinous egg substitute.
100% of attendees were pleasantly surprised and really like the taste of the food👍🥰. Everyone said they will definitely use the information learned in class when cooking at home and cooking for crowds.

09/24/2025

Congratulations to our 2nd Annual King Arthur Pound Cake Contest Winners!!
Blue Ribbon-Lisa Kirkley
Red Ribbon-Lirosia Wall
Yellow Ribbon-Bruce Stanback
Thank you to our judges: Stephanie, David, Bambi, and Sabrina!!

06/03/2025

Some of you that enjoy canning may be curious about the "atmospheric steam canners". Candice Christian, NC State University Extension Associate, Safe Plates Home and Community Program Manager advises that atmospheric steam canners can be used for processing naturally acidic or properly acidified foods with natural or equilibrated pH values of 4.6 or below. Christian goes on to state that they are not pressurized vessels used for processing low-acid foods. To learn more click this link: https://www.ncrfsma.org/.../fn2065_steam_can_it_right...

05/01/2025

Yesterday, we canned some tropical fruits! The group made wonderful spiced tomato marmalade with orange and lemon slices. They also made mango salsa! We are learning to blend flavor combinations to create wonderful collaborations to zest up meals. All recipes are in the "So Easy to Preserve" food preservation book. We have copies at the office.

05/01/2025

Planning to grill tonight? Keep these food safety tips in mind!

Beef (Steaks, Roasts, Chops): 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the temperature to equalize.

Pork: 145°F (63°C) is the recommended safe internal temperature.

Poultry (Chicken, Turkey): 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for all poultry, including ground poultry.

Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, Lamb): 160°F (71°C) is the safe internal temperature.

Seafood: 145°F (63°C) is the recommended safe internal temperature.

Important Considerations:

Resting Time:
After grilling, allow the meat to rest for a few minutes to allow the internal temperature to equalize and the juices to redistribute.

Thermometer:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches the proper internal temperature.

Ground Meat:
Ground meat should be cooked to a higher temperature than whole cuts because bacteria are more evenly distributed throughout.

Leftovers:
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

Danger Zone:
Avoid leaving cooked meats at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

04/15/2025

Just a reminder that only a few weeks remain before bat pupping season begins on May 1st. Between May 1 and July 30 removing bats will not be an option but you can take measures to prevent them from entering your dwelling areas. Make home repairs now to prevent the occurrence of bats in your chimney of attic. Read here for more information:

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) recommends that homeowners check now for bats that may be getting into their home and evict them responsibly before pup-rearing season begins on May 1. Bats are highly beneficial, offering free pest control by devouring nearly their own body weight in i...