Heating and Safe Food HandlingPrintable PDF

Main Course Proteins

Norteño BBQ
Chile Verde
Polenta Casserole

...With Chicken, Beef or Pork
Heat in microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir, then heat for an additional 3 minutes.

...With Adobo Tofu
Heat in microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, then heat for an additional 2 minutes.


Sides

Aqui Rice and Jasmine Rice
Add ¼ cup of water to container, close lid and heat on high for 3-4 minutes.

Pinto Beans and Black Beans
Add ½ cup of water to container, close lid and heat on high for 5 minutes. (For stove top heating, add 1 ½ cup water and bring to a rolling boil for a few minutes).

Grilled Polenta
Heat in microwave on high for 3 minutes.

Serving Prepared Foods Safely

Keep hot foods hot!
Hold hot cooked foods between 140°F and 165°F until serving time. Harmful bacteria can grow rapidly below 140°F. When food is cooked to temperatures of 165°F and 212°F, most food-poisoning bacteria is killed. The higher the heat, the less time it takes to kill bacteria.

Keep cold foods cold!
Cold food should be held at 40°F or colder. Harmful bacteria can multiply quickly above 40°F. Cold temperatures keep most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. Freezing at 0°F prevents additional bacteria growth.

Follow the 2 Hour Rule
The absolute maximum time for leaving prepared foods at room temperature is 2 hours - including time for preparing, serving and eating. Discard any perishable foods left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. If you are eating outdoors at a picnic or cookout where temperatures are over 90°F, discard foods after 1 hour.

Heating It Up
You need to take care in heating up your food. Using an oven, microwave or stove top, heat foods thoroughly to 165°F, until hot and steaming. Bring sauces to a rolling boil. If heating in a microwave oven, cover food and rotate dish so it heats evenly. Inadequate heating in the microwave can contribute to illnesses. Consult your microwave owner’s manual for complete instructions.

Entertaining Safely
Keep hot foods at 140°F or warmer by using chafing dishes, slow cookers and warming trays. Keep cold foods at 40°F or colder by nesting dishes in bowls of ice. You may also use small serving trays and replace them often. Make sure there are plenty of serving utensils to help your guests serve themselves without mixing foods from different dishes. Be sure to provide a serving spoon and plates for dips and salsas. Placing chips and dips at opposite ends of the buffet table may also help to discourage “double-dipping.”

Keeping It Fresh
While it is admirable to not waste good food, be careful to avoid food-borne illness in the process. When in doubt, throw it out.





Menu and prices subject to change without notice.
Downtown Willow Glen · 1145 Lincoln Ave., San Jose CA · (408) 995-0381
Blossom Valley · 5679 Snell Ave., San Jose CA · (408) 362-3456
Downtown Campbell · 201 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA · (408) 374-2784
Cupertino · 10630 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA · (408) 996-1443

Sign up for the Aqui Newsletter