By: Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.

​Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series.

A familiar tune reminds us that “chestnuts are roasting on an open fire”, yet most don't experience such an event as we scramble to write cards, wrap gifts, host parties, prepare food, and create our own memories. Despite all the preparations we make for the “perfect” holiday season, many times the best part really does begin in the kitchen.

​Foods served at this festive time can become family favourites, creating wonderful traditions and warm memories to pass along to other generations. If you don’t have seasonal food traditions at your house, it’s never too late to start some. And a gift from the kitchen comes from the heart and is always in good taste!

Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) were asked to share some of their favourite family recipes. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy, year after year. Much of the fun is sharing “family time” in the kitchen, so grab a partner and cook up some culinary memories this holiday season. 

Did you know that Celery is a major allergen within Europe and the UK? It is actually listed as one of the top 14 allergens and must be included on food packaging whenever used, in any level in pre packaged foods.

It might come as a surprise but celery is also a known allergen that can cause anaphylactic shock comparable to peanuts and is as common an allergy in Eastern Europe and the UK as peanut allergies are in North America.

​Food Literacy matters because “everyday food practices matter”. These were the words of Dr. Gwen Chapman, an opening speaker at the 2018 Nutrition Resource Centre Forum: Unpacking Food Literacy. The forum was held on November 15 at the Chestnut Convention Centre in Toronto. 

​‘For 10 Days Agriculture Comes to the City.’  What an appropriate annual tag-line used by The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF).

Since 1922, Agriculture has brought international attention to Toronto in November, as farmers, producers, commodity groups, and homesteaders arrive, to exhibit their very best agricultural products and livestock.

Competition is steep, but food education is a primary focus at RAWF. Many features meld seamlessly into Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.

This year, Royal planners invited Professional Home Economists, Registered Dietitians, Food Educators, Researchers, Farmers, Authors and Consumers to discuss food perspectives on Nov. 7th.  The invigorating event was promoted as The Royal Food & Nutrition Forum and held on-site. ​

By: Getty Stewart, P.H.Ec. 
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Article originally posted HERE on gettystewart.com. 

While the holidays may be a thought of the past, the importance of food safety is never over. Getty Stewart, a Professional Home Economist (P.H.Ec.) has fantastic advice about storing holiday leftovers. Read below! 

By: Brittaney Berendsen, RD., P.H.Ec. 

Are you spreading dangerous bacteria around the kitchen and don’t know it? A study conducted in May 2018 by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) evaluated consumer food handling behaviours in a test kitchen. The study was conducted in six test kitchen facilities and cameras recorded participants’ actions and meal preparation from beginning to end. Before preparing the meal, a randomized treatment group watched a three minute USDA food safety video emphasizing the important of following proper food safety techniques and using a food thermometer. ​

OHEA is thrilled to congratulate OHEA member Erin MacGregor and her business partner, Dara Gurau, as they have been placed on the shortlist for Taste Canada Awards. In its 21st year, Taste Canada Awards has announced a shortlist of cookbooks and food blogs competing for a culinary writing award. 91 cookbooks and 50 food blogs are entered in the competition!