Turkey Tips

If preparing a frozen turkey, it is best to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator two to three days before cooking. Place the turkey in the refrigerator below ready-to-eat food or at the bottom to avoid having the juice drip on other foods. Just thinking about having raw turkey juice drip onto your pizza should help us remember.

If a turkey is purchased the day before being cooked, it can be thawed out by placing the turkey under cold, running water for about an hour.

Turkeys can be frozen at a temperature of zero degrees and kept in a freezer for six months to a year. If there is a frost build up on the package, or freezer burn, the quality of the food will be altered. Make sure the turkey is properly wrapped or in a freezer safe bag. Food with freezer burn is likely to be dried out and have a disagreeable taste.

Thanks to the Extension Office for this info!

picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridamemory/3250932633/sizes/m/


Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

LATE HARVEST AND CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE

Iowa and other Corn Belt states are experiencing one of the latest and slowest harvest seasons on record. Producers are contacting William Edwards, Iowa State University Extension economist, wondering if their crop insurance coverage will be still be in effect if harvesting drags into December.

Edwards says the standard policy for corn and soybeans in the Midwest lists Dec. 10 as the end of the insurance period. However, producers may request their insurance company allow them additional time to complete harvesting.

“This can be granted when timely notice is given to the agent and the delay is due to an insured cause, such as wet weather or snowfall,” said Edwards. “This will allow any claims to be settled based on actual harvested production rather than an appraisal in the field.”

If insured acres are not harvested by early December, Edwards recommends producers contact their crop insurance agents and request additional harvest time beyond December 10. Producers are required to make an honest effort to harvest the crop during the extended period if conditions allow, or to document why they were unable to do so with a written record and even photos.

The Risk Management Agency, which regulates multiple peril crop insurance policies, recently issued a program announcement about wet harvest conditions. The full text is at http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/2009/11/wetharvest.html.

“The standard crop insurance policies cover quality losses due to low test weight, foreign material and mold, as well as low yields and prices,” said Edwards. “However, increased drying costs and charges are not covered.”

picture provided byhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/field_museum_library/3948760554/sizes/s/

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Annual Chamber Dinner a Success

A good time mingling, lots of people, awards given, Bill Krause spoke well and plenty of food— we think the Chamber Dinner was a big success. The fundraiser was a success and your donations were greatly appreciated.

Congratulations go to Jan & Barry Johnson, Bev Peter & Jim Davies the 2009 Merit Award Winners. Marlys Pralle, United Bank & Trust won the Ambassador of the Year and Deanne Winkowitsch for Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Thanks again to Kum & Go the 2009 Distinguished Service Award Winner.

The high bid items at the silent auction were a tie between Fareway's Sunkist Electric Go-cart and KLMJ's Last Chance $ Night Sponsorship. Thank you both!

The highlight of the evening was Kum & Go's and Hampton's own Bill Krause's speech and acceptance of the 50 year anniversary of business and Chamber membership. They go hand in hand. He also accepted the Distinguished Service Award.

Thanks also to the 2009 HACC Board and Franklin County Tourism Board, they truly did a wonderful job and have a great 2010 year planned.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Jackie Dohlman, Master Gardener

Image by **Mary** via Flickr

When should I plant an amaryllis bulb in order to have it in bloom at Christmas?

An amaryllis bulb usually blooms about 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Plant the amaryllis bulb in early to mid-November for spectacular blooms at Christmas. To increase your odds of having an amaryllis in bloom at Christmas, pot up one amaryllis bulb in early November and a second one several days later.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114