Here in Texas we have a certain way of doing things, and we like to follow tradition. However, washing your turkey is one thing Texans can skip doing.

According to the CDC, you should never wash or rinse raw turkey. If you've been doing it for years, don't feel embarrassed because there's a lot of people who've been blissfully unaware of the risks that come with washing raw poultry.

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You're Not Alone

In fact, a 2020 survey discovered that 78% of participants reported washing or rinsing turkey before cooking. Habits can be extremely hard to break, but this year don't worry about what your elders may think about you breaking tradition. It's better to be safe than sorry right?

But Why?

You may believe that you're washing away bacteria and germs, but in reality you're most likely spreading salmonella and poultry juices around your kitchen. One little splash and thousands of bacteria have now spread.

Best Practices

Here are the safest ways to handle your turkey according to the CDC:

  • Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling turkey.
  • Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey.
  • Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
  • Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing turkey and before you prepare the next item.

Spread the word and not germs!

Top 20 Restaurants Central Texans Wish Would Come to Temple

A while back, I asked the good people of Temple if they could picture a good restaurant to fill the lot on North General Bruce Drive where the soon to be torn down Long John Silver's stood.

This was before it was announced that a Dutch Bros. Coffee location would open there (which was one of the places I predicted as a contender in our article).

So now Dutch Bros. is open in that spot, but the responses to my survey were interesting because they paint a picture of just how diverse Temple's population is. People recommended some familiar restaurants with locations in the surrounding area, but also a few I'd never even heard of.

Here are the top 20 results of the survey. Let's see what the good people of Temple are craving!

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Toys For Troops Returns to Make Christmas in Central Texas a Merry One

Operation Phantom Support and these fine sponsors are once again collecting toys to help Central Texas military and first responder families in need have a joyous holiday.

If you want to help make some Christmas magic happen, please donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift at one of these fine Central Texas drop-off locations.

Take A Tour of The Wedemeyer House in Belton

This is just one of many historical homes that you can find nestled in Belton, Texas. Feed your curiosity by exploring just what the inside REALLY looks like.

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