50+ Lifestyles

Get answers to holiday food, stain removal questions from ISU Extension’s Answer Line

By Liz Meimann and Laura Sternweis
Iowa State University Extension Scott County

What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey? Is it safe to make pies and vegetable dishes a couple days before the big family gathering? And what’s the best way to deal with the leftovers? To get answers to these and other holiday food questions, call Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Answer Line, 800-262-3804.

“We can answer your holiday meal preparation questions, as well as the stain removal questions resulting from those holiday meals,” said Answer Line Coordinator Liz Meimann.

Professional family and consumer scientists at the toll-free hotline can explain everything from how long to cook the turkey to how far ahead to make the pumpkin pie — or any other holiday dish, Meimann said.

Generally, the hotline answers calls Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. In addition, Iowans can get answers to frequently asked questions on the Answer Line website, www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers can search by keyword, browse the keyword index or select a topic area to find answers to their questions, Meimann said.

A Relay Iowa line (phone linkage for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals) is available at 711. The toll-free hotline is available in Minnesota at 800-854-1678. Questions also can be sent by e-mail to answer@iastate.edu.