Day 2 — Peter DeLucia’s Guide to Safe Holiday Cooking

Holiday meals are a seasonal highlight, but food safety is essential. Peter DeLucia stresses that using a reliable food thermometer (typically rated from 0°F–220°F) is the only accurate way to ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures. Never rely on color or smell alone.

Temperatures to remember:

• 165°F — Poultry, casseroles, and reheated leftovers

• 145°F — Whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and veal

This holiday season, add Peter’s tip: always insert thermometers into the thickest part of the meat and wait for a steady reading.