HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise:

I’ve found that marinating meat gives us numerous flavor options. Should I marinate foods on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator? Shelby W., via email

Food should always marinate in the refrigerator. Even if a recipe calls for marinating food on the counter, ignore those instructions because chances are you’re reading an older recipe. Bacteria grow more quickly at room temperature, so plan on marinating the food for a longer time in the fridge. Do not refrigerate overnight because the shelf life starts dwindling as soon as it is defrosted. Heloise