The Grain Chain

Follow these simple steps to keep you safe and hygienic in the kitchen.

Wear a clean apron, tie back long hair and roll up your sleeves.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water, especially after using the toilet.
Cover any cuts or sores with a blue plaster.
Do not handle food if you have a bad cold or are sick.
Keep pets away from the kitchen area.
Do not lick your fingers or equipment during cooking.
When you're preparing food and cooking, always take care and take your time. Never run in the kitchen area.
Wash all raw food such as fruit and vegetables before using them.
Always check Best Before/Use By dates on any ingredients.
Use a clean spoon when tasting food, and always wash it after every time.
Make sure that saucepan and frying pan handles do not stick out over the edge of the hob.
Cut or chop food on a chopping board.
Keep a clean kitchen at all times – wipe down surfaces and chopping boards regularly, and use clean dish cloths and tea towels.
Clean away spills on the work surface or floor immediately.
Wear oven gloves when putting items into, or taking them out of, the oven.
Wrap food waste in newspaper and place in a bin.
Take care when using sharp knives.

A recipe is made up of the following:

Measure according to the recipe instructions, using either metric or imperial – not a combination of both. Use a set of scales, measuring jug or measuring spoons, as appropriate.
Measure out all the ingredients you'll need before starting to make the recipe.

Gather together all the equipment you'll need before starting to make the recipe.
If you need the oven, make sure that the shelves are set to the correct height and it is preheated to the right temperature.
You may need to prepare cake tins or other equipment in advance – check the recipe.