aaggh - Crockpot turned off !!!

[thedomesticdiva]

I turned off my crockpot while I was making chicken stock.: It had been on for a couple of hours and it was turned off for at least three hours. My house was 60 degrees today because I had the door open.

My question is - Is there any definitive way to know whether it will make me sick?

I remember somebody mentioning that bad bacteria multiply when you are cooling a broth...

Right now I turned it back on, but I think I need to throw it out -

WHAT would you do?

Thanks for any input.

[artemis33]

Well, I don't know about 'definitive' lol

But I have done that exact thing, and ended up leaving it for quite a bit longer. I decided to reheat the whole batch and let it boil for a while, then recool and use. It was fine.

[tempestjewel]

Originally Posted by artemis33

But I have done that exact thing, and ended up leaving it for quite a bit longer. I decided to reheat the whole batch and let it boil for a while, then recool and use. It was fine.

I'd boil it and then let is simmer for several more hours and use it. Seems like not much in terms of bad bacteria (if anything) could survive that.

[Red's DD]

Well I have spent years in restaurants and I can tell you they let stock cool on the counters for hours, so that it doesn't heat the coolers. They say it takes 4 hours for bacteria to start to form.

I say your fine, heat back up and enjoy...I sure would!

[thedomesticdiva]

Thanks you Guys!!!
Soup anyone??

[guestmama9904]

i would not use it. chicken broth is a great medium for bacteria. my father was a chef for 20 years professionally and has told me to never let chicken broth sit out.

[tabitha]

i often leave meat- containing large batches out overnight, because in the summer when i am canning i often have to. nothing that could hurt you is going to 1) grow in that amount of time or 2) hurt you after boiling in an open pot for 10 minutes.

[ASusan]

I do this all the time when I'm making broth. We also let meet sit out. DH is from a culture where they let meat dishes sit out. They are heated once a day, and always before you eat it.

[attached2mason]

I let my stock sit out to cool for a few hours every time. I figure by the time I put it in the fridge to cool, take off the fat, freeze it, and then reboil it for 3 hours in soup not much could be left living .

[guestmama9904]

most meat sitting out is ok but chicken stock is specifically a perfect bacteria growth medium. i just wouldnt subject my family to chicken broth that sat out for more than an hour. this is from working in food service industry and having a chef dad and a traditional foods cookin grandma.