Released October 29, 2009
FARGO, N.D. -- Besides working, many people engage in “desktop dining.” Safety rules come into play. Germs can find their way from surface to surface readily as you shake someone’s hand or grab a doorknob. If you snack on some crackers without washing your hands, you may be getting some extra “treats.”
According to University of Arizona microbiologist Chuck Gerba, a desktop may be 400 times dirtier than a toilet. For convenience, consider using disinfecting wipes to clean your work area. Don’t forget to wipe your phone, computer mouse and keyboard.
Wash your hands before you eat at your desk. If hand washing is not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Here’s a tasty, nutritious and nonperishable snack courtesy of the Kansas State University Extension Service.
Wheat Banana Bread
1/3 c. margarine, melted
3/4 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3 bananas, mashed
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. whole-wheat flour
1/3 c. boiling water
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, beat the margarine, sugar, eggs and banana until smooth. Sift (or mix) together the all-purpose flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the whole-wheat flour and blend. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the boiling water to the banana mixture. Pour into a well-greased loaf pan. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Makes one loaf of about 16 slices. A serving has 150 calories, 4.5 grams (g) of fat, 26 g of carbohydrate and 2 g of fiber.
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http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/prairie-fare/prairie-fare-stay-healthy-at-your-desk
Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.edu
