Food Hot Lines

Many food companies have opened their hot lines, offering help with holiday cooking and baking. If you're stumped on the best way to thaw, prepare or cook a turkey, have a baking-related question or are concerned about food safety, give the folks below a call. Many also offer recipes, free brochures and help on-line.

Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, 1-800-323-4848: Home economists and nutritionists answer questions and offer assistance on turkey cooking from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. CST weekdays through Dec. 23. Online.

HoneySuckle White, 1-800-810-6325: Automated assistance to questions about turkey. Anytime through Dec. 31. Online.

Reynolds Wrap Turkey Tips Line, 1-800-745-4000: Recorded message on defrosting turkey as well as several ways to roast turkey. Anytime through Dec. 31. Online.

Fleischmann's Yeast Baker's Help Line, 1-800-777-4959: Staffed by home economists and professional bakers from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. CST Monday-Saturday except holidays. Online.

Land O' Lakes Holiday Bakeline, 1-800-782-9606: Home economists answer questions from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. CST daily through Dec. 24. Online.

Rhodes Frozen Dough Bake Line, 1-800-876-7333: Questions on working with any type of frozen dough are answered from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. CST weekdays. Online.

Shady Brook Farms Dial-A-Chef Holiday Hotline, 1-888-723-4468: Prerecorded tips for holiday feasts and entertaining from selected chefs across the country as well as wine pairings. Call anytime.

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-800-535-4555: Provides information on food safety concerns 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CST weekdays.