Fair enough. As it turns out, she decided to call her bank with an involved question right as dinner was ready, so we weren't sure if the timer that went off applied to the chicken. So, I suggested a meat thermometer to make sure. It wasn't close to 180 so we put it back in. When she finally got off of the phone she was really annoyed with us and said something like "i have no idea why you checked the temperature" as she wiped the thermometer with her hand and put it back in the drawer! So gross. Then, as I was going to bed, I had to battle two roaches. I hate this place! As for the chicken, I ate a very little bit around the edges of a piece, so I was confident it was well cooked. I'm nursing still and we're flying tomorrow, so that was as much chance as I was willing to take.

My parents still do it this way too. I tell them not to but they continue. At least they don't put the item in the sink... yuck! The meat is on the counter in its wrapping. No one has ever gotten sick (that I know of).

My mil thaws meat on the counter too. always has. no one has ever gotten sick. but man it still bugs me.

Has she done it this way for fifty years and has everyone survived?

As I type this, my mil is preparing to cchicken she froze wrapped only in foil and has thawed by putting it in the sink with no dish and no running water for hours. I know this is gross, but I am wondering whether it is gross enough that I need to find a reason not to eat it. Thanks for the help.