Is there anything better than a Fourth of July #cookout? If you’re having family and friends over for some warm-weather fun, remember to grill safely, says Nationwide Insurance. Place your grill on a level surface, a safe distance away from any structures and overhanging branches. If using propane, wait five minutes to relight the grill if it goes out; with charcoal, go easy on the starter fluid. Wear clothing that won’t get caught in the grill and catch fire, and keep kids away. Finally, keep baking soda or a bucket of sand handy in case of a grease fire. ClothingDonations.org and the Vietnam Veterans of America wish you a safe, healthy and happy Independence Day!
Tag: grill
Grill Like a Pro for Memorial Day
Everyone loves a cookout, but not everyone knows their way around a grill. For the best results, follow a few simple pro tips. If using charcoal, skip the lighter fluid and instead start your coals using a chimney, Country Living says. Keep the grill lid down whenever possible to seal in heat and moisture, and create zones of high and medium heat on the grill surface. Try a dry rub or marinade on meats, and start with a clean, greased grate. And finally, don’t poke meat constantly to check for doneness; either invest in a digital thermometer or take the meat off the heat early — you can always put it back on if it’s still too rare.
Grill Vegetables the Right Way
Vegetables can be difficult to get right on the grill. But if done correctly, they will bring healthy and delicious dishes to your cookout. According to Cook’s Illustrated, asparagus should be grilled five to seven minutes with a single turn. Corn can be grilled for eight to 10 minutes with one layer of husk on, and eggplant and zucchini take about the same time when sliced into rounds or planks. Portobello mushrooms should be brushed with oil and grilled eight to ten minutes; skewered onions, 10 to 12 minutes. Pretreat your grates by brushing them with olive oil for the best results, and enjoy!
Good Grilling Requires Timing
Good grilling requires timing and patience. Once the coals are ready, it’s time to grill, Country Living says, so have condiments, plates, drinks and other necessities ready to go before you begin. Close the lid to make meats tender while cooking them thoroughly, and resist the urge to constantly turn, poke or prod items as they sear. Always keep raw meats and vegetables separate, and impart flavor by using glazes and hardwoods. Finally, use a thermometer to check temperatures and remove foods from the grill just shy of done; they will continue to cook while being plated and served.
Clean the Grill Before Your Next Cookout
With the Fourth of July safely over, you’ll want to clean that dirty grill to keep your food from sticking and picking up unwanted flavors. Start with a grill that’s still warm, Kitchn advises, then disconnect the gas line and scrub the grates, barriers and flame shields with a wire brush and warm soapy water. If you have a charcoal grill, brush the debris from the interior and use a wadded-up piece of aluminum foil to scrub the grates. Finally, heat the grill for at least 10 minutes ahead of your next cookout, and enjoy!