10 TIPS FOR A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL GRILLING

Marinate In The Refrigerator

Always marinate meats in the refrigerator. Marinating times are usually too long to keep meats in the "safe" temperature zones. If your recipe calls for room temperature meat, which most do, let it warm after marinating in the refrigerator.

Avoid Flare-ups

One way to help avoid flare-ups on the grill is to trim as much visible fat from the meat as possible. Don't trim all the fats away though, remember, fat is flavor.

EDITOR'S TIP:

Because the moisture the skewers soak up steams out during cooking try seasoning your water with herbs, spices or citrus fruit. This will add another layer of flavor to your foods

Be Safe With Time

Remember to eat perishable foods within 2 hour, 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, to help keep your guest safe from food borne illnesses.

Soak Bamboo Skewers

Make sure you soak bamboo skewers, a minimum of 20 minutes, before using them. Soaking will help to keep the skewers from burning while the skewered food cooks.

Use Clean Plates

Always use a clean plate when removing food from the grill. Don't reuse the same plate used to take the food out to the grill. Cross contamination is a major cause of food borne illnesses.

Effects Of Heat And Cold

Heat, humidity and cold temperatures can have an adverse reaction to your grill. Check your owners manual for any tips, specific to your grill that may help you when cooking in varied weather conditions.

Plan Ahead For Supplies

When planning your grilling supplies remember that grilling in cold weather requires more charcoal and longer times to pre-heat the grill and grill your foods.

Cold Means More Gas

Gas grills require more fuel when the weather turns cold than they do in the warmer months. Gas grills need longer times to warm up and normally higher settings to cook in the food.

Shield From The Wind

During windy grilling sessions try to shield your grill from the wind. This will help you control the temperatures and keep your food hot.

Cleaning Your Grill

A crumbled up piece of foil makes an excellent make-shift grill cleaning brush. Just rub the foil over the grill, using tongs, and you can remove the excess gunk.

Grilling isn't an exact science, there are many variables that can affect what you're cooking on and food you are cooking. Understanding how these variables work and how to overcome them is an important part of becoming the best grillmaster you can be.