Cooking Article

Summer evenings are so beautiful
you just need to move outside. Clean off the grill and prepare to enjoy these long leisurely evenings. Here are some tips to be sure your next barbeque is a success!

1. Heat the grill. If using charcoal
allow plenty of time for the coals to reach the proper temperature and be tinged with ash. Spread the coals out in an even layer. You can make a double or triple layer on one side of the grill and a single layer on the other for better heat control.

2. A flavorful aromatic smoke adds to the aroma and penetrates the food to add a distinctive flavor. You can use wood chips that have been soaked in water and apply directly on top of the coals. Or pick fresh herbs from your garden such as rosemary
marjoram
thyme
bay leafs or oregano and lay onto the coals. Do not use green wood
or any wood that has been treated for use as lumber.

3. Lightly oil the grill surface or spray with Pam. Or oil the food lightly. Careful
too much oil will cause flare-ups.

4. Pre-heat the grill with the lid closed for 10 or 15 minutes. On charcoal grills
the coals should be glowing red with white ash forming
this can take a little longer.

5. Choose a good piece of meat. Meat that is higher in fat marbling will produce a juicer BBQ product. Much of the fat will cook away during cooking anyway. Excess fat on the outside of the meat should be trimmed
this fat does not help the moisture content of the food and will cause flare-ups.

6. Brush the food with a water or vinegar based marinade and place the meat or vegetables on the grill. Be careful not to overcrowd the food. Ideally meat should be marinated for 1 hour or more before grilling.

7. Use pieces of meat less than 1 – 2 inches thick. Grill on a hot grill and keep the lid down except when brushing with marinade
checking for doneness
etc.

8. Cook on one side for half the cooking time
then brush the top with additional marinade and turn to cook the other side. Avoid turning more than needed
as this can prevent caramelization.

9. Keep a spritzer bottle handy to help deal with flare-ups. If flare-ups occur
move the food to prevent burning. Usually
moving the food is enough to control the flare; however
your can spritz with a fine mist of water if needed.

10. Barbeque sauces usually contain a lot of sugar and will burn if applied too soon. Apply sauce as the food is almost ready to remove and cook only long enough to just set the sauce- 10 minutes or less.

11. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Avoid pricking the meat unnecessarily as juices will drain away.

12. Enjoy!