Want to keep your cookout stress-free? Prep everything before guests arrive, says the Travel Mamas blog. Marinate your meats and get sides ready to plate well ahead of time — or ask your guests to bring a covered dish to pass. Make sure you have sufficient propane or charcoal for your meal plan, and keep noshes separate from the cooking area to preserve the grill master’s creative space. Invite guests to help themselves to drinks, and consider offering entertainments such as bags or horseshoes. Finally, “Have fun,” the blog says. “When the host is relaxed and having fun, so will your guests.”
Tag: cookout
Basic Tips for Charcoal Grilling
Nothing beats a charcoal grill for real cookout flavor, but neophytes may be unsure how to achieve pro-quality results. First, says Spruce Eats, measure the fuel — more briquettes mean higher temperatures, so adjust the amount based upon the foodstuffs you’ll be grilling. A chimney starter is the best option for getting coals lit; once they’re glowing, you can arrange them into a uniform bed or “zones” to allow a dual-temperature cooktop. Oil and preheat the grill’s grate, then put those steaks, brats and vegetables on, further controlling cooking heat by adjusting the vents.
Get Ready for Your Summer Cookout
It’s prime grilling season, and whether you prefer gas or charcoal, some grilling tips are universal. First, plan your cookout, says The Grilling Life: Is it a fast weeknight meal or a big summer party? Check the equipment, get out the proper tools, and if you’re a meat-eater, get to know your butcher. Light the grill and allow it to get to the proper temperatures for the items on your meal plan — high for steaks, medium for chicken and vegetables, and slow and low for large cuts or ribs. Stay focused so that you don’t accidentally overcook everything. And when in doubt, “YouTube it,” the blog says.
Practice Safe Grilling for the Fourth of July
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!
Take Advantage of Extra Daylight for Summer Fun
More hours of daylight mean more hours for summer fun. Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise, then get out and enjoy the sun by taking a long hike in the wilderness, Ecological Calendar suggests. Invite friends and family to enjoy the twilight hours at a cookout after work, or take the day off to go swimming or boating. Cool off with an ice cream cone or tall class of lemonade. Starting Saturday, the days will slowly get shorter and shorter until there’s as little as nine hours of daylight in the lower 48 states, so the #solstice invites you to make the most of summer while you can.