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Another great Summer approaches us. If you live in Chicago, that means keep the jacket nearby until June. Let’s all make a pact to have our grills performing like a world-class symphony by May’s end. There are quite a few grilling essentials that we recommend when hitting the grill front this Summer. We’ll brief you on our top 10, then call you in the middle of the night to check your status.
• Tame the fire on the BBQ this summer. If your flames get a little overwhelming, tame them down with some vinegar. Grab a clean spray bottle from the dollar store, fill with apple cider vinegar & spray away.
• Keep you grill grates clean. Usually food sticks to matter left behind from the previous grilling rendezvous. Be a good lad and wire brush that grate clean after you finish cooking. It saves time.
• Grab a towel, roll it up & dip. Use said towel by dipping in oil. Prior to laying the first foods to be grilled on the hot grates, wipe them down with this towel. After you burn the hairs on your hands, you’ll learn to use some tongs next time.
• Invest in some spring-loaded stainless steel tongs. 12″ or larger. Yes! Size does matter in this situation. That grill gets hot.
• Marinate your choice proteins & vegetables prior to grilling. Also, remove excess marinades before bringing that platter of marinated Love to your hot grill. Applying this simple step to your method of grilling operation will keep the flames to a minor.
• Preheat your grill. Whether you are using gas or charcoal, preheat the frikkin’ thing. Give the charcoals enough time to burn the accelerant off (if using.) Charcoal fluid tasting food is nasty. Have patience.
• Use 100% natural hardwood charcoal. Briquettes tend to leave your food tasting blah. Save the briquettes for a campfire. You may need to tend to the hardwood more than the briquettes, but the results are worth the labor.
• Have fun. Grilling food should be an experience. Plan a menu, prep & marinate ahead of time. Cook while your guests are snacking on prepared dips & libations. Make sure your food is well rested when it comes off the grill before you dive in with that slicing knife.
• Pair your drinks & libations with the meal. Too many of us weekend warriors forget to do this. The drinks should be planned with as much attention to detail as the meal. Stop serving domestic beers with international meals. If you are serving beef, try some reds from Argentina. For chicken, a buttery chardonnay and for fish try a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Go with bold tasting beers. Craft-brewers are specialists at pairing the flavors of great food with their beers. Ask for recommendations at your liquor establishment or seek assistance via the internet.
• Keep the secret seasonings, basting sauces & bbq mops near you. Cooking is not only an acquired skill, it is also a time game. Syncing your cooking temperatures with meal times is a special skill, do it right and you’ll be the king of the grill.
Plan on stocking up here for the Summer? Try coupon code ‘getsauced’ at checkout here for a 20% discount. Enjoy every Summer with your family & friends. Stay thankful for the gift of nourishment and invite your neighbors.
Happy eating,
Rattlesnake Blend Team
