By Christina Shoup
Firing up the grill for the first time of the season is very exciting.Who doesn’t love cooking and eating outside? Here are a few tips to make that first cookout a breeze.
Clean your grill: The easiest and most effective way to clean the grill grate is with each new fire. When the coals are hot, put the grate on, let it warm up and scrub it with a long handled wire grill brush. You may think cleaning the grate after cooking would be easier, but you want to leave the blackness encasing the grate till the your next use; this helps prevent rust. As far as the inside goes, keep ashes dumped frequently and wipe out any big food pieces.
Recalibrate your meat thermometer: Many grill enthusiasts have a feel for when their meat is done, but if you use a thermometer, make sure it’s accurate. Test your thermometer in a pot of boiling water and a small bowl of ice water. The boiling water should read 212 degrees F and the ice water 32 degrees. You can adjust the bolt at the base of the thermometer if it’s off.
Let meat rest: Beef, pork and poultry should all rest after they’re grilled. Remove the meat from the grill and transfer to a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to rest. This helps retain the natural juices. Fish can be served right away.
Happy grilling season!
