25 Top Gas Grills Compared

Posted on November 15, 2007
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All too often consumers seeking a high end stainless steel gas grill are won over by a manufacturer’s reputation, the look of the grill or other factors such as recommendations from friends or family. Now, this is a fairly large investment, as appliances go, and consulting an expert in the field could help in making an informed decision. A reliable gas grill specialist can help you evaluate the various features found in these high end grills and quide you to the best choice for the features you prefer. The simplest way to compare the manufacturers objectively, of course, is with a chart! Our chart compares Fire Magic, Alfresco, Kenmore Elite, Viking, DCS, Dacor, Lynx, Vintage, Weber Summit Gold D, Wolf, Altima, Turbo, ProFire, Phoenix, Tec, Solaire Infrared, Vieluxe, Lazy Man, Jenn Air, Holland, FrontGate, Capitol, Crown Verity, Ducane and Dynasty.

Some of the features on the chart are:

*BTU Output: How many burners, and how many BTUs are standard? You’ll need to do some math to determine the actual heat your food will receive. Ideally, you want to have over 95 BTU’s per square inch of cooking surface. How will you know? Take your total BTU’s and divide it by the primary cooking surface. So…. if your cooking surface is 660 square inches and the total BTU’s are 104,000 then 104,000 BTU’s divided by 660 square inches = 157 BTU’s per square inch. That would be a winner!!!

*Temperature Range: This is a very important characteristic if you like to do a variety of cooking. You’ll be able to do everything from searing steaks to baking pizza with a large temperature range.

*Burner material can consist of cast stainless steel, stainless steel sheet metal, cast iron, infra-red and even cast brass, which is used in commercial settings. Dual burners allow for indirect cooking and better heat control. Cast brass or cast stainless burners are your best bet. They will last longer and are more durable. Grease tends to burn through sheet metal easily.

*Infra-Red Burners are an option for those who demand a well seared steak. Thinking of an infra-red cooking system? Temperatures on an infra-red cooking system can reach up to 1600 degrees on some grills. Infra-red cooking allows for quick, high temperatures, which cuts cooking time and helps seal in juices — perfect for searing a steak. If blackened food or steaks are your taste preference - infra-red cooking is the way to go. If you plan on conventional cooking — go with a hybrid that offers infra-red and standard burners. Tip - make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.

*Rotisserie backburners are a popular option. Used to cook large pieces of meat evenly, rotisseries use a lot less heat than normal grilling. BTU ranges generally range in the 13-15,000 category but the best grills offer 18-28,000 BTUs. Meats cooked using a rotisserie are generally juicier, self-basted and slow roasted. Tip - look for a model with a drip tray to make cleanup easier. Be sure to compare available rotisserie space, especially if you want to roast a turkey or two.

*A Triple Gourmet Grill allows you to use gas, infra-red AND charcoal cooking! How versatile can you get!!

*An adjustable smoker box is perfect for those who enjoy the added flavor of hickory, mesquite or other wood to your meats. It makes smoking easy. Adjustable vents allow you to control the amount of smoke flavor to provide just the right taste.

*Warranty is one of the most important features to consider. Only the best grills offer a warranty against a condition called burn through which affects the burners.

*Does the grill you are considering offer a countertop model? These types of gas grills can be dropped into an outdoor kitchen which can be customized with your choice of tile, stucco or other solid surfaces, doors, drawers and other accessories like refrigerators or sinks.

*Cooking Grids: Stainless steel cooking surfaces won’t rust or chip. Porcelain cooking surfaces tend to chip and could flake off into food. No N.S.F. (National Sanitation Federation) affiliates use porcelain cooking grids.

*Cooking Grid Size: How many people do you regularly feed? The size of your crowd will determine how big your grill should be. Tip - make sure you can convert infra-red burners back to standard for large parties.

*Inner Liner: This accessory radiates heat more evenly to grill, directs dripping to tray and separates the valve and manifold from combustion chamber. This will prolong the life of your burners and reduce the chances of a grease fire. The grill hood covers the cooking surface and assists in trapping the heated air inside. Look for a double insulated wall hood. If you’re buying a stainless steel model, with a double insulated wall hood, it won’t turn a brown or blue hue. It will keep it’s shine.

*Stainless Steel Flavor Grids: This heat distribution system should be stainless steel for long life and durability. Flavor grids reflect all the heat up toward the grilling surface and vaporizes drippings. You can add wood chips and other flavor enhancers to your flavor grids to add some zest to your choice of meat.

*Fuel Conversion: Will your grill easily convert from natural gas to propane if you want to move it from the back yard to the street for a block party?

*Side burners provide versatility giving you separate controls for each burner. Side burners offer you additional cooking options and come with single or double burners. You can fry up some french fries or treat the team to sweet corn. The BTUs range from 12-17,000, but be sure to look for cast brass or cast stainless burners.

More Great Options:

*A power/wok burner will give you even more cooking diversity. Saute onions or boil lobsters! Brown butter or deep fry a turkey! Having a party? A power burner can accommodate a 26″ wok! With a range of 3,000 - 60,000 Btu’s, the power burner is a definite advantage for any cook!

*A full sear plate or briquette tray (which can also be filled with lava rocks or wood chips) under the cooking surface protects burners and allows for drippings to smolder which gives foods more flavor. Look for a model that will quickly flash the drippings eliminating flare-ups.

*Adding a warming rack will keep food warm and away from direct heat and also give you extra cooking space.

*Add a griddle to your side burner and enjoy breakfast alfresco!

Armed with this information, you should be able to define your needs and choose a grill that will give you many years of great food and good times. Enjoy!

About the author:

Harold Wagner has over 15 years experience in the barbecue grill industry and regularly attends the annual HPBA shows to keep current with the latest developments. Gas Grills Now is a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA) and has been in business since 1981 with an internet presence since 1997. For more information call toll free 1-877-669-4669.

Written By: Harold Wagner

Make Grilling A Healthy Experience

Posted on November 6, 2007
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Without a doubt there is something very relaxing and pleasurable about cooking and eating grilled food. There are countless ways you can turn your grilling not only into a flavorful and enjoyable way to cook, but there are also many healthy and tasty alternatives. Like anything else in life, what you put on your grill is a choice. Grilling healthy first means that you have decided to eat healthy. Cooking on a grill can be a great way to reduce fats on while adding wonderful flavor however we must also be careful when grilling as there can be certain risks if precautions are not taken. Eating healthy always begins with choosing healthy foods that are low in fat and using marinates to reduce unhealthy caseinogens.

We know that charcoal grilling can produce carcinogenic smoke from the high temperature cooking of foods containing fat and protein. This can produce unhealthy chemical changes in the outer layers of flesh foods. To avoid these dangerous chemical formations we must avoid inhaling the smoke and avoid the black char on the outside of charcoal cooked food caused by high heat and/or overcooking. It is also advised that any lighter fluid or self-lighting packages be avoided as they can also add toxic chemicals directly into your food. Instead, use a starter chimney and newspaper to get your charcoal lit. While this method may initially take a few more minutes, in the long run it’s faster and healthier. The use of marinades can also help greatly lower caseinogens in food. By using a marinade your food will not only take on extra flavor but even a simple marinade consisting of olive oil and a citrus juice can reduce the harmful chemicals by as much as 99%. A marinade will also assist in tenderizing and enhancing your food’s natural flavors.

There has been a lot of talk about grilling and the risk of cancer. While the risk is real and this should be kept in mind, there are some simple things you can do to greatly reduce the risk of cancer caused by grilling. The harmful chemicals that can form are created by putting food, primarily meats, under intense heat and flame. These are cancer forming agents however by taking a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce and even eliminate the risks. Grilling isn’t the only cooking method that causes these agents so there is no reason to give up on your grill. If done right, grilling is one of the healthiest methods of cooking. To reduce the risks follow these basic tips: * Trim excess fats from all foods. The fats are the main contributors to harmful chemicals so avoid fatty foods as much as possible. * Using marinades based on olive oils and citrus juices with greatly help reduce the risks. * Maintain a clean grill. This will also help reduce harmful cancer forming chemicals. * Avoid letting your grill flare-up. Extreme heat and flame will also increase risk. * Do not overcook foods. If you do accidentally char your food simply scrape or cut that portion off.

The marinade recipe below is simple, versatile, and tasty and will significantly reduce harmful cancer forming agents. The marinade will work perfectly with poultry, pork, vegetables and seafood and should be combined with your food of choice at least 1 hour prior to grilling.

Simple Marinade C olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and freshly ground pepper

Grilling can be a great way to prepare low-fat meals and only takes a little imagination to create healthy foods. Try starting with foods you already enjoy and find ways to make them healthier choices. Trimming fat, substituting skinless chicken, using healthy marinades are a few things you can do to start forming healthy habits.

Grilled Fennel Salad with Nicoise Olives

Ingredients: 2 orange peppers 3 fennel bulbs with tops 2 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 18 small nicoise olives 2 sprigs of savory Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions: Roast the peppers using your gas grill flame or the method of your choice. Place them in a bowl and cover the bowl in plastic wrap. Remove the green fronds (top flowery pieces) and set aside for later. Slice the fennel lengthways into roughly five coarsely cut pieces. Place the fennel pieces flat in a dish and coast with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season the fennel to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove the char from the peppers and dice the peppers into small-diced pieces.

Place your grill on medium heat and place the fennel slices and turn frequently for 7-10 minutes. Grill until the fennel is showing grill marks. Be sure to cook them until they are the desired texture but do not char too much. Transfer to side dish.

Combine the vinegar and remaining olive oil and pour evenly over fennel. Lightly combine the pepper mixture with the fennel while adding the olives. Tear the savory and fennel fronds and sprinkle over the fennel.

Grilled Fennel Salad is fantastic as a side or main course. As a side consider serving it with a simply grilled chicken or seafood. Just remember that what you put in your stomach or on your grill is your choice.

About the author:

Scott Schirkofsky is the chef and owner of At Home Gourmet. You can find more recipes, cooking tips along with food and beverage articles on his highly recommended website: http://www.athomegourmet.com. Scott is also the owner of http://www.americasfavoritefood.com, http://www.grilledtoperfection.com and http://www.thetravelassistant.com.

Written By: Scott Schirkofsky

Getting Your Grill Ready for the Barbecue Season

Posted on October 28, 2007
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When the fall ended, and winter was just around the corner, you probably did like most of us and threw a cover over the old grill, rolled it into the back of the garage or a shed (and some of us even left them standing outside on the patio), and tucked it away for the season. With the grilling and barbecuing season just around the corner again, your thoughts are probably returning to that old grill. But before you fire it up, you will want to do a little spring cleaning to get it ready for the season ahead.

Here are a few simple things to do to ensure that your grill operates all season safely and without issue.

Clean the Grids, Grate and Briquettes

First, inspect the lava grate (upon which the briquettes rest) to see if it is broken or about to break, which is fairly common considering the extreme changes of heat it endures. If you see that it is broken, replace the grate.

Next, check the cooking grid (or grill) and warming rack. Thoroughly clean them with a wire brush or scraper to remove any built-up food residue, using a mild detergent solution or a commercial degreaser. If the grid is broken or severely chipped and gouged, replace it with a universal replacement available at most hardware stores, or if you are finding it difficult to locate, order one from the company that made your unit.

Now about briquettes. First, if you noticed you were getting a lot of flare-ups or uneven heat distribution last season, you should discard the old briquettes and get new ones. If you don’t have to replace your briquettes you will still need to clean them. If you have ceramic briquettes, the easiest way to remove old grunge and buildup is to put them in the sink and cover them with vinegar. Let the briquettes stand for 10 - 20 minutes. Drain off the vinegar and rinse thoroughly with boiling water. Let dry thoroughly before using.

If you have the porous lava rock you might want to check with your local dealer about a commercial cleaning solution; however, if they are more than two seasons old, you should replace them.

Check the Grill Ignitor

If when you give it a test the igniter does not seem to be functioning, check to make sure the electrode is one-eighth of an inch away from the burner. This is the correct distance required for spark generation. Examine the ignitor closely to ensure that no food residue has built up on the electrode. Additionally, check to see that the electrode is not cracked. Check the surrounding area of the igniter to be sure that it is not shorting out or sparking at the grill frame or the casting bottom. If none of these problems exist and it still does not spark, it is time to get a new igniter which is easily available at your local hardware store or directly from the vendor.

Clean and Inspect the Grill Burner

CAUTION: Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the instructions on how to remove the burner. Also, before removing the burner, take particular note of the position of the Venturi tube(s) at the gas control valve. Do not try to remove the Venturi tube(s) from the burner base itself as it is extremely easy to damage the sealing gasket and break the seal.

Following your grill manufacturer’s instructions, remove the burner. Use a stiff brush to remove any built up residue from the burner. Inspect closely for holes or cracks which occur most commonly at the burner seams. Un-clog the burner ports, which are the little holes along the edge of the burner using a toothpick or a piece of copper wire. You may also use a small nail, but be careful you can easily pierce or damage the ports. If you encounter any kind of damage, do not attempt to re-use the burner. It is simply not worth the plastic surgery to save a few dollars on a burner.

After sitting over the winter, the Venturi tubes may contain dirt, spider webs, water or other debris. These tubes may be cleaned by using bent pipe cleaners, a very small bottle brush, or a special Venturi brush which can be purchased from your local barbecue dealer.

Clean the Grill Housing

Now, while everything is out of the housing it is a good time to clean it as well. Using a commercial grease remover, wear rubber gloves and eye protection and use a stiff, steel brush and a scraper to remove any soot and grease residue build-up from the inside housing of your cooker. Before actually cleaning be sure to cover valve holes and connection parts with aluminum foil to protect them from damage and blockage.

After you have brushed and scraped the grill interior, wipe away any remaining grime and dry with paper towels.

Now is also a good time to check and ensure that all the nuts and bolts and other connections on the grill are solid and tight. This will help to ensure the grills stability and steadiness.

You Are Now Ready To Put It Back Together Again.

Reinstall the burner(s), igniter, rock grate, lava rocks or ceramic briquettes, and the cooking grids. Be absolutely sure to replace the burners exactly as they were before you removed them. When replacing the burner, remembering the Venturi tube(s) position from earlier, place the ends of the Venturi tubes over the gas valves so they engage in a straight line. Make sure that the valve orifices are one-quarter inch inside the Venturi tubes.

Inspect the Hose Assembly

Before starting, remember these rules to ensure your safety:

- DO NOT SMOKE or permit any flame or other source of ignition in the area while conducting the leak test.

- DO NOT use matches, lighters, or flames of any kind to check for leaks.

- DO NOT use the grill until all leaks are repaired and double checked!

- DO conduct the test outdoors in a well ventilated area.

- If you are unable to stop a leak, shut off the gas supply and call a qualified Gas Appliance professional immediately.

Inspect the hose closely for cracks, nicks or cuts. If you find any, do NOT attempt to repair them with electrical tape or any other kind of sealer. The gas is under pressure and any defect weakens the hose which can easily result in a fire or explosion. If any defects are found, replace the hose before attempting to use your grill.

The Soap Test

If no damage is readily visible it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. To really verify that there are no pinhole leaks, perform the soap test by mixing a 50/50 solution of water and dishwashing soap in a bowl. Make sure that all the control knobs are in the ‘Off’ position, and rub the soap solution over all hose connections. Then, turn the gas on at the tank (or the gas valve for natural gas units) and check each connection to see if there are any bubbles gurgling up. If there are, the connection is leaking gas.

If you detect a leak, wipe off the solution, remove the hose and reconnect it again, being sure the fittings are straight and connections well tightened. Be careful not to overtighten though as you could strip the connection. Once you are satisfied that all connections are tight, perform the soap test again. If the leak persists, replace the hose assembly prior to using your grill.

Check the Tank

It is also important to check your propane tank, if you have one, to ensure there are no holes, dents, rusted weak spots, cracks, or other damage. If any damage is detected, the tank should be replaced immediately. Also, most areas have a expiration date which governs the life of the tank. If the tank is past its expiration date, replace it immediately.

It is a bit of work, but preparing your grill for the barbecue season ahead is quite simple and fast do to. If you are doing this for the first time, do not rush. It may take you a couple of hours to complete the task, but it is worth it to have a safe grill that will provide you with years of great outdoor cooking.

About the author:

Joe Johnson is a founding partner with Caroline’s Rub - Fine Spice Creations, where he is in charge of product promotion and development, and where he serves as the executive chef.

Written By: Joe Johnson

Grilling Secrets for the Perfectly Grilled Steak

Posted on October 19, 2007
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There is nothing quite like a good, juicy steak cooked on a grill. But, many people don’t know grilling secrets such as the best cuts to use, what size they should be, how long to cook the steaks, and marinades to use.

Choosing the correct cut of meat is very important when grilling. Some of the best steaks for grilling are the premium cuts such as: Filet Mignon The filet mignon is a stylish cut taken from the heart of the beef tenderloin that has outstanding taste as well as texture.

Top Sirloin The top sirloin is a juicy cut taken from the center of the sirloin - the tenderest part - and a great cut for grilling.

T-Bone The t-bone is a succulent cut that is a favorite of steak fans. It is both a strip sirloin (with the bone) and a tender filet mignon.

New York Strip (sometimes known as Kansas City Strip) The New York strip is such an excellent cut for grilling, many grilling experts refer to it as the “ultimate” steak for cooking out.

Porterhouse The Porterhouse is a very large steak that is actually a combination of two steaks: the New York strip on one side and a tender filet on the other.

Rib Eye Another classic cut, the rib eye has marbling throughout the meat - making it one of the juiciest cuts as well as very tender.

Thickness of the steak is very important. Each cut should be between 1 inch and 1 1/2 inches thick. The strip steaks and top sirloin should be a little less expensive than the filet mignon, t-bone, porterhouse, and rib eye.

Many people like to marinate their steaks before cooking. You can purchase marinades in the grocery store (A1 brand offers several different types) or make your own. If you are not opposed to using alcohol, beer makes an excellent marinade. You can combine 1 12-ounce can of beer, 1/2 cup of chili sauce, 1/4 cup of salad oil, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 2 gloves of crushed garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Let that simmer for 30 minutes over a medium heat. Marinate your meat in the mixture overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and allow the meat to absorb the flavor. You can also brush your meat with the marinade as you cook. Another great homemade marinade includes 1 1/2 cup of steak sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/3 cup of Italian salad dressing, 1/3 cup of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Many people prefer to use a rub on their steaks rather than marinate them. A rub is a combination of spice and herbs that is rubbed on the meat about an hour before grilling. It adds a great flavor to the meat, but is quicker than marinade as it does not require the overnight soaking. An excellent recipe for a rub that will give your steaks a smoky flavor is 1 tablespoon of chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, cracked black pepper, white pepper, and kosher salt plus 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you use a rub, be sure to rub the mixture into the cut of meat, not just daub it across the top.

There are other options for cooking steaks other than marinades and rubs. Many times, filet mignons are served wrapped in bacon (held on by a skewer) or you can cut your steak and combine it on a skewer with vegetables like peppers, squash, and onion to make a shish kabob.

Coat your grill with non-stick kitchen spray before you begin to keep your steaks from sticking to the grill. Preheat your grill before placing your steaks on. Resist the temptation to put your steaks on before the grill is properly preheated. The proper temperature for grilling steaks should be around 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim any excess fat from the side of the cut to prevent flare-ups and curling when grilling.

You should only turn your steaks once on the grill to prevent drying them out. How long you will cook your steak depends on how well you want it cooked. You can use a grilling fork with a digital thermometer to see how well done your steak is. If you want your steak rare, the temperature should be no more than 150 degrees when done. If you want medium, the temperature should be no more than 160 degrees when done. Finally, if you want well done, you should have a temperature of at least 170 degrees.

After grilling your steak, allow it to set for five minutes before serving to let the juices settle. Serve with a baked potato, salad or other side dish and enjoy!Mike Sullivan is a grill master and meat lover. He is the author and owner of Buy-Steaks-Online.net . Read his most recent report on How To Marinate Steaks to put the most flavor into your next steak meal.

About the author:

Mike Sullivan is an author on the topics of grilling, preparing and cooking steaks, and choosing the right cuts of meat. Read his most recent report on How To Marinate Steaks to put the most flavor into your next steak meal.

Written By: Mike Sullivan

Barbeque Grilling has Reached a Whole New Dimension

Posted on October 10, 2007
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Grilling on the barbecue has never been more exciting. Not only do barbecues come in a myriad of designs and options, but also with the advent of popular cooking shows, cooking books and magazines, grilling has reached a whole new dimension.

Grilling is no longer just about steaks and burgers, barbecue grilling is full of adventurous and elegant recipes and menu plans. Some of the tantalizing grilling recipes have names like grilled mango blossom, grilled portobellos with avocado salsa and grilled beef tenderloin with Cabernet ?auvignon sauce.

Youll want to familiarize yourself with the barbecuing grilling basics before you start. The two most popular types of grilling are the indirect and direct grilling methods. The indirect method is a slow cooking process because less heat is used. One suggestion for indirect cooking is to use a disposable drip pan or foil placed underneath the food to be cooked, using tongs arrange the coals around the pan. The food is cooked by the hot air circulating around the food (similar to a convection oven) this process is great for cooking roasts. Its always a good idea to check with your owner manual for your specific barbeque.

The direct grilling method is achieved by arranging the coals (with long handled tongs) to spread evenly in a single layer, extending about one inch beyond the area of food. The food is then placed directly over fire. The direct grilling method is fast because of the intense heat and allows for quick browning on the outside of foods. Direct grilling works best for food requiring short cooking times, such as burgers and steaks. Its important to turn over food to allow cooking of both sides.

The three most popular ways of adding flavor to your selected grilling foods are with sauces, marinades and rubs. The sauce can be said to define a great barbecue, you can use a little sauce or a lot. A sample recipe for sauce is this maple barbecue sauce; combine equal amounts of maple syrup, ketchup and white wine add garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, ginger and chili powder with a bay leaf, bring ingredients to a boil then reduce and let simmer. A sauce should be brushed on in the last five to ten minutes of grilling as the sugar can cause the sauce to burn. There are a wide variety of barbecue sauces and recipes available.

Marinades are another way to change a mediocre meal into incredible. They are an excellent way to add flavor while tenderizing and promoting crisp brown exteriors.

The three basic ingredients in marinades are flavorings (herbs, spices and sweeteners), oils and acids (citrus juices, wines, vinegars and yogurts). A simple marinade recipe is the lemon rosemary marinade. Mix shredded lemon peel, lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, white wine, rosemary, salt and pepper and pour over your selected meat, tofu, or vegetables in either a plastic sealable bag or shallow dish and refrigerate for one to two hours, remembering to shake bag or flip in dish half way through marinating process.

Rubs are a wonderful bold blend of seasonings, which are just as the name implies rubbed directly into the food. The food is rubbed with spices prior to grilling, transforming the rub into a crunchy brown crust that seals in the juices and enhances the flavors. A very basic rub recipe is this herb rub; equal amounts of dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, with smaller amounts of salt and pepper combine all ingredients in a food processor until coarsely ground. Sprinkle mixture evenly over meat, then rub in with fingers. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to two hours, and then grill.

When outdoor grilling there are a few simple things to remember in order to avoid any contamination of food. Any marinated food should be kept in the refrigerator (not on the counter) to prevent giving bacteria a chance to grow. Set some marinade aside at the beginning, and never reuse any marinade that has been used on raw meat. Always keep vegetable and fruits separate from raw meat; utensils and plates should also be washed before using. Be sure to properly cook all meats.

Serve food immediately, so hot foods dont have too much time to cool and to start growing bacteria. Perishable foods should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours, and if the outdoor temperature is more than 85 degrees or hotter serve within an hour.

Grilling vegetables is an excellent way to bring out seasonal flavors. Vegetables and fruits such as; eggplant, bell peppers, summer squashes, sweet onions, roma or cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, mangoes, pineapple or peaches are all excellent choices for grilling. Cut vegetables into half inch slices or large chunks. Brush with some olive oil (may be seasoned with garlic or other selected herbs). Grill the vegetables until tender, turning only once. Fruit should be halved with pits removed, and grilled until tender (no oil is needed), with the pulp side down. Vegetable cooking sprays or small amounts of oil will prevent the vegetables from sticking (avoid spraying vegetable near lighted grill). Marinating the vegetable beforehand also makes the vegetables easier to handle and less likely to stick to your grill surface.

Grilling corn on the cob cooked in the cornhusks (without the corn silk) is a unique and tasty alternative to boiled corn. Peel back cornhusks and put butter and herbs around the corn. Fold over cornhusks and tie with kitchen string. Grill the corn for approximately thirty minutes, remembering to turn the corn about three times.

A simple and elegant meal might consist of a grilled pizza and some grilled fruit crisp for dessert. To grill a pizza use a store bought Italian bread shell cover with pesto, thinly sliced plum tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, kalamata olives and basil (drizzling olive oil over top). Use tin foil folded in half placing the pizza on top folding up the edges of tin foil up to the edges of the pizza. Using the indirect method of grilling, grill the pizza for about 10 minutes. For the grilled fruit crisp dessert, mix peaches, pineapple tidbits and brown sugar spooning into a metal baking foil pan. Then combine larger amounts of brown sugar, flour and butter with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkling over top of fruit mixture. Grill about fifty minutes (indirect grilling method) or until hot and bubbly, serve with ice cream if desired.

Outdoor grilling is a convenient and nice alternative to cooking indoors. The options of menus are limitless. Grilling is one of the easiest and most tantalizing low fat ways of cooking. Whether you stick to the time honored steak and burgers or go for something a bit more adventurous, grilling is always a tasty and enjoyable way to be outdoors with family and friends. Valerie Giles owns and operates Best BBQ Online, a resource web site featuring bbq grills, bbq smokers, weber gas grills, grill accessories, bbq recipes and marinades. Everything you need for the barbequing season. http://www.best-bbq-online.com Try some of our free Mouth Watering Rotisseries Recipes. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Written By: Valerie Giles

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