Grilling. BBQ. A Cookout. No matter what you call it in your neck of the woods, it's one of America's greatest pastimes in summer. There are few things more fun than gathering your friends and family around to experience the simple magic of flames to food. However, it's the cooking element that can worry most people. After all, nobody wants to send their guests home with a parting gift of food poisoning. Relax — ApartmentGuide.com is here to show you all the basics you need to know so your awed guests will be referring to you as "Grillmaster."
Tip #1: Get Prepared
Before you go firing up your charcoal, it's important to get a few prep items out of the way so you're totally prepared to wear the Grill King or Queen crown.
- Double check your lease. Some apartment communities don't allow for certain types of grills. Take a quick look to ensure you're not breaking any rules.
- Clean the grill. Use some elbow grease and hot, soapy water to scrub the grill clean.
- Have the utensils. Tongs, a metal spatula and oven or grill gloves are a necessity.
- Think fire safety. Get a spray bottle for flare-ups and a fire extinguisher for "just in case."
- A grill-proof meat thermometer. See Tip #2.
- A clean plate. This will be for your cooked food. You never want to use the same plate you had raw food on, otherwise you could risk cross-contamination.
Tip #2: Know Your Temperatures
Just take a look at that chicken… the grill marks are there, it looks juicy and ready to dive in. However, just because it looks done, doesn't mean it's reached the correct temperature to put it into the "safety zone." Having a meat thermometer is crucial for a BBQ to ensure you're not putting you or your guests at risk. Take a look at this meat temperature chart for the low-down on how to cook your meats perfectly.
Tip #3: Take Tips from the Experts
Everyone has their ultimate burger recipe, or that BBQ sauce that just can't be beaten. However, knowing a few tips can ensure that your food turns out juicy and flavorful. Check out these videos for how to put together the perfect burger, how to grill chicken and how to grill corn for more.
Tip #4: Assemble the Party
Now that you're on your way to being a master griller, you'll need to throw together the right elements to compliment your new-found skills. Think toppings, side dishes and ensuring you have something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan guests. To keep costs low, try doing a potluck party where everyone brings a side dish to share. Additionally, you can always ask guests to bring a bottle of something to share while you provide soft drinks.
By following these basic tips, you'll see that getting your grill on is a relatively easy way to gather your friends and family around. What are some of your favorite items for grilling? Do you have any essential side dish tips?
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