Tag: cookout

Safety Tips Ahead of Your Memorial Day Barbecue

May 23, 2024MBEhleCookout, Grilling, Outdoors

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for millions of people across the country. Backyard barbecues are a staple of Memorial Day weekend, and such informal gatherings contribute much to the laid back vibe of this beloved three-day weekend.

Backyard barbecues may be all about food and fun, but it’s important that hosts take measures to ensure such soirees are safe as well. By employing the following measures, hosts can ensure their Memorial Day barbecues are safe for all in attendance.

Place the Grill In A Safe Location

The National Fire Protection Association urges hosts to place their grills a safe distance away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves or overhanging branches. The NFPA also notes no grill should be placed within 10 feet of any structure, including a home.

Check Propane Tanks For Leaks Prior To Using The Grill

Memorial Day may be the first time many people use their grill since the previous summer or fall. The NFPA recommends propane grill users check their tanks for leaks prior to using the grill for the first time. This inspection is simple. Apply a light solution of soap and water to the hose. The NFPA notes a propane leak will release bubbles. The smell test also can reveal a leak, as a strong odor of gas can indicate a leak. In such instances, close the tank valve and turn off the grill. If the leak stops, have the grill serviced by a professional. If the leak persists, call the fire department. The NFPA urges hosts who detect an odor of gas while cooking to get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not move the grill in such instances.

Man The Grill At All Times

An unattended grill poses a significant safety hazard. Whether you’re using a propane grill, a charcoal grill, a smoker, or a hybrid, make sure an adult is keeping an eye on the grill at all times.

Purchase Long-Handled Cooking Tools

The American Red Cross notes that long-handled cooking tools are designed to keep chefs safe. Such tools ensure cooks’ hands and arms do not have to be directly over flames, which can periodically flare up and pose a safety hazard.

Ensure Children Are Supervised When Swimming

The grill is not the only safety threat that may be present at Memorial Day barbecues. Hosts who will open their pools or provide inflatable pools for children should make sure kids are supervised when in or around the water at all times. Before allowing kids in a pool, hosts should confirm their swimming abilities and insist kids who cannot swim or only recently learned to swim wear inflatables or life jackets to reduce drowning risk.

Memorial Day weekend is a festive time at many households. By emphasizing backyard barbecue safety strategies, hosts can ensure everyone has a great time and gets home safe this Memorial Day weekend.

Bring Your A-Game With this Tailgating Recipe for the Grill

September 19, 2019MBEhleGrilling

Want to bring your A-game to tailgating season? For a winning strategy, you’re going to need the right grill and great recipes.

Choosing the Grill

Ninety-five percent of all tailgaters prepare their food at the stadium, according to a Tailgating Institute research study, which also found that 46 percent of respondents tailgate at least six to 10 times a season. That’s a lot of set-up and breakdown, so check out grill options built for tailgating.

“A lot of tailgating rookies and even some old-timers make the mistake of bringing a flimsy grill that can’t handle the load, or one that requires too much set-up,” says Robert Hawkins, product manager for Char-Broil. “The right tailgating grill should be both portable and durable, and have features that make cooking on game day hassle-free.”

One such grill to consider is the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Portable X200 Gas Grill. The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare ups, so you won’t have to worry about fumbling the game day spread, and its push button ignition and lid-mounted temperature gauge will help you win every tailgate, while still getting to enjoy the party.

Winning Over the Crowd

While standbys like burgers and dogs will always hit the spot with a crowd, why not try some new twists on old classics? This recipe for Cherry Cola Sliders straight from the Char-Broil playbook will help you kick your tailgate up a notch:

Ingredients:

For the sliders

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 8 slices American cheese

• 8 slider buns

• 8 slices of bacon

For the sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 cup sliced onions

• 2 tablespoons cherry cola

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar

• l tablespoon ketchup

Directions:

1. Preheat one side of your grill to 450 degrees F, leaving the other side off for indirect grilling.

Place bacon slices on the cooler side of the grill for indirect heat and cook for 20 minutes at 300 degrees F.

2. While the bacon cooks, caramelize the onions with butter in a saucepan until golden brown. Then, add cherry cola, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, vinegar and ketchup. Simmer for 10 minutes on the side burner.

3. Combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and form 8 slider patties.

4. Place beef patties on the hotter side of the grill for direct heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. When the sliders are almost done, place a cheese slice on each one. Set the slider buns on the warming rack. Close the lid and grill for another 30 seconds to melt the cheese and toast the buns.

5. Remove the patties and bacon slices from the grill. Top each slider with caramelized onions in cherry cola BBQ sauce, a slice of bacon and serve.

More tailgating recipe ideas can be found at: https://www.charbroil.com/collections/tailgating-favorites.

5 Delicious Low-Carb Recipes Perfect for a Cookout

July 25, 2019MBEhleCooking, Cookout, Summer

Food on the grill, carb-loaded side dishes and high-sugar desserts are at the center of most seasonal cookouts. But this doesn’t mean you need to avoid those countless neighborhood barbecues to ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle.

Courtney McCormick, manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet, recommends these five lower-carb recipes that are great to bring along to any cookout.

• Shredded Chicken Chili: Just toss some chicken, beans, tomatoes and a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano in your slow cooker and let that magic machine do all the work. Six hours later, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and plenty of flavorful fixings for fewer calories than a chicken prepared in a sugary or cheesy sauce.

• Avocado Tuna Sandwiches: Mix lemon juice, avocado, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add canned tuna fish. Scoop onto a slice of whole grain bread with arugula, sliced cucumbers and red onions and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich to eat in place of that hamburger.

• Skinny Shrimp Fajitas: You won’t miss the tortilla with this recipe! Combine shrimp, onion, bell pepper, olive oil and dry fajita spices such as chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin and paprika in a large bowl. Pour into a veggie basket or place on skewers and let the grill do the work for you.

• Pesto Cilantro Dip: Bake walnuts at 275 degrees until golden brown, then chop cilantro, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor for about 25 seconds. With the machine running, pour olive oil in a steady stream. Add sour cream, lemon juice and salt. Pulse a few times to combine and you’re done! Serve with fresh veggies.

“This recipe is quick and simple,” says McCormick. “It contains minimal ingredients and it is packed with healthy fats. Plus, it keeps five days in the refrigerator and freezes for up to a month.”

• South Beach Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a BBQ staple and this recipe for a lighter version of it is easy as 1-2-3! Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery seed and a sugar substitute. Add cabbage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For more details on these recipes and other great tips and tricks to lose weight and live healthier, visit South Beach Diet’s website The Palm at palm.southbeachdiet.com/cookout-low-carb-recipes.

Remember, cookouts don’t need to wreak havoc on your healthy diet. By making some simple swaps and choosing healthier options, you’ll stay on track while still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.