Grilling Tips for a Grate Party :-)
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 1:23PM With the fantastic Spring weather we've been having, I am inspired to get grilling! I've been grilling since I was a kid. You know how we are in the South; we all have our own barbecue sauces, grill Frubs, secret ingredients and techniques. And we all think our BBQ is the best, too! I guess that's why so many of our summer activities revolve around the grill.
I find it easy to grill and entertain--- just like the kitchen, the grill becomes the enter of the action. There's something so delish about those first bites off the grill. Everyone hovers around just in case there's a sample as the grillmaster works on getting the right crust, flavor and those highly prized grill marks. Here are a few tips to make your next party around the grill a little easier.
Pre-Party Prep
Grab a cold beer to get started. Keep a cooler handy.
If it is your first cook-out of the season, clean your grill really well. Make sure you scrub the grill grates. Really clean and sanitize all of the grill surfaces and utensils, too.
If you're using a gas grill, make sure you check your fuel supply. I'm no expert on gas grills- I prefer charcoal. I am always afraid I'm going to blow something up with gas. (don't ask)
If you're like me and prefer a charcoal grill, make sure you have plenty of charcoal before the party starts. I like a natural charcoal--- no chemicals or coal or fillers. Try Cowboy Charcoal. I love the flavor. Once you try it, you won't buy any other kind. You can usually find it at Lowe's and lots of other places.
Make sure you pre-heat the grill or start your coals in plenty of time to have them at the right heat when you're ready to start grilling. If it is a big party and you have lots of items for the grill, you may need to have extra hot coals on standby. I keep extras in a chimney style charcoal starter.
I like to have "grill zones" around my grill when grilling for a party. That way, I can move things around to the heat I need as necessary. I usually have an outer ring of medium coals and hot coals in the center of my grill. As necessary, I can add hot coals from the chimney.
Get Your Tools Ready
One of my best tools for party grilling (besides aluminium foil) is a Styrofoam cooler. I grill corn, for example, and then pop it into the cooler to keep it steaming hot. I usually slightly under cook the corn when I use the Styrofoam cooler because it continues to steam and cook. Try my GRILLED CORN RECIPE- it is the best!
Get a really sharp, good quality knife. We love love Ergo Chef knives--- if you don't have one, get one to make easy work of your chopping and slicing this summer! It is much safer to use a good knife.
A good pair of long tongs is essential. I hate getting my knuckles singed but don't like the big, cumbersome mitts so I get the longest handled pair of tongs I can find.
Have a fire extinguisher and a spray bottle of water on hand--- just in case.
A cutting board is essential. Transfer grilled meat to rest before carving or slicing. Careful not to cross-contaminate! It is so important to clean your cutting board thoroughly if you use it to prep raw meat.I always use plastic cutting boards for raw meat.
Get a good thermometer and go by the recommended temperature for the cut you are grilling. This is a foolproof way to get the most consistent results.
GRILLING GUIDES FROM WEBER
Don't know indirect from direct heat or how to cook a New York strip vs. ribeye? Here are the answers for how to cook what cut and a what temperature.
WEBER'S GUIDE TO INDIRECT AND DIRECT COOKING
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES, PERFECT FOR THE GRILL:
CHILI, LIME & GARLIC GRILLED SHRIMP
OLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS & FUN!