Brush Up On BBQ

Posted on May 24, 2012 in Flavorful Ideas How To's Plain Talk

Memorial Day is on the way, which means that it’s just a matter of time before you’re flipping turkey burgers by the dozens! Not to mention all of the other outdoor cooking you’ll tend to in the upcoming months. Be prepared and you’ll enjoy those grill sessions that much more with a lot less effort. Here are our tips for the late sunset season:

1. Clean: Hopefully, at the end of the summer last year you took some efforts to remove the excess grease tray and give your grill a little scrub down. Of course, many just cover up the grill, roll it into the garage and hope for the best. Now’s the time to break out a little soapy water and go at it.

2. Season: Once the surface dirt’s removed, make sure to season your grill by heating the grates and wiping them down with cooking oil. The easiest way to do this is to drizzle the oil onto a soft rag, then holding the rag with a pair of long tongs, carefully wipe the grill from back to front.

3. Supply: Make sure all of your grilling utensils are still in working condition. Assemble your grill brush, tongs, spatula and lighter in an area that’s easily accessible on your way out to the grilling station. Don’t forget to include helpful cooking tools like a meat thermometer so that you’ll be able to check that those turkey burgers are done (175ºF) without having to slice them open like an amateur.

4. Cover: The grill may be housed in the garage during the real violent winter weather, but sure enough it will live outdoors for the next few months. Protect it well with a weatherproof cover and it’ll see you through many more years to come.

5. Gather: Assemble your favorite marinade, rub and grilling recipes in a folder so that you can print them out on a moments notice when you have the urge to entertain.  Our Grilled Orange Glazed Turkey Breast and Grilled Turkey Two Ways offer some great starting points.