Summer has finally arrived! It’s time to uncover the grill and get it ready for the season. If you haven’t used your grill since last summer, here is a step-by-step checklist to ensure it’s clean, safe, and ready to cook delicious meals.
1) Check all gas tanks to determine the gas levels, and refill them as needed.
2) Inspect all gas connections for rust, dust, or accumulated grease from last season. Clean connections thoroughly with a degreaser. Then, using a clean rag, apply a small amount WD-40 to help the fittings screw together smoothly and to prevent any gas flow interruptions.
3) Clean the hood and surface areas of your grill using a degreaser and a clean rag to remove grease and residue.
4) Examine the grates and burner covers, which often show signs of corrosion and wear over time. Remove them, inspect for damage, and scrub them vigorously with your grill brush until all debris is gone.
5) If you’re not comfortable doing the cleaning yourself, consider hiring a professional. Many local services specialize in grill cleaning and repairs.
6) Check for replacement parts. If you believe you need to replace something in your grill, most grill manufacturers offer replacement parts. It’s a good idea to replace the grates every few years for optimal performance.
7) Check all your utensils to ensure you are ready to grill like a pro, and serve your best summer meals. Test your thermometers, tongs, spatulas, serving forks and spoons, and pans to make sure everything is clean, functional, and ready for action.
Okay, now you’ve got a clean, safe grill ready for the summer season. Let’s be mindful of these important health and wellness tips while preparing for grilling, and handling food before and after cooking.
1) Wash your hands thoroughly before, during and after handling food.
2) No cross-contamination of raw meats with ready-to-eat salads and other foods. All raw meats should be handled and prepared separately.
3) Use a high-quality digital thermometer to test all temperatures of grilled foods to ensure they are cooked at proper temperatures.
4) Clean all preparation surfaces thoroughly after prepping and preparing foods.
5) Store all leftover foods at proper cold temperatures. Let’s take a look at a Fourth of July gathering menu.
I simply love a selection of grilled foods accompanied by cool, refreshing salads, and warm, grilled bread. The Hamptons are so fortunate to have farms, farmstands, and gourmet food stores offering incredibly delicious and diverse products to create interesting and sublime foods for your guests. Let’s have a look at the menu I have created.
Appetizers:
Guacamole with Carrots & Organic Tortilla Chips RECIPE HERE
Local Mecox Bay Dairy Cheeses with Grapes, Berries & Flatbreads
White Bean Hummus with Olive Tapenade, Celery & Breadsticks
Main Course:
Keith's Grilled Swordfish with Mango, Lemon, Honey Jalapeno Salsa RECIPE HERE
Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Mustard & Mint Sauce
Garlic & Rosemary Grilled Filet of Beef with Horseradish Cream
Lemon-Dill Grilled Tuna Kebobs with Spicy Cumin Ranch Dip
Sides:
Sliced Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes with Red Onions, Basil & Balsamic Vinaigrette
Shepherd’s Salad of Cucumber, Tomato, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese with Spicy Herb Vinaigrette
Orzo & Diced Vegetables Salad
Local Organic Greens and Carrots Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Sourdough & Whole Grain Rolls
Desserts:
Dark Chocolate Brownies & Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lemon Loaf Cake with Raspberries & Chantilly Cream
Watermelon Skewers with Local Honey