Grilling This Weekend? Do It Safely!

Whether we entertain at home or meet up in a public park , food safety and grilling safety are top priorities to ensure a good time. Burgers and hot dogs are a grilling staple; fish (see recipe below), steak and various chicken dishes can also be prepared on the grill, but all must be handled carefully and cooked properly to avoid bacterial contamination.   

Safe food handling tips compliments of Chef Cat Cora :

• Thaw meat and seafood covered on a plate in the refrigerator.
• A glass cutting board should be used during prep. Wood and plastic ones can get surface scratches where bacteria can grow.
• Wash your knife in between each use.
• Clean as you go—don’t leave items until later, as bacteria can double after 10 minutes, use a antibacterial dish soap.

Once you've got all your food ready to cook, David Katz, from the gave these tips for having it cook perfectly and tasting great:

• Light your grill before starting to cook, like preheating
  your oven to the proper temperature this will help sear the meat and lock in all the flavors.
• Grill marks are essential to grilling as they act as your timer.
• Always move your meat in a 45 degree angle to get the perfect grill marks.
• Never flip your food into the same spot. Always flip it to a spot that has not been occupied to keep the grill hot and the meat cooking evenly. 

When using a grill, it is also important to follow safety recommendations by the  Firemen's Association of NYS for safe grill use:

• It’s important to position the grill far away from siding, deck railings, trees and other flammables.
• Keep children away from fires and grills. It is a good idea to establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct children to remain outside the zone.
• Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.
• Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto an open flame. The flame can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill; they are flammable.
• Never leave the grill unattended.

 Now invite friends and family, get out and grill and enjoy!

Rosemary Garlic Salmon Recipe (courtesy of Sam's Club)

Ingredients:

1½- to 2-lb. salmon fillet

1½ Tbsp. olive oil

1½ Tbsp. melted butter

2 Tbsp. Tone’s® Rosemary Garlic Seasoning

1 tsp. black pepper

Directions:

Combine melted butter and oil and brush on both sides of the salmon.  Sprinkle seasoning and pepper on both sides of the fish.  Place fish in a shallow baking dish.  Grill 8 – 12 minutes (flip once).