Articles

Celebrate Independence & Fire Up the Grill

July 02, 2024

This July, celebrate your INDEPENDENCE in the USA & Canada!! It's time to fire up the grill and celebrate National Grilling Month in style! Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just getting started, there's something undeniably satisfying about cooking up delicious meals outdoors and enjoying the smoky flavors of summertime. However, it's essential to prioritize safety and smart grilling practices to ensure a fun and worry-free grilling experience. Enjoy these tips for safe grilling and share a mouthwatering burger recipe to elevate your summer cookouts.

Smart Grilling Practices

1. Choose a Safe Location: Set up your grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from flammable materials such as trees, bushes, and buildings. Keep the grill stable on a flat surface and ensure it's positioned away from foot traffic and play areas.

2. Inspect and Maintain Your Grill: Before each use, inspect your grill for any signs of damage, rust, or corrosion. Clean the grill grates and grease traps regularly to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking. Check propane tanks for leaks and replace any damaged or worn-out parts as needed.

3. Practice Safe Lighting: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting your grill safely. If using a gas grill, open the lid before lighting to prevent gas buildup, and use long-handled grill lighters or matches to ignite the burners. If using charcoal, use charcoal starter fluid sparingly and never add it to hot coals.

4. Monitor the Grill: Never leave a lit grill unattended, as flare-ups and accidents can occur unexpectedly. Keep a close eye on the grill while cooking and have a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby in case of emergencies. Use long-handled utensils to flip and move food on the grill to avoid burns.

Staying Safe While Grilling

1. Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood, and avoid using the same plate for cooked food that held raw meat.

2. Cook Food to Safe Temperatures: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood reach the recommended internal temperature for safe consumption. Refer to USDA guidelines for minimum cooking temperatures for various types of meat and poultry.

3. Handle Grilled Food Safely: Once food is cooked, transfer it to a clean plate using clean utensils to avoid contamination. Serve grilled food immediately or keep it hot in a covered dish until ready to eat. Refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Fun Burger Recipe

Grilled Bacon Avocado Burger
Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef

- 4 hamburger buns

- 4 slices of bacon, cooked

- 1 avocado, sliced

- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)

- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (optional)

- Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then shape into four burger patties.

3. Grill the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

4. During the last few minutes of grilling, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty and allow it to melt.

5. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.

6. Assemble the burgers by placing a grilled burger patty on each bun, then topping with cooked bacon, sliced avocado, and any additional toppings of your choice.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled bacon avocado burgers!

Grill Safely, Grill Deliciously

This National Grilling Month, embrace the joys of outdoor cooking while prioritizing safety and smart grilling practices. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy delicious grilled meals with peace of mind, knowing that you're keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. So fire up the grill, sizzle up some burgers, and celebrate summer in style!

Here's to a summer filled with sizzling grills, mouthwatering meals, and unforgettable outdoor gatherings!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY USA & CANADA!