Tips for Cooking Out

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities with family and friends.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we are doing many things for the time being, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, bicycling, boating, and of course, cooking out.

There is nothing quite like firing up the grill on weekends and warm summer evenings and enjoying great food and drinks with your loved ones and neighbors. Though you can grill out all year long, it’s a staple of summer and best performed with safety and quality in mind. Here are some simple but important tips to maximize your cookouts.

• Clean the grill. Sometimes it’s good to have those “worn-in” grill grates to add a little soul to your cooking, but the charred buildup and old food particles can make the food you’re cooking stick. You’ll want to be able to flip or rotate your food freely and retain its inherent flavor. So, while the grill grates are warm, scrub them with a stainless steel brush. You can also remove the grates and soak them in a bucket of warm water and dish soap for a deeper cleaning.
• Use a grill pan for smaller, more delicate foods. Things like veggies, fish filets, shrimp, potatoes or even fruit are great on the grill. But it can be maddening when these smaller-sized foods fall through the grates. Instead, use a nonstick grill pan or basket. These can be found inexpensively at most stores and will be a great tool for any cookout.
• Let the food rest. You may be tempted to cut right into that great looking steak or chicken breast just as it comes sizzling off the hot grill – but don’t. When you allow the meat to rest, its juices will redistribute themselves inside, keeping the meat tender and full of its best flavor.

With summer here, there will be many opportunities to host or attend cookouts. Keeping these basic tips in mind, you’ll enjoy great food and great times all season long.

For more information and helpful links, visit our website or call 815-849-5209.

Woodhaven Lakes Association

509 LaMoille Rd

Sublette, IL 61367