With Memorial weekend just around the corner, hopefully you have read my last blog about how to get your barbecue primed and ready for grilling season. This is monumentally important before you begin your outdoor culinary ventures as it can facilitate even cooking and enhance overall flavor. If so, grab your tongs as it’s now time for cooking on the Q!
What and how a person grills is only limited by their imagination. Instead of just barbecuing meat, fish or poultry, why not try cooking your entire meal on the grill? Roasting vegetables on the barbecue brings out additional depths of flavor that you don’t otherwise get with alternative cooking methods. Large size vegetables can be lightly oiled and seasoned then tossed directly onto the hot grates. For smaller pieces, it may be easier to skewer them or place them in a slotted grill basket for searing. The latter acts as a cooking vessel and allows the food to be stirred or flipped without falling through the grates.
Another excellent food that cooks well on a hot grate is fresh fruit. Oh, the sweet yet savory flavor that is created from seared peaches and pineapple is outstanding. Grilled fruit is extremely versatile and can be used an appetizer, accompaniment to the main meal, dessert or simply added as a beautiful garnish with those distinguished chargrilled marks providing an aesthetic finishing touch to any meal.
There are numerous methods and techniques one can use to prepare food on the outdoor barbecue. Using foil pouches is a fun and easy approach for making individual meals in advance. This is a great opportunity to get the entire family involved, as they can each create their own dinner packet and spice it up as they please. To do this, simply place a portion of meat, fish or poultry onto the center of a piece of heavy duty foil, then layer with thinly sliced potatoes or parboiled rice and top with fresh vegetables, or even fruit! Season to taste, crimp all edges tightly and place on the preheated grates!
Barbecuing is also an excellent method for adding smoked flavor to your foods. This can be done by placing pre-soaked wood chips into a metal smoker box, or to create your own holder, simply wrap the chunks of wood tightly in foil, and puncture holes at the top to allow smoke to escape. Place wood chips on the hot grill 5-10 minutes before adding your food so that it allows ample time for a smoky aroma to build. Commercial smoking pellets are available in a variety of bouquets and flavors, ranging from mesquite and hickory to even apple and herbed rosemary blends. But remember, if you are conjuring up your own wood to smoke, do not use pressure treated chips!
For now, my hope is that I have gotten your creative juices smoldering, so that the next time you head outdoors to barbecue, you too will have fun trying new and exciting grilling techniques. But remember, before you start your culinary endeavors, it’s crucial to properly prepare your grill! For more recipes including marinades and cooking times click here , and to watch a video on how to turn your barbecue into a smoker, click here
