When the mercury in the thermometer starts rising, the urge to cook outdoors rises right along with it. Summertime is chock full of celebrations that practically demand a grill session. It is truly one of life's greatest pleasures to gather in the backyard with friends and family to share a meal in the gorgeous sunny weather.
Propane
Propane is a type of petroleum gas that can be compressed into a liquid state for easy transport. Anybody can easily purchase a tank of compressed propane at any of a number of locations -most gas stations and supermarkets sell them, and many even participate in exchange programs (return an empty bottle and pay a fee to take a filled bottle). Once the bottle is home, it's relatively simple to connect the bottle to a propane grill and get cooking.
Propane grills are specially designed to route the gas into easily-controlled flames, and can be purchased anywhere that large outdoor equipment is sold. They come in a range of sizes, suitable for small families or large gatherings.
A propane grill is exceptionally easy to control - it's very similar to a natural gas range or stovetop inside a home. Propane grilling is an excellent substitute for indoor cooking for those days when it's just too nice to stay inside. We know people who use a propane grill exclusively during the summer in order to avoid heating their home.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a product of burning wood until all the other elements have burned away and what is left is a chunk of pure carbon. There are several different kinds available now, including natural chunk, easy-light, and traditional briquettes. It was originally marketed by Henry Ford (a byproduct from his production line) as Kingsford Charcoal but is now available in many different brands as well. Like propane, charcoal is sold in a wide variety of stores and is easy to transport.
Charcoal grills are simpler (and generally cheaper) than propane versions since they do not require tubing or burners. They are, at their root, a metal tub with legs and a lid. Charcoal maybe harder to get a flame going, but accessories such as chimney starters or even lighter fluid make that job easier. Charcoal grills are also available in many sizes. They can also be modified with accessories like smoker boxes for smoking meats.
Charcoal flames are not as easily controlled - they cannot be simply turned off like a propane flame. Many people prefer this method, though, for the inimitable flavor that the charcoal gives to the food it cooks. Another benefit to charcoal is the ability to add smoking chips to the fire to add additional flavor - mesquite wood is a very popular choice for this.
Recipes
Some people may be thinking, "Okay, I've had a couple barbeques and I'm bored of plain old hamburgers and hot dogs. What else can I do with this?" Well, my friend, the possibilities are endless! Just about any type of meat does marvelous on the grill, from pork ribs to tender beef steaks. If meat isn't what you're looking for, try a grilled pizza! All kinds of vegetables (and even fruits!) taste excellent with this method of cooking. A simple internet search for "grill recipes" will yield a wealth of suggestions and keep anybody grilling for years to come.
Safety
There are some safety concerns to be addressed. We are talking about open flames here, and precautions should always be taken. Before grilling, make sure that everyone is aware of how to turn off the propane connection (if there is one), and have a reliable fire extinguisher within reach of the grill at all times. Be sure that any children or pets in the area are either kept completely out of reach of the grill or, in the case of older children, adequately warned that the grill is hot. Be aware of the fumes as well - both of these methods can release gasses that are unsafe to breathe. Unburnt propane gas can be especially dangerous, so if you suspect a leak, call for service right away. Never leave the grill unattended, even for a moment. Be sure that the surface underneath the grill is fire safe - dry grass or untreated wood are very bad surfaces. Invest in a fireproof mat, move to a different location, or have a professional install a patio of brick or treated wood that you can enjoy all year round. Last of all, make extra sure that everyone has FUN!
0 comments:
Post a Comment