Around The Bend June 2019

CHEF TIP By Execut ive Chef Aaron

Page 7

Summer is here and it’s time to fire up the grill! Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your cooking goes a little smoother… Keep your grill in good condition! It will make life a lot easier and allow you to enjoy the grilling season to the utmost. -At the beginning of your grilling season, give your grill one good cleaning. This should involve a strong cleaning agent (there are lots of environmentally-safe options out there). Soak the grates and scrub the body as well. If you are using gas or propane, you really want to clean out all your ports and potentially replace any stones or ceramic plates, depending on your make and model. After each and every use, clean the grates using a stiff bristled brush; stuff comes off really easy when the grates are hot and this leaves you prepped for the next time you fire the grill up. Let it cook! -If you are grilling steak, do not touch it. All too often people want to break out their tongs and start moving steaks around. After you’ve placed your steak on the grill, pick a point on the steak and make that point 10 o’clock. Let it sit for two minutes, then turn to 2 o’ clock. Let it sit for two more minutes, then flip the steak. If the marks aren’t beautiful, you’ve got another chance on new side. If the marks are beautiful, just finish cooking the steak until the internal temperature is 120F. I’ve been grilling for a living nearly my entire life and I still use a meat thermometer. Get one, they’re worth it!