By: Chef Patty Greco | @thepattygreco | www.pattygreco.com
It’s official, PCS season is upon us! Once again, it’s time to pack up, find a new home, new schools, and hopefully find a few really awesome neighbors.
Moving is hard for everyone. There are so many emotions we all go through, before, during, and after the process; not to mention it can just be mentally and physically exhausting. Wherever we have to begin again, there is always at least one way to win over a neighbor or your new squadron—and that’s with food! If you’re relocating this summer, here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to introduce your family to both your new squadron and new neighbors. Summer is a perfect time to have inviting outdoor parties with great food and new friends.
It is the season for outdoor entertainment and requires no added décor over the setting sun as the backdrop and the evening glow of the fireflies in your backyard. It’s a great opportunity to take that dusty cover off the grill that was just relocated to your new patio, whip up some watermelon mojitos, and invite your new friends and neighbors over for the show. Tonight, your grill is on stage and the food is the center of attention. Check out my favorite tips and tricks for cooking up a fantastic outdoor summer meal.
1. New to grilling? No problem.
Just about everything arrives in a box these days and can be delivered straight to your doorstep. Think cheese of the month club, but with barbecue! Butcherbox.com will send you fresh grass-fed beef, free range chicken, and heritage pork based on your schedule. Each box contains around 11 pounds of meat for about $130 a month!
Already have the meat? BBQBox.com will send its customers a box full of sauces, rubs, spices, and even some ready-to-eat jerky for only $30 a month. Both of these services are a great way to start grilling when relocating! Wouldn’t it be great to have your dinner delivered to your new house, so you can skip out on that extra trip to the store and get right on grilling? We even got you a discount code to get started – use SPOUSE20 at checkout for 20% off your first box with a month-to-month subscription.
2. The age-old debate: charcoal vs. gas
As far as which cooking method is healthier, there haven’t really been any studies that prove either. However, gas does burn cleaner than charcoal, which emits carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Although, there’s nothing like biting into a nice charred piece of steak cooked over an open flame. If you’re interested in using chemical and additive free briquettes, try Royal Oak Hardwood Lump Charcoal, which is available in a 7 lb bag on Amazon, and will cost around $17. You can’t beat the price for a clean burn.
3. Get it hot and oil it up!
Your grill needs to be at the proper temperature to ensure maximum flavor retention and to prevent over cooking of those precious meats and veggies. No one wants a piece of chicken that tastes like shoe leather! For a high heat grill, the temperature needs to be around 400-450°F, depending on what’s cooking, of course. Although contrary to popular belief, olive oil is not the best choice for the grill grates. The smoke point is too low (375-410°F, depending on type) and will leave a bitter taste on your food. Instead, try safflower oil, which doesn’t smoke until it reaches 450°F. Not hot enough? Refined canola won’t hit its smoke point until it reaches a whopping 470°F degrees! Give the brand by Hollywood a whirl and see what a difference the right oil can make.
4. Temp it, then let it rest!
When food is overcooked, it can definitely put a damper on the entire meal. So be prepared and don’t let it happen! Get in on the temperature game with a digital thermometer for your grilling needs. The ThermoWorks ThermoPop Thermometer might be just what you need this summer. It’s simple, easy to use and read, and looks like a lollipop. It comes with a pocket clip and your choice of nine colors, though they could have stopped with pink!
It works whether you are a righty or a lefty due to the adjustable display, and the backlight and thermometer switch off automatically to preserve battery life. Need to be budget friendly? For $30 you can’t beat it! When your chops and steaks are ready to come off the grill, always let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute through the fibers of the meat, ensuring each bite packs a juicy, flavorful, punch for your guests.
5. The s’mores the merrier and bring on the fruit!
Don’t leave grilling to just the savory items. Grilled fruit can be the perfect way to end a fantastic outdoor dining experience. Take a pineapple and slice it in half, right down the center, then throw it on the grill, flesh side down. The sugars will caramelize in about 20 minutes, leaving beautiful grills marks. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. You can do the same with peaches! S’mores work pretty great on an open flame, as we know all too well with our kids and campfires. Don’t settle for just the classic version with a plain graham cracker and Hershey bar. “Adult-it” up a bit by using large, soft chocolate chip cookies filled with Nutella spread and Marshmallow Fluff! Then throw those puppies on the warm grill for an unforgettable summer treat.
Following these simple tips and tricks will ensure your backyard gathering will have guests knocking at your door all summer long.
Watermelon Mojito Recipe – Serves 4:
- Muddle 2 chunks of watermelon with the juice of 1 lime and 2 teaspoons sugar in an 8-ounce glass.
- Stir in a handful of washed mint leaves
- Add 2 ounces white rum (or more) and ice.
- Top with ginger ale; garnish with more mint.
Not a fan of mojitos? Not a problem! When you slice the watermelon, set aside a few pieces to dice into cubes, about the size of ice cubes. Freeze these the night before the date of the party. When guests arrive, fill a few glasses with the frozen watermelon ice and fill the glass with sparkling water and slice of lemon or lime. It’s great non-alcoholic beverage for the adults and kids!
