Pork Chops on the Barbeque

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Who doesn’t love grilled pork chops!

Pork Chops on the Barbeque…  

Steaks on the Grill…  

MmmMmm… What a Thrill!

Finally!...  Winter seems to be completely finished with its intrusive coming and going this Spring!  It is time to enjoy the outdoors.  And that means bringing some of the cooking outdoors, too.  As you pull out that grill and dust it off – and chase out the mice that may have moved in over the past few months – make sure you refresh safety protocols for enjoying this traditional seasonal activity:

• Keep all grills and fire pits away from flammables:  furniture, decking, dried vegetation, etc.
• Place grill away from buildings when in use.  Even if fire doesn’t occur to siding, melting, warping and discoloration can happen if too close to a heat source.
• Use only approved fire-starting products when preparing your fire.  DO NOT use gasoline!
• Make sure all of your cooking accessories are kept away from heat source in order to avoid melting or burning:  hot-mitts, tongs, spatulas, serving plates, etc.
• Have water at the ready in case sparks or coals travel from their container to flammables.
• Keep seating and persons a safe distance from the heat source.  Smoke, soot and sparks can cause a great amount of discomfort, as can the possible excess heat.
• If not using green sticks or metal forks or skewers for cooking over an open flame, make certain that dried wood cooking utensils are soaked for about 30 minutes to avoid fires.
• Avoid loose clothing, tie back long hair and tuck ties and strings from clothing – like hooded sweatshirts – when working around a heat source, especially an open flame.
• We all love a fire at an early age.  We seem to be drawn by its flicker, brightness and dance.  Watch young children carefully around this tantalizing spectacle. 

Now that you have reviewed what needs to be done to keep your outdoor cooking venture safe, ENJOY!...  And maybe have a little extra on hand in case your grill skills are a little rusty and there is a bit more char than you might wish.