Recipe For Grilling

Did You Know?

Many backyard gatherings are centered around the grill and the family’s resident chef who is creating all the enticing aromas. In spite of how great grilled foods taste, gas and charcoal grills account for an average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries and $40 million in property loss each year, according to the United States Fire Administration.

Recipe for Grilling Safety:

To avoid becoming a grilling mishap statistic, we’ve cooked up the following safety precautions:

• Do not let children and pets play near the grilling area when cooking until the grill is completely cool. Teach kids to stay in a “kid-free zone” at least three feet around the grill and areas where hot food is prepared or carried.
• Place your grill at least ten feet away from other objects including your house, trees and outdoor seating. Grills should not be used on a balcony or under an overhang. Avoid placing grills too close to combustible deck rails.
• Grill outside only. Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as the garage or inside of your home. This is not only a major fire hazard; it is also a carbon monoxide hazard.
• Use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal only. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills.
• Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill.
• If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit fixed before lighting. Never use a match to check for leaks.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease from the grills and trays below the grill. If you grill with charcoal and need to dispose of the coals, soak them in water to extinguish them before disposing in a metal container.

Safety First

Not only can grills start fires, they can also cause burns. Exercise caution as you flip foods on the grill to ensure that your hands and arms do not get burned.

Gas Grill Safety:

• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Never turn on the gas when the lid is closed. The gas may build up inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off and cause injuries or burns.
• Always store gas grills – and propane tanks – outside and away from your house.

Charcoal Grill Safety:

• Check for rust damage in metal grills, which may make it possible for charcoal to fall through onto surfaces below and cause a fire.
• Do not add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
• If the fire is too low, rekindle with dry kindling and more charcoal if needed.
• Do not leave the grill unattended.

Grilled Sweet Potato Recipe

by Bonnie Ash, Personal Lines Account Manager

• 2 lbs of sweet potatoes
• 3-4 T. of olive oil
• Kosher salt

Dressing:

• ¼ C. of finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp of lemon or lime zest
• 2 T. of lemon or lime juice
• ¼ olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

• Prepare the grill by getting it hot.  While the grill is heating up, peel the sweet potatoes and slice r on a diagonal, into ¼ inch thick pieces.
• Coat the sweet potato slices with olive oil and lightly sprinkled sea salt.
• Make the cilantro lemon or lime dressing :  Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.  Set aside
• Grill the sweet potatoes:  Once the grill is hot lay the sweet potato pieced down onto the grill grates.  Cover the grill and cook until each side gets some grill marks and tender.  Approximately 6-8 minutes each side but each grill varies and depending on how hot the grill is.
• Toss with dressing:  Toss the sweet potatoes in the bowl with the dressing and serve hot.

I make these with Thai Grilled Chicken. Enjoy!

 

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