The Fourth of July is one of our favorite times of the year! We celebrate this patriotic holiday with fireworks, pool parties, and of course, backyard barbecues.
Everybody likes to gather around the grill for a summer cookout, but did you know that cooking outdoors can help reduce your summer energy bills? The heat from your stove and oven escapes into your home forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Cooking out is economical, fun, and delicious!
If you are considering having a traditional outdoor cookout this Independence Day, here are a few grilling tips for you to brush up on:
- Preheat your grill 15 to 25 minutes before you begin cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature. A properly heated grill sears food on contact keeping the inside moist and helps prevent sticking.
- Clean off your grill while it is still hot. Use a long-handled wire grill brush before and after use.
- Use separate cutting boards, fresh plates, and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- The most effective way to tell if your meat is done is to use a thermometer that has an instant-read function.
- Tame the flames by selecting lean cuts of meat, trim excess fat, and remove poultry skins.
- Let finished meat rest on a clean platter, tented with foil, for about 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute evenly.
- To get that nice crosshatch char, turn each piece of meat 45 degrees when you are halfway through cooking each side.
Burkholder’s HVAC wishes you a safe, fun, and Happy Fourth of July! Start planning your menu now and give your air conditioner a break!
