Summer Barbeque Safety and Savings

May 14, 2008 By Tisha Kulak

Nothing beats the smell of burgers on the grill and the sounds of families having some good old fashioned backyard fun. Grilling your food on an open flame can be a delicious break in the monotony of life and there you don’t have to worry about busting your budget like when you go out to a restaurant.

Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe and avoid bills from the emergency room this summer.

Whether you use a gas or charcoal grill is up to your family’s preference. The one thing that rings true for both is to never leave a hot grill unattended for any period of time. Children can easily get injured playing around a grill. You also can run the risk of having a fire that gets out of control and causes damage.

To keep stomachs safe, make sure meats are cooked to proper temperature: Chicken (175 degrees), beef (160 degrees), and pork (155 degrees). Make sure all food is put in a cooler or the refrigerator after everyone has finished eating. Anything perishable left out for more than an hour should be thrown away.

When you take cooked food off of the grill, do not put it on the same plate as the raw food.

Wear oven mitts to prevent burns to your arms and hands when working around the grill. Keep away from loose fitting clothes to prevent accidental fires and more serious injuries.

After use, clean your grill and grilling accessories well. Not only will they be ready for the next time, you will get a longer life out of your grill.

Stick to the basics when buying barbeque supplies. Plan ahead for the summer and consider what would be appropriate for buying in bulk. If your family tends to cook out often during the summer, pick up supplies like paper plates, pickles, condiments, and other items that are non-perishable and keep them in the pantry for impromptu gatherings.

Buy meats that are on sale. Use different marinade recipes to spice up the flavor of the foods.

Skip the pre-made burgers at the supermarket. Instead, make burgers at home and save money. Just remember to pat gently when forming the burger so you don’t squeeze out all of the moisture.

Don’t spend money on sugary soft drinks. Instead make homemade lemonade or iced tea to refresh your thirst or just drink plain ice water.

Posted in entertainment, family, friends, holidays, lifestyle, personal behavior, shopping