How to Cook on a Charcoal Grill

With so many people using gas grills these days, many have forgotten how to cook on a charcoal grill. If you long for the old-fashioned tastes of charcoal grilling, then follow these basic tips for firing up the charcoal:

• Choose the right charcoal. There are two types of charcoal that can be used for grilling: hardwood charcoal and briquettes. Although most people like the simplicity of briquettes; hardwood is easier to control.
• Add some aromatic wood chips for better flavor
• Be sure to distribute your charcoal evenly.
• Place the grill rack over ashen coals – never while the charcoal is still burning
• Sear your meat first for about 1 minute on each side and then continue grilling for the best taste.

Now that you know how to cook on a charcoal grill, give it a try. You may be surprised at the delicious results.

Save The Skins

Scrub the skins on potatoes, carrots, apples, and peaches and eat them as part of a healthful diet. Peeling off the skin removes antioxidants and bioflavinoids known for their health benefits of protecting against heart disease and cancer.

Slicing Tip

Use unwaxed dental floss to slice hardboiled eggs, cookie dough, and soft cheeses. Slices will be thinner and neater than if you cut them with a knife.

Cooking Ground Beef

Cook ground beef to 160 degrees F to make sure that it is done. Hamburger often turns brown before the meat has reached a safe internal temperature. The only sure way to make certain that beef, poultry, fish or pork is thoroughly cooked is to use a meat thermometer.

Cooking with Cast Iron Cookware

Cook fat free with cast iron cookware. Spread just a light coating of cooking oil on the surface and then warm the pan on low to medium heat before adding the food.

Best Practices When Cooking With Eggs

Eggs should be stored at an ambient air temperature of 45°F, although for cooking purposes, it is better to use eggs at room temperature. Remove any eggs you will need for a recipe from the refrigerator at least a half hour beforehand, but do not crack the eggs until you are ready to use them.

The Magic of Cayenne Pepper

Add cayenne pepper to food recipes to help calm acid indigestion and prevent stomach ulcers. Antibacterial properties of the herb destroy harmful bacteria in the digestive system.

Cooking Cereal

Over stirring cooked cereals can turn them into a sticky, gummy consistency. Stirring causes the starch on the surface of the grains to swell and thicken the water around the cereal grains, especially if there is not enough water in the pan to start.

Steaming Vegetables

You can steam about 2 cups of sliced vegetables at one time. While cooking times vary, most types of vegetables are tender within 5 minutes of steaming.

How To Calculate Potatoes

Don’t know how to calculate how many potatoes to peel to have enough mashed potatoes to feed your dinner guests? On average, if you cook 1/2 pound of raw potatoes for each person, you should have plenty of mashed potatoes to go around the table.

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