Get Your Grill On!

With Independence Day just a week away I thought I would host a barbeque (or grill out depending on where you are from) here on Kitchen Concoctions! All this week I will be featuring recipes that would be perfect served at a 4th of July BBQ, or any BBQ this summer for that matter. I will also be sharing some grilling/barbequing tips and tricks! Today I am sharing an article and recipe I wrote for meal planning/recipe site Food on the Table, with some tips on how to safely grill out. Remember folks, safety first!!!

Summer barbeques are a fun way to celebrate many different occasions. However, if proper safety measures are not followed then that fun day of grilling can come to a quick end. Here are some important grilling safety tips to follow:

• When using a grill be sure and place it on a flat surface, away from fences, plants, overhangs, deck railings and buildings. Also, make sure and position the grill in a well-ventilated area.

• Light charcoal carefully. Avoid pouring lighter fluid directly onto hot coals because flames could travel up the stream of fluid and cause a fire. Also never use gasoline to light a charcoal fire due to the risk of an explosion.

• When putting out hot coals, place the cover on the grill and close vents. Allow the coals to burn out completely, approximately 36 to 48 hours and then dispose of coals properly.

• Kabobs are a fun and impressive way to serve food to your guests and also make it easier to cook smaller pieces of meat. If using metal skewers, be careful not to touch them directly off the grill, as the metal will be hot. When using bamboo or wooden skewers be sure and always soak them for at least 20 to 30 minutes before using them, thus preventing them from charring or burning while cooking with them.

• Food safety is of upmost importance when grilling. Use a meat thermometer to insure that meat is cooked to the proper temperature. Use clean plates, cutting boards and utensils when handling cooked food as opposed to raw. Try and store food at proper temperatures and discard any food after sitting out in the sun and in high temperatures for more than one hour.

Looking for an easy but tasty grilled chicken recipe that the whole family will love? Try this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken.

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Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Printable Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon steak sauce
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Preheat the grill for medium heat.

In a shallow bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and steak sauce. Set aside a small amount of the honey mustard sauce for basting, and dip the chicken into the remaining sauce to coat.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken over indirect heat for 18 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the reserved sauce.

adapted from Food on the Table