Tips for a Tasty Cookout

First, make sure you have the right grilling tools on hand:

• Fire extinguisher
• 16-inch grilling utensils (note that standard 12-inch kitchen tongs are too short for grilling and can increase the risk of burns)
• Grilling gloves
• Metal grill brush
• Food thermometer
• Fuel for your type of grill

Tip: Punch up the flavor of your food by grilling
with
smoking wood chips. Create tasty pairings using your choice of a wood chip varieties, like mesquite, hickory, applewood and more.

Grills use varying types of fuels. Listed below are the four main types of grills, along with their fuel requirements and benefits.

Charcoal Grills:

• Charcoal grills are one of the most iconic types of outdoor grills. They commonly use charcoal briquettes as fuel. They can also use hardwood lump charcoal. This product doesn't usually have chemicals or fillers, and can provide a distinct flavor.
• Charcoal grills cook at up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit and have no temperature controls. These grills distribute heat in hot, direct zones and in cooler, indirect zones. Manage the heat and cooking speed of your food by cooking over different areas of the grill grate.

Gas Grills:

• Gas grills can use either natural gas or liquid propane as fuel. To use natural gas, connect the grill to your house’s natural gas line. Purchase propane in tanks that are easily refilled. When grilling with propane, it is a good idea to have at least one full tank on hand.
• Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills heat faster, offer more precise temperature control and are easier to clean. However, cooking with gas does not offer the char-grilled flavor that you get from charcoal grills.

Electric Grills:

• Electric grills require no fuel; you only need to plug them into an electrical outlet. These space-saving and portable grills are a great option for apartments where traditional grilling is not permitted. You may also have limited outdoor space for a cookout.
• When you cook on an electric grill, use marinades and liquid smoke to replicate that familiar grilled flavor.

Smokers:

• Smokers are grills that cook food at lower temperatures over longer periods of time. Smokers have the greatest variety of fuel types. Choose from charcoal smokers, wood smokers, gas smokers, electric smokers and pellet smokers. Pellet smokers are electric and burn wood pellets for smoky flavor.
• Although they take longer to cook food, smokers do not require constant supervision like charcoal grills. Smokers are best at infusing meats with rich, authentic flavors.

Create a smoking pack for any type of grill by packing wood chips in several layers of aluminum foil. Poke holes in the foil for the smoke to escape, then place the packet directly on top of the coals or in the grill smoking box.

Safety Tip: Place grills at least 10 feet away from your home on a flame-safe surface like a patio or driveway. Do not place grill on grass or a deck.

Once you have the essential tools and fuel for your grill, begin preparations for your cookout. Save yourself time on the day of the cookout, prep as much as you can the day before.

• If weather allows, set up tables and chairs in your backyard the day before. Set the table the next day, shortly before guests arrive.
• Have large blankets and outdoor pillows on hand to spread on the ground for extra seating.
• Ensure you have plenty of plates, utensils, cups and napkins for all your guests. For a casual vibe, use disposable utensils and dishes. For a more formal affair, use outdoor dishware, serve ware and utensils. Disposables can be a backup, in case you run out of anything.
• Prepare as much food as possible before the event. Grilled foods will be the highlight of the cookout, but sides and desserts are just as important. Prep these ahead of time. Set up a drink and appetizer stand for your guests to enjoy before the main meal.
• Create a simple, convenient outdoor hand-washing station for your guests. Fill a water cooler or dispenser with clean water and provide hand soap and paper towels. Guests can lather and rinse their hands under the water cooler’s spigot, then return to the party.
• Compile a cookout playlist. Playing low music helps break the ice and ease conversation as guests arrive and get comfortable.

Add a fun ambience to your cookout with well-placed lighting. This is especially important step if your cookout extends into the evening.

• String lights can line your fence, deck railing, porch overhangs or doorways. String lights add whimsy to your cookout as the sun sets. They also clearly indicate the party area for your guests.
• Lanterns can serve as both extra lighting and a centerpiece for the tables.
• Use outdoor lights to line paths and walkways for your guests.
• As the evening approaches, torches add warmth to the air and help keep bugs away.

No cookout is complete without refreshing beverages. Keep guests hydrated and happy with plenty of drink options. Purchase bottled beverages and create premixed cocktails (or mocktails) beforehand. This ensures you don’t spend your cookout behind a bar. Put bottled water, canned sodas and other bottled beverages over ice in a beverage cooler for easy access. Fill beverage dispensers with mixed drinks so guests can serve themselves.

Tip: For a large party, create a DIY cooler out of akiddie pool and water balloons. Freeze water balloons overnight, then place them and bottled drinks in an inflatable or plastic kiddie pool. The frozen water balloons will keep the drinks cold and be easy to clean up once they melt.

For perfectly grilled foods, follow these helpful grilling tips:

• Before cooking, heat up the grill and clean the grate with a wire brush. Try this trick for cleaning and seasoning your grill at the same time: rub the grill grate with the cut half of an onion.
• Allow the grill ample time to build ambient heat. Charcoal grills need at least five minutes to heat up, while gas grills will need at least 15 minutes.
• Monitor internal food temperatures using a reliable food thermometer and grill thermometer.
• Do not fight flare-ups. Instead, move food to another spot on the grill and wait for the flare-up to die down on its own.
• Decide how much time you want to spend at the grill versus how much time you want to spend with your guests. Certain foods, like hamburgers and hot dogs, require constant attention. If you want to step away from the grill, choose a main dish that has a long cook time, such as a roast chicken.
• Sides help fill up a plate. Offer your guests many sides like salads and fruit in addition to grilled foods.

While you cook or clean up after the main meal, entertain your guests with outdoor activities. Give your guests ways to casually mingle as they wait for food. You can set up lawn games like bean bag toss, ring toss or bocce ball. If you have the yard space, keep an area clear for a game of touch football or soccer. After the meal, invite your guests to enjoy a planned group activity like a movie shown via projection. Use your fire pit to roast marshmallows and make s'mores.