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Charcoal vs. Gas Grilling: Which grill type is right for you?

August 22, 2016 by Dinner Tonight

BBQ season is approaching! Which brings the opportunity for everyone to break out their grills and gather with friends and family!  If you are looking to buy a new grill or just wondering which grill is the best option for you, here are a few things to consider.

  1. Cost: Charcoal and gas grills can range in price and size. Most charcoal grills are less expensive than gas grills.   Although if you plan on cooking often on the grill, gas grills can be quite manageable with only needing to purchase propane.  Charcoal grills are less expensive to purchase but can add up in cost with charcoal and lighter fluid.
  2. Flavor: Sometimes it comes down to flavor. This is a personal preference, gas grills provide a flavor more consistent with high heat, while charcoal depending on if you use briquettes or wood can give a smokier flavor.  Just remember to reduce flare-ups on both gas and charcoal grills by moving foods with fat to another part of the grill or reduce the heat.
  3. Portability: First ask yourself how will I use the grill? If you plan on taking the grill just for tailgating, camping, or for other outdoor occasions, charcoal may be the best option. Charcoal grills come in very convenient and portable sizes.   Gas grills that are portable are very expensive and may not be worth the cost for the occasion.

 

In the end it really depends on how much you want to spend, the flavor, and if you need something portable.  Either way both grill types are a good option and will help make your tailgating or outdoor grilling a fun and memorable experience.   Just remember to be safe when grilling any food for any occasion.  No matter what type of grill you use, always grill outside in a well-ventilated area.   Never use alcohol, gasoline, or kerosene on a grill; use lighter fluid which is made specifically for use with charcoal grills.  Here are our best tips to help you make your grilling outdoors safe.

 

Looking for more information on grilling safety?  Check out this video before you go to your next BBQ or tailgate!

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Filed Under: Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized Tagged With: Kitchen Tools

Tips & Tricks: How to Make Lemon Zest

August 15, 2016 by Dinner Tonight

How often have you made a recipe that called for lemon zest? Did the recipe have a little too much tang? Well in today’s tips and tricks, we show you how to zest lemons the right way.
Lemon zest is a great way to add a burst of lemon flavor to many of our favorite recipes. Here are a few tips to getting a great zest from a lemon!

First, wash lemons under cool running water and scrub the surface with a soft bristle vegetable brush.
Then using a rasp, grate just the skin of the lemon. Don’t over zest your lemons! The white pith of the lemon will result in your zest being bitter or too tangy!
If you plan on using the whole lemon in a recipe, always grate your lemon before you cut the lemon.
Zesting lemons is a good way to use most of your lemon in a recipe!

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Filed Under: How to videos, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: fruit, fruits, How To, lemon, lemon zest

Tips & Tricks: How to Select the Perfect Melon

August 11, 2016 by Dinner Tonight

Thumping. Shaking. Lifting. You have probably seen people using these methods to select a watermelon, but do they really work? Following the steps below will help you choose a melon that is perfect!

Use your eyes.
Look the melon over before you select it. The melon should be firm and symmetrical. It should also be free from dents, bruises, or cuts.

Turn it over.
The main indicator of ripeness is found on the underside of the melon. The underside of the melon should have a creamy yellow spot. This indicates it has ripened in the field.

Use your muscles.
Lift the melon up. A great melon is heavy for its size. Avoid melons which are lightweight if they are larger varieties.

Know your melons.
There are over 1200 varieties of watermelons grown in 96 countries!
The most common types are:

  • Seeded: The seeded watermelon is the most traditional watermelon and can weigh between 10 to 25 pounds!
  • Seedless: Seedless watermelons are the result of hybridization.
    • Some claim they have white seeds, but these “seeds” are really empty seed coats and are safe to eat! Personal: These tiny favorites usually weight 1 to 7 pounds and are perfect for those who don’t want to share!
  • Yellow and Orange Meat: Most watermelons have red meat; however, there are yellow and orange meat varieties which are usually sweeter than the red!

Watermelons : Look for a field patch! A large yellow spot which indicates the watermelon was left on the vine to ripen sufficiently! Cantaloupe: The best indicator of the melon being ripe is smell. A sweet and intense smell. Rind should appear golden and not with a green hue. Honeydew: Slightly harder to choose but best indicator is weight and color. A ripe melon should appear pale yellow in color with a smooth rind. Should seem heavy for its size.

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Filed Under: How to videos, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: fruit, fruits, How To, melon, melons, summer, summer fruit, tips and tricks, watermelon, watermelons

How to Freeze Blueberries

March 3, 2016 by Dinner Tonight

Freezing fruit is a great way to reduce the amount of food we waste.  During the spring and summer months you may find blueberries on sale.   Freezing blueberries helps preserve the nutrients and fruit so you and your family can enjoy it in your favorite berry recipe.   For more tips on how to freeze blueberries, watch this video.

Try adding frozen blueberries to a smoothie or on top of yogurt for added flavor!

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Filed Under: How to videos, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: blueberries, freeze, fruit, How To, infographic, spring, summer

Making the Perfect Pasta

March 2, 2016 by Dinner Tonight

Pasta, part of the grains group, is part of a healthy eating pattern.  Making the perfect pasta requires a little practice and method.  This how to video shows a step by step process on how to prepare pasta for any meal.

Note: If you are looking to reduce your sodium/salt, eliminate the added salt.

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Filed Under: How to videos, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: How To, pasta, sauce, tips&tricks

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