Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

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

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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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The Importance of Breakfast

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We all know the familiar saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and it truly does play an important part in giving us and our families a strong start for our day. The American Academy of Pediatrics website -healthychildren.org – details the many benefits of encouraging your family to have breakfast:

  • Evidence that demonstrates children who eat breakfast have a lower BMI than those who skip breakfast
  • Studies that show students who have breakfast have more energy and concentration and do better in school
  • Better overall nutrition and eating more important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals

Tips to make breakfast a good time for family mealtime:

  1. Prepare the night before! Plan what the family will have for breakfast the next morning and make as much as possible the night before. If your family wants cereal for breakfast, have the bowls, spoons, and box of cereal on the table. Then the next morning you can grab the milk from the refrigerator, slice a banana or wash a handful of berries, and breakfast is ready. Make sure to minimize the morning scramble of finding missing homework, library books, or a stray shoe by having backpacks organized and picking out school outfits, complete with socks, shoes, and accessories.
  2. Set the alarm – and go to bed early! A common reason for skipping breakfast is not having enough time, so make sure to head to bed early and set the alarm to allow for enough breakfast time the next morning.
  3. Avoid distractions! Keep the TV, phones, and other electronic devices off in the morning.
  4. Keep it easy! If you know that you do not have a lot of time in the morning or are consistently running late then check out our videos featuring quick morning meals and make-ahead breakfasts.

Try some of our breakfast recipes for a nutritious start to your day!

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