Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time to fire up the grill. Grilling gives meat and vegetables a unique flavor that you just can't get from other cooking methods. Below are a few tips for getting the most out of your summer cookouts.

A Guide to Grilling

1. Always Preheat Your Grill

Before you start cooking, take the time to preheat your grill. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and keeps it from sticking to the grill. Preheating your grill for about 10 to 15 minutes can also burn off debris that may be left behind after your last cookout.

2. Keep Your Grill Clean

Cleaning your grill helps maintain its functionality and prevents any potential health hazards. Regular cleaning ensures that there is no buildup of food debris, grease, or other impurities that may affect the taste of your food or cause damage to the grill's components.

To clean your grill, start by turning off the heat and letting it cool down. Once it's cool, use a grill brush to remove accumulated food debris and ash. Finally, clean the grates with soap and water, rinse them off, and make sure they’re dry before replacing them.

3. Keep Food Separated

Keeping different types of food separated on a grill prevents cross-contamination and foodborne illness. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be kept separate from other foods to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria.

Cooking different types of food at different temperatures and times is important to ensure that each type of food is cooked properly. As a general rule, you’ll want to keep meat in the center of the grill and cook vegetables along the edges.

4. Rest Your Meat After Cooking

After your meat is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

After removing the meat from the grill, let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it warm and, once it's rested, cut into it and serve it up.

With over 50 years’ experience, Hammann's Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli serves up the best cuts of meat in the Tri-State Area. If you’re preparing for a summer cookout, they offer everything from choice beef to deliciously flavored chicken. Visit their website for a closer look at their selection, get updates and tips on Facebook, or call (513) 858-3237 to place an order.