Summer of Sunday's

I don't know what it's like in your part of the world but the last few days it's been absolutely GORGEOUS here. The sun is shining, skies are clear, and the temps have been in the high 70's. FINALLY we've been able to enjoy some outdoor activities for the past few days without threats of rain or falling temperatures. Such a relief! I'm confident our summer of Sunday traditions can finally begin without any dark sky threats.

One of our favorites is grilling hot dogs, steaks, burgers, chops, ribs, whatever I've got thawed. Hubs LOVES firing up the grill and it just wouldn't be summer without freshly grilled meat and veggies. My secret to a great grilled dinner: We cook as much of our dinner on the grill as possible. Hubby does most of the cooking while I get to relax! SSHHH! Don't tell him my secret plan! However, I do most of the prep work: buttering, salting, and wrapping the veggies in foil, putting beans in the little crockpot to cook on the grill, and seasoning the meat if hubs doesn't mind EVOO and my garlic salt seasoning but usually he season's the meat. (I think it's a man thing! lol)

Here's some summer grilling reminders to help kick start your grilling season.

• Make clean up a jiff using the left over foil from the veggies. Wad it up and use it as a scrub brush to knock off all the charbroiled debris.
• Cook thicker cuts of meat away from the center of the heat source. Indirect heat will allow the meat to cook evenly without charring the outside.
• Avoid cross contamination by using a clean plate for cooked foods when removing from the grill.
• Grill veggies wrapped in foil. Add all your seasonings, butter, oil, etc, wrap in foil and let it cook over indirect heat. Potatoes will usually take long than thin cuts of meat so put them in early. I like my corn on the cob after 20 minutes on the grill.
  
• Ceramic crock cooker inserts or stainless steel dishes do well on the grill-just be sure there's NO plastic so it doesn't melt. We've warmed up canned corn, baked beans, etc this way!
  
• Thoroughly inspect your grill before firing it up the first time. Bird's nest in odd places and winter weather can cause parts of the grill to rust or not properly operate affecting how well your grill cooks.
• Cook several feet from your home, garage, or other structure for safety.
• Use only utensils designed for use on the grill. The handles are longer and the materials they're made of can withstand the intense grill heat.
  
• Most importantly, don't forget the "Kiss the Cook" apron for a summer season full of grilling fun!
  

Check out Reynold's Wrap Grilling Guide for some other grilling tips and recipes. Do you have a secret grilling tip or recipe you want to share? Tell me-I'll pass it on to my hubby!!!