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Entry bubble Safe Summer Cook-outs

By: Colleen | June 04, 2008 | Category: Health

It's a good thing my Mom had me log all those hours watching the Frugal Gourmet as a kid. Last night's delight was a bowl of Special grillK and half a piece of leftover parmesan-crusted chicken. Move over, Rachel Ray.

Regardless of poor menu planning when cooking for myself, I do like to put together something a little more cohesive when gathering with friends and family.

Now that summer is here, it's time to cook-out! Few things beat being outdoors, firing up the grill, and chowing down on your summertime favorites with your crew.

When preparing meals for large groups, you do have to take special precautions. It's all too easy to undercook raw meat, or let perishable foods (like potato or macaroni salads which include mayonnaise) sit out unrefrigerated for too long.

Some tips for safe barbecuing:

  • Purchase a food thermometer to be sure meat has been cooked to the proper temperature.
  • Place cold food containers on ice while serving. Cover the dish when not in use.
  • Be aware of any guests with food allergies. Do not use the same surfaces to cook alternate meals. For example, if a guest is allergic to shellfish, be sure their meal is prepared somewhere other than where the fish is cooked.

My favorite cookout meal? Fresh from the farm corn on the cob, chicken covered in bbq sauce, and baked potato. What's yours?

Cook safely, and get ready for seconds!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   cook   food   grill   group   safety   summer  

Comments (3):

blue comment bubble Posted by COOKOUTS HEAVEN on June 04, 2008 at 11:14 AM EDT

I LOVE COOK OUTS AND AM HAVING ONE FOR MY RECEPTION WITH MY HUSBAND THIS SUMMER AND WHERE DOING CHICKEN, RIBS, STEAK KABOBS, GRILL FRUIT YOU NAME IT IT'S GOING ON THE GRILL. SO I'LL BE IN COOK OUT HEAVEN AT PONTIAC LAKE THIS JULY IN MICHIGAN..

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blue comment bubble Posted by Citizen Jmaximus on June 05, 2008 at 05:47 PM EDT

Grilled food just tastes better, don't know why but it just does. I would like to know if it better or worse for the environment? All that charcoal smoke can't be good.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Los Angeles Fire Department on June 05, 2008 at 10:55 PM EDT

There is no better way to kick off Summer and the picnic / grilling season than a reminder about safety!

Along with the great food safety reminders, we hope that GovGab readers make note of the Summer fire safety and outdoor cooking tips offered by the U.S. Fire Administration and their local Fire Department.

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

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