Easy Tips for Cleaning Your Grill

Grilling season here, and if your grill is still buried in the ashes of last summer’s Buffalo wings, steaks, and burgers, NOW is the time to give it some much-needed attention. Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, these simple clean-up and grill guide is sure to equip you with all the right steps to becoming the ultimate grill-master this season!

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CLEAN YOUR GRILL

I vaguely remember growing up with the theory of “burning off the old” and not really cleaning the grates.  Yup, I’m old and our grill was well used all year long.  Did you know when you leave remnants of your last meal on the grates, it will char and burn the next time you fire up the BBQ. It seems like a no-brainer, right?  This not only changes the taste but also the quality of your barbecue.  The burnt pieces are also harmful to your health. When you burn those charred bits at high temperatures, a harmful chemical compound is produced which can potentially increase your risk of cancer. So you definitely don’t want to keep the old stuff around!

STEPS TO CLEANING YOUR GRILL

1. GRILL GATE REMOVAL AND CLEANING

Grates must be maintained clean because they are in direct contact with food. Remove the cool grates first, then use a brush to remove any large debris. Next you’ll want to  immerse the grates in hot water and dish soap. Let them soak in a sink or large bucket to make it easier to scrub later. Lastly, clean the grill with a firm grill brush,  rinse and dry!

2. INTERNAL CLEANING OF THE GRILL 

Brush the grates’ interior to remove any gunk gathering at the bottom and around the sides.  If you have a charcoal barbecue, you’ll want to scrape away any large peeling flakes of carbon/grease from the ash catcher and empty it.  To make cleaning easier the next time, wash the drip pan and grease cup in warm soapy water and line with aluminium foil.

3. EXTERNAL CLEANING OF THE GRILL 

Using a sponge or towel soaked in warm soapy water, wipe off the exterior, handles, side trays, and any bottom doors. Thoroughly rinse and dry before firing up the grill.

Brush Safety

If you opt to use a brush with bristles to clean your grill, follow these safety steps:

• Grill brushes are like toothbrushes. When you see the bristles beginning to flatten or lose their efficacy, it’s time to replace.
• Apply the “tweezer test”: take a pair of tweezers, randomly select five to 10 bristles and gently pull – if any bristles come off, it’s time to replace.
• It is not recommend to leave grill brushes exposed to the elements when not in use. The rain, sunlight, humidity, snow, etc., can age them prematurely.
• Above all, treat your grill brush just as you would any part of your grill and grilling environment: Follow manufacturers’ instructions and continuously inspect before and after using.

GRILL RECIPE TO KICKSTART THE BBQ SEASON

Now you’ve given your grill a total-body-scrubdown, it’s time to get grilling! So, pull out all your favorite gear and get ready to try out a new recipe idea!

GRILLED MAPLE MISO CHICKEN SKEWERS

Share some of your favorite tips and tricks that help you get through your cleaning routine? Which grill-worthy recipes are you most excited to try this season?

Looking for more recipes and hacks, check out my VIP group – Hope’s Healthy Kitchen. 

Have an Epic day!

Tasty Tuesday: American Pie

YIELDS: 8     PREP TIME: 30 minutes      COOK TIME:50 minutes 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts (unbaked)
• 5 c. strawberries
• 3 c. blueberries
• 1/2 c. cornstarch, divided
• 3/4 c. sugar, divided (plus more for sprinkling)
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbs. heavy cream)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Make the base. Roll out the base of the pie dough into a large rectangle, about 15 x 12-in. Transfer the dough into a 12 x 9 x 1-in baking sheet or jellyroll pan. Gently press the dough along the edges. Fold the edges under and crimp. Transfer to refrigerator while you prepare the other crust.
3. Make the stars and stripes. Roll out a second piece of pie dough. Use about 1/4 of the dough to cut out stars with a small star cookie cutter. Using a paring knife (or pastry wheel), cut long 1-in thick stripes lengthwise using the rest of the dough. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Make the fillings. In a medium bowl, add blueberries, 1/4 c. sugar, 1/4 c. cornstarch and the juice and zest of 1/2 lemon. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl, add strawberries, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/4 c. cornstarch and the juice and zest of 1/2 lemon. Stir to combine.
5. Make the pie. Fold aluminum foil into a thin strip, about 1 1/2-in wide. Then fold the strip into a right angle about 5×4-in. Remove the base crust from the refrigerator and place the foil into the upper lefthand corner of the crust to form a small rectangle. Spoon the blueberry filling into the foil-lined rectangular portion. Then spoon the strawberry filling into the rest of the crust. Remove the foil.
6. Assemble and bake! Then place pastry stars on top of the blueberry mixture. Lay the stripes lengthwise across the strawberry filling, leaving about 1-in between each stripe. Brush the egg wash onto the pie crusts and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 50 minutes, until pie crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for at least an hour before serving.

Taking this AMAZING pie to a tailgating party or a barbeque?  Why  not use Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set to get it there safely?  The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!

Have a favorite recipe you want to share?  Send it to me and if we use it, you will receive a FREE gift from me.

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: S’mores Icebox Cake Recipe

Thank you Delish for this yummy recipe.  The marshmallow whipped cream is everything.  I am going to try and recreate it with some changes since dairy and gluten are out of my diet…..

PREP TIME:  30 minutes     TOTAL TIME: 6 hours 30 minutes     YIELDS: 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 c. cold milk
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 7 oz. marshmallow crème
• 1 sleeve graham crackers
• 1 package mini marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a 9″-x-5″ loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing overhang on all sides.
2. In a large bowl, whisk pudding and milk until fully combined. Let cool completely.
3. Make marshmallow whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in crème and set aside.
4. To loaf pan, add 1 layer of graham crackers, breaking crackers up when necessary to completely fill bottom. Spread 1/3 chocolate pudding on top of that, then add an even layer of mini marshmallows (about 1/2 cup). Spread on 1/3 marshmallow whipped cream mixture, then repeat process 2 more times, ending on marshmallow whipped cream. Refrigerate overnight.
5. When ready to serve, invert cake onto flat serving platter and peel off plastic.
6. On a baking sheet, add 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. Using a kitchen torch or broiler, toast marshmallows until golden brown. Once cool enough to handle, place on top of cake. Serve immediately

Want to take this YUMMY recipe to the next barbecue? Why not try Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set. The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!

Have a favorite recipe?  Share it with us and if I use it in the blog, you will receive some “happy mail” from me….

Have a blessed day!