Barbecue Basics for Beginners

Tools
Make sure you're equipped with these master grillers' tools of the trade:

•	Tongs or spatula: for turning grilled foods
•	Grilling grid: for smaller food like chopped vegetables
•	Disposable aluminum tray: for heating side foods like baked beans
•	Wire grill brush: for cleaning grill
•	Insulated, flame-retardant mitts: for handling hot coals and grill
•	Long-handled tongs: for handling briquets

How to Grill

•	Keep food from sticking by rubbing grill with vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray.
•	Leaving space around each food item on the grill allows for even cooking and smoke penetration.
•	Turn meat just once on the grill – for steaks, turn them when the juices start to bubble on the uncooked side (the clearer the juice, the more well done the meat).
•	Use tongs or a spatula to turn food. Poultry and meat can lose moisture and flavorful juices when pierced by a fork.
•	Apply sauces containing honey, brown sugar or molasses during the last 10 minutes to prevent the sauce from burning.
•	Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy so you can spritz flare-ups, which can blacken your food.
•	Place cooked foods on a clean plate, not one that has previously held raw meat, fish or poultry. Bacteria from raw food can contaminate the cooked food and cause food poisoning.
•	Brush the grilling surface (once it's cooled) with a wired brush to remove any stuck on food.