1. Use Quality meat
Start off with the best quality cut of meat available. No amount of seasoning can make up for poor quality meat. Trim off any excess fat. Too much fat can lead to flame ups which can burn the meat.
2. Be prepared
Season your food before bringing to the grill. If you are marinating, basting, or saucing, have it all ready and within arm's reach once grilling starts. Make sure all of your utensils are within arm's reach also. Oh, one more thing, if using a gas grill, make sure you have plenty of gas in the tank.
3. Be Hot
Make sure your grill is hot. Of course it is hot, however a grill that is not properly preheated will lead to sticking on the grates. Also make sure the grates are clean, that too can cause sticking, and there is nothing less appetizing than little pieces of burned food on your meat.
4. Slow it Down
If you have the time, use a low level of heat and cook slowly. Cooking slowly allows time for the juices to naturally tenderize the meat. When grilling slowly,when possible(gas), use of hickory or mesquite wood chips can also add a nice smokey flavor to your food.
5. Don't Impale Your Meat (ouch
Sorry, had to do it. Make sure you use utensils such as tongs and spatulas, not forks or utensils that spear the meat. Putting holes in the meat will cause the juices to seep out. By not spearing our meat stays tender and juicy.
6. Don't Apply Sauce Too Early
Often times the food gets burned because the sauce was applied too early. When it comes to BBQ sauces, tomato, or sugar based sauces, it is necessary to apply these during the last stages of grilling. This way the food does not char and dry out.
7. Stay Close By
You never know when a flame up might occur. You need to be ready to deal with this promptly before your food goes up in flames.
8. Let it Sit
Once grilling is complete, give the food a few minutes to sit on a plate. No matter what you are grilling, everything tastes better when left to sit a few minutes after grilling. It gives the juices a chance to set in properly.
Tailgating Tips
1. Arrive Early
You want to give yourself plenty of time to cook, eat and clean up without being in a rush. So its a good idea to show up two to three hours before the game.
2. Prepare Food Ahead of Time
Whatever you can do at home to prepare your meal, do it! You don't want to spend your precious party time preparing food. Grilling takes enough time already. If you are grilling, don't forget the portable grill and grilling utensils. Bringing food that does not need grilling can be a time saving alternative, but grilling at the tailgate party is the best! Make sure you have extra plates, napkins and utensils.
3. Be Ready For the Weather
Whether is hot or cold outside, make sure you have the proper gear for the weather. Always have rain gear handy just in case. No one wants to be soggy at a tailgate party. Hats, sunglasses and sunblock are always good to have on hand.
4. Find a Good Spot to Park
You want to find a spacious area to park, hopefully over grass. A shady spot is even better. Hot pavement is not the best, or most comfortable setting for a good time.
5. Be Cool
Always remember to bring plenty, if not extra, ice. We want the food to stay safe and the drinks cold. Nothing worse on a hot day than a warm refreshment. Not very refreshing.
6. Show Your Spirit
Dress up in your team's colors. Wear whatever fan gear you have. Its fun! Bring your team logo folding chairs and folding picnic table. There are even team logo portable grill sets. Spruce up the tailgating area with flags, or banners and any other types of team stuff. This also raises the attention of your tailgate neighbors, which can make for a real social event.
7. Have Fun
Bring along some games, or a frisbee, or a ball to throw around. Bring a blanket to spread out on. If not for spreading out, bring your team banner to hang up and support the team! A few essentials are necessary to ensure the success of the party, they include: sunblock(I do repeat), trash bags, liquid soap or hand sanitizer, toilet paper(you better believe it), first aid kit and jumper cables, just in case.
Picnic Planning
Imagine a beautiful day, the sun is shining, a nice breeze is blowing, and you are with that special person sitting on a comfy blanket having a nibble and a glass of wine. Or maybe you packed up the car with the family and you are headed to a state park , or any park , to have a great day eating, drinking and just being together for a family fun day. There isn't a better stress reliever than a nice relaxing picnic. And a picnic with the family, or that special one in your life, is one of the best ways of enhancing that special bond. For whatever type of picnic you have, a few good tips, or recommendations brought to you by Excited by Sports include;
Not only will this provide you with comfort and a place to sit on, it will also serve as a barrier to the elements. This will keep the ants and insects from crashing the party. Sometimes, a plastic tarp is a good idea to have on hand in case the grass has moisture that might affect the blanket.
Whatever type of picnic you may have, there are picnic basketsof all shapes and sizes to cater to your needs. Some picnic baskets include plates, napkins, utensils and some even have salt and pepper shakers and cutting boards. Other ones may have nice insulated compartments for food and wine. Here at Excited By Sports we have a great range of quality picnic baskets and specialty backpacks and outdoor handbags for all of your exciting adventures.
Depending on what type of picnic you are having, pack accordingly. Grilling is always a good idea when having a picnic with a group, or family. If not sure if the amenities are at your destination, bringing a portable grill is always a good idea. Portable grills are compact and do not take up much space. A folding picnic table is also good to have on hand especially when the picnic is more than just a couple of people. Folding picnic tables are also usually quite compact. Once again you would like to have everything prepared ahead of time so you don't have to spend precious time preparing your food. When it comes to a romantic picnic, grilling is not the greatest idea. A bottle of wine, or your favorite beverage along with an array of cheeses, crackers or a nice crusty loaf of bread along with an assortment of exotic fruits is always a great idea for creating that special mood. Bring along some nice music too.
Along with most of the items listed in the section above, to ensure the success of your picnic, no matter what kind you are having, keep in mind, some of the things you should have on hand, they include; condiments, more ice, insect repellent, sunblock(I repeat again!), t-paper(not very romantic, but you never know when you might need it), extra liquids(especially on a hot day), rain gear, a game or two, playing cards, and maybe a frisbee or ball of some variety to play with. A camera is always a good idea for keeping lasting memories of your adventure.
Have a Blast !
