Football championships are some of the biggest grilling days of the year. If you are planning on firing up the grill, here are a few helpful tips to ensure winning results.
- Preheat your barbecue to at least 400º before cleaning or putting food on the grill. If it doesn’t sizzle, your grill is not hot enough
- Bring proteins to room temperature before grilling – this will enhance tenderness and result in more even cooking
- Lightly oil any grill surface with vegetable oil while hot – it will keep food from sticking
- Grill with the lid closed – it will reduce flare-ups, improve flavour, and keep a more constant temperature
- Preheat BBQ sauces on the side burner – cold sauce applied to warm meats can toughen the meat and lengthen cooking times
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the food is cooked to the desired donesness for maximum juiciness and tenderness.
- Let cooked proteins rest between one quarter and one-third of the total cooking time before serving (5 minutes for steaks, chops, and other individual portions, up to 30 minutes for chickens, turkeys, and roasts)
- Prep as much as you can ahead of time. Cut up vegetables, prepare toppings, marinate meat and form patties the day before to ensure you don’t miss any of the action on game day.
Here are a few recipe ideas that are sure to please any game day crowd
Grilled Chicken Wings with Roquefort Dip
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos