‘Tis the Season for HOME LIVING | Feature
Grillin’ Chillin’ and
By Deborah C. Gerbers
June is upon us, full of sunshine, warm breezes, and the beautiful summer weather we’ve been waiting for all winter long. Freshly mown grass and backyard patios are beckoning, welcoming us yet again to another season of outdoor living! Read on for our tips and tricks for easy summertime barbecues and cookouts. Keep the Menu Simple Summer days are long and lazy, meant to be enjoyed with relaxation to the max—so fretting over complicated dinner parties and menus is not the theme for easy at-home cookouts and backyard get-togethers. Plan a simple menu using local, easy-to-find produce and meats that are readily available in your area. Here are some sample menus with components and marinades that can mix-and-match, are relatively affordable, and require little prep/cooking time: Grilled Main/Meat options: • Chicken breast/thighs • Salmon filets • Sirloin strip or T-bone steaks • Whole pork tenderloin Marinades: • Teriyaki • Lemon/garlic/pepper • Blackened seasoning or dry rub Side/Salads: • Cubed watermelon with feta cheese and mint • Relish of fresh corn cut from the cob with onion and jalapeño 32
| JUNE GLO 2022 |
• Cucumber, peaches and dill relish • Cold bean salad with rinsed and drained red kidney, garbanzo and black beans The Right Cooking Equipment A grill is a versatile piece of equipment that can be found in all price ranges and for all levels of cooking experience. From the basic Weber charcoal grill, to a top-of-the-line infrared propane grill, to the well-known and well-reputed Big Green Egg, you can find something to fit your lifestyle. Colliers Fireplace Shoppe in Warsaw carries several big-name brands for Fort Waynearea customers, with everything you need for a great summertime backyard cookout. Colliers carries Big Green Egg, Napoleon, Ambiance, and Louisiana Grills. Grilling is an easy way to prepare delicious food outdoors without heating up your house—plus, there’s very little cleanup afterward. To prolong the life of your grill, whatever option you choose, keep it clean, brushing the grates regularly after each time you grill to reduce carbon and sugar buildup from sauces and marinades. Also make sure to cover your grill once it has cooled down to protect it from wind and rain. You can also use stainless steel polish for the exterior surfaces.
Also—be sure to check your propane tank before you start grilling… you don’t want to have to stop cooking midway through to either refill the tank at the store or worse, be forced to finish cooking indoors. Be Relaxed and Enjoy Yourself! Finally, don’t forget to have fun! You’re having friends and family over for a good time and to enjoy each other’s company outside in the gorgeous summer weather, not to stress out over seating charts or complicated food. a
Resource: Colliers/The Fireplace Shoppe, Warsaw 574.203.5882, trustcolliers.com
