In This Issue

Setting Up For A Back Yard Party

Grilling the Perfect Steak

How To Make An Inexpensive Smoker

Recipe For A Montreal Steak Spice

 

Setting Up For A Backyard Party

So its that time of the year again.  The beautiful weather, the warm nights...what better way to enjoy the season that gathering with family and friends out on the back deck to enjoy a beautiful dinner a nice glass of wine, and conversation.  And for those that have not had the pleasure of doing this, here are a few tips to remember to ensure that your backyard gathering is fun and entertaining, without the worry of someone being injured.

First, plan out your event.  Know who you your guests are, and any food issues that they may have.  you will also want to know what kinds of foods you will want to serve, and plan out the menu based on the season.  This will mean knowing what the forecast is calling for to ensure that you are not risking food borne illnesses due to exposure to high outdoor temperatures.  Know what the safe food storage temps are and for how items can be left out.

Next, plan your layout.  It is always a good plan to lay out your back yard to ensure a smooth flow between tables and chairs as well as away from danger points such as pools, and hot grills and/or fire pits.

If you are serving alcoholic beverages at your party, it is a good practice and a sign of responsibility, to ensure that there is a variety of non alcoholic beverages available to your guests.  Doing this also helps lower the risk of responsibility to you as the host/hostess, especially if you take a proactive approach to ensuring that your guests are going to be about to get home safely.

Keep a close eye out on young children.  Children are naturally curious and on occasion will test to see what they can touch and what they can play with.  Keep knives up and out of the reach of children.  if the grill is still running, ensure that there is a responsible adult present to scoot curious hands away. (On High temp settings the average covered BBQ can reach temperatures of 500 degrees F).  if there is a pool, always ensure that there is a responsible adult watching over the pool area to ensure no accidents occur.

 When it comes to plating, utensils and glassware.  I really depends on personal preferences as well the type of function you are having.  If you are having a simple gathering, and you want to limit the amount of cleaning you are doing, or if you are a tight budget then it is perfectly acceptable to utilize disposable and/or recyclable plates, glasses cutlery. however if you are looking to have a more formal event such as a cocktail party or dinner reception the it is best to rent the necessary plates, glasses and cutlery.  this can be done by yourself or through your caterer for a nominal charge. The next thing you may want to consider is what to do in the event of inclement weather.  if cost is not an issue, and there is sufficient space, you could consider renting a reception tent.  most party rental outfits carry varying sizes of tents, and not only will they deliver it, they will also set up and take down for a fee.  If you are only entertain a small number of guests, then another option would be either purchase a collapsible dining tent or consider discussing with your caterer a minor change to an indoor venue.

 

Grilling the Perfect Steak

The quest for the perfectly grilled steak begins with 1 thing. that heavenly piece of red meat you have selected from your local butcher grocery store or farmers market.  Now while many have their favorite cuts, the best grilling steaks  include the T-Bone and the Porter House, the Strip-loin, The Top-Loin,  and the Rib-eye.  What makes these steaks so popular is the flavor that they produce.  

When selecting a steak here are some things to consider.  

 

• Marbling: Marbling is the fat that is present inside the meat itself.  Aside from seasonings one adds, that fat that is naturally inside the steak is what helps maintain the tenderness and the juicy flavor of your steak as it is cooking.  many people look at that and say oh it full of fat.  in reality, there isn't that much fat in the steak.  If it is properly trimmed, then these steaks are very lean and yet very flavorful. 
• Color:  When selecting a nice steak it is Important to look at the color of the meat.  Depending on the color of the meat can tell you how fresh it really is.  the freshest steaks are a nice bright red color, whereas steaks that have been on the shelf or in the cooler for a couple of days have begun to oxidize.  when this occurs it begins to take on a darker red and eventually a rust color hue.  this because the blood in the meat has been exposed to oxygen in the air and has begun to cause a chemical reaction to the iron in the blood. this in turn gives an unappealing look smell and taste to the meat.
• Smell:  Fresh steak should never have a smell to it. If you are detecting a smell similar to rust (accompanied with the dark color of the meat itself) then you may want to avoid purchasing that product.  this is an indicator that the steak is on its last days of freshness and could be close to being dangerous.

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