Boost Your Backyard Barbecue

May 1, 2008

There's a familiar, smoky scent that fills the air as summer rolls around. It's that welcoming aroma of food prepared over a roaring flame, a scent that brings back memories of grilling out with family and neighborhood friends. Make your next cookout a meal they'll remember with these little-known tips on summer grilling.

Well-Done or Done Well?

Whether you're making fast burgers or filet mignon, bring out the full natural flavor of meat at your next cookout with these nutritious tips.

Choose leaner cuts of meat, trim any visible fat, and remove the skin from poultry.
To lock in the flavor, try searing both sides before cooking the meat completely.
Add flavor and keep meat tender with a marinade such as a fat-free salad dressing or olive oil. A marinade can also keep lean cuts of meat from drying out.
Wrap delicate fish or thin cuts of meat in foil to keep them from falling through the grill.

The Greener Side of Your Grill

Veggies take on a whole new taste when grilled just right. This summer, try a slice of eggplant, summer squash, or portabella mushrooms covered with a thin layer of olive oil and black pepper. Each slice should be at least an inch thick so slices won't fall through the grate or overcook. If you're looking for fresh ideas, try our recipes for Grilled Peppercorn Pineapple and Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Poppy Seed Glaze.

Cooking Corn on the Cob

For a flavorful finish to your next ear of corn, cook it in its natural wrapper. Soak the corn—husk and all—in water for 15 minutes prior to grilling, after you remove the first few layers and loose silk on top of the ear. Shake out the excess water, cook it over medium heat, and flip often. The trapped water will steam the corn and the direct heat makes it easier to remove the remaining husks and silk.

Fruit Makes a Sweet Side Dish

Did you know that the dry heat of grilling will intensify and caramelize the natural sugars in fruit? For your next dessert, try grilling apples, peaches, pineapples, pears, or nectarines as a tasty alternative to cake and ice cream.

An Ounce of Preparation

When you spray your tools and grill surfaces with PAM� Grilling, cleaning up can be a snap. Specially formulated for no-stick at higher temperatures, PAM Grilling is great for keeping your food from sticking to tongs, skewers, grill baskets, and the grill rack.

Make the most of the summer weather this season by grilling at least once a week. Try some new foods and you may discover some new favorites to add to your Nutrition Planner. For more recipes specifically made for the grill, visit our Find Recipes page and search for the keyword "grill."

Topics: Seasonal Advice, Healthy Cooking

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