Fire It Up!
On Memorial Day, the sound and smell of meat sizzling on the grill says one thing: Summer’s here. Whether you like the clean-burning control of a gas grill, or the natural flavor of charcoal, Farmland’s going to help you kick it off right.
First and foremost, don’t forget why we celebrate Memorial Day. Dating back to the Civil War, there are many stories as to the origin of the holiday. But all agree that it is a day of remembrance for those who died in military service to our country. Keep them in mind as you enjoy the festivities of the day.
If there’s no fire, there’s no party: take care of your grill! Here are a few tips to make sure your grill is ready when you need it:
- Complete your grill maintenance and cleaning ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your friends and family when the cookout begins.
- If you’re using a propane or gas grill, make sure your starters and burners are working properly. Keep it safe by following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
- Make sure the grates are clean. Bits of old food from the last cook can be burned off, but rust is another story. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove it.
- This is important for propane grill users: is there fuel in that tank? Many a cookout has gone cold because someone forgot to check the gas.
- Charcoal users, you have it easy. Make sure your grill is clean and in good shape, then fire it up.
- If you plan to use charcoal leftover from last season, make sure it’s still good. Charcoal not stored properly can get wet or moldy.
With the grill cleaned and ready to go, all you need are friends and family to help celebrate, and some great dishes to gather around. These recipes from Farmland are perfect for an outdoor celebration: