*Make your own barbecue sauce. Don't waste
the juice from cans of fruit that you open. Save it, add a little ketchup, and
you have the start of a great sauce.
*Don't use paper products. If you don't
have enough dishes, ask others to bring their own, or invest in some inexpensive
dishes that you can use over and over.
Big napkins to place over your lap when
you are eating (if you don't have a table) are most welcome. Buy some cloth and
make them. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can turn the edges over and
sew by hand, or use iron on tape.
*If you are short on chairs, have your
company bring some. Most people have folding aluminum chairs or camp chairs that
are easily transported.
*If you have a lawn, consider sitting on
blankets. Again, let people know in advance so they can bring their own.
Children often enjoy this the most.
Here are some safety and cooking tips
*Before you place your meat on the
barbecue, be sure it is fully defrosted. It is best to place it on paper towels
after it comes out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Pat it down on both
sides before cooking, and the meat will cook more evenly.
*When cooking meat use a meat thermometer
to make sure the meat is fully cooked. You can also buy one that checks the
temperature of your grill.
If you are using charcoal, and the
temperature is too low, do not add cold charcoal to the existing briquettes.
Heat it up first.
*To cook quickly and economically, lift
the lid as few times as possible.
- And finally....the most important
thing to remember when it comes to barbecuing -
let your husband do it!