Get Organized to Grill!

One of the many perks of our California lifestyle is being able to grill year-round. Once Memorial Day arrives, most us of tend to fire up those BBQs a little more frequently. Grilling is such a fun way to prepare food and entertain, but it can also be one of the messiest and sometimes chaotic. Here are some very simple tips to help you kick off the grilling season…

Have your tools compiled in one place. Either store them hanging on the grill hooks or have a specific location in the kitchen. Don’t necessarily keep them with all your other utensils. You want to avoid digging through the drawer to find your tongs. Another option is to hang them on the inside of a cabinet door with 3M hooks which won't damage the doors.

Pre-set what you can. While waiting for the grill to preheat set out the following items: cooking tools, platter with uncooked meat, platter for cooked meat, seasonings or marinades, and timer (if needed). This way, instead of letting the chicken burn while you find a platter – you will have it ready to go.

*Grill Masters tip-always wash any utensils or surfaces that have touched the uncooked meat, before using them again on the cooked meat.

Gather up your Go-To seasonings in an easy to carry basket or bin. I recommend the handled kitchen baskets from The Container Store.  You can easily transport your seasonings from the kitchen to the grill, and then back again.  Label the tops of each spice so you can grab what you need without having to pick up each jar to see what it is.

Keep it clean. Keep a grill brush in the cabinet below the sink, or hanging on the grill hooks. So it is convenient to give the grill a scrub once it has cooled.

Invest in a back up propane tank. It is hard to tell how much gas is left in those things.  If you have a back up you won’t have to settle for pizza delivery when you have been marinating those steaks. Just remember to get your primary tank refilled a.s.a.p.

Make the effort to put a grill cover on after each use. Grill covers are great and can really preserve the life and integrity of your grill. Since our air is humid, metal parts tend to rust faster and a grill cover can prevent that.  Plus it helps to keep everything clean from the outdoor elements.  

 By taking some time in the beginning to set up these methods, you’ll save time and stress later. Being organized will allow you to enjoy your guests, your grilling and most importantly that drink!