Swing into springtime grilling season
Baseball players aren't the only ones who benefit from spring training: Grilling enthusiasts can, too.
Many people neglect their grills during the winter. But, as the days begin to get longer and daylight saving time allows for more fun in the sun, it's time to swing into grilling season. In fact, the extra hour of daylight means more practice time for baseball players and grilling gurus alike.
It's never too early to light up some charcoal and share game-winning moments with friends and family while enjoying great food.
World champion shortstop Ozzie Smith believes that even seasoned players need a little pre-season warm-up. Nearly as passionate about charcoal grilling as he is about baseball, Smith said, "I tend to grill year round, but when the teams head to camp, I know it's time to step up my game. Many people wait until summer to grill, which is a shame because, as in all sports, practice makes perfect."
While nationally renowned pitmaster Chris Lilly hardly needs more practice behind a grill, he holds a special fondness for springtime grilling.
"Nothing signals the coming of warm weather and says 'slow down and grill' quite like the unmistakable aroma of the ballpark or the first charcoal cookout of the season," said Lilly.
"If you can combine the two experiences — whether tailgating at the stadium or firing up the grill and inviting friends over to watch the game — that's even better."
These tips and recipes from Smith and Lilly will help grilling enthusiasts hit their next gathering out of the park.
Lead off the grilling season with these smart plays:
Practice makes perfect
Your grill may be a little rusty from the off-season, so before you begin grilling, make sure it's in good shape. Scrub the grate with a long-handled, stiff wire grill brush to remove any residual food. Always discard any residual ashes from the grill before cooking. A thick layer of ashes will act as insulation, affecting the distribution of heat and air circulation.
Score a double play
Amp up the flavor of your grilling experience by using new Kingsford charcoal with Hickory. The flavors add just the right touch of sweet and hearty flavor to all types of food, adding a new element to the delicious smells that are part of the stadium experience.
Don't interfere
Turning food too often during grilling forces moisture out of it. Instead, let food brown before turning it to develop a flavorful crust, the signature of great grilling. When it's time to flip, use tongs or a spatula in place of forks that pierce food and release juices.
Strike 'em out
Marinate your meat before grilling to fight sudden flare-ups and apply sauces, such as KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce, to meats once they have cooked a while on the grill rather than before you start. You'll still taste the delicious flavor without risking a burst of flames.
Bottom of the ninth
True fans can take baseball tailgating to the next level by creating a game-day menu featuring recipes that incorporate the flavors and ingredients of your team's hometown. For more grilling tips and recipes, www.MealsTogether.com.
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 12 to 24 hours for brineCook time: 16 minutes6 bone-in pork chops or boneless loin chops (1 inch thick)Brine2 cups water2 cups apple cider2½ tablespoons kosher salt1 tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon cracked black pepper½ tablespoon thyme leaves (dry spice)Z\x teaspoon minced garlic (dry spice)6 allspice berries (dry spice)½ bay leafSauce2 tablespoons spicybrown mustard½ cup maple syrup½ cup cranberry sauce½ cup apple sauce¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper1/8 teaspoon red pepperMix brine ingredients and stir well. Place chops and brine in food storage bag and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.In small pan, add sauce ingredients and mix well. Heat until warm. Reserve one half cup sauce for plating.Build charcoal fire for direct grilling. Grill chops directly over Kingsford charcoal (approximately 450°F) for 8 minutes on each side. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, baste both sides of chops well with sauce. Internal temperature of chops should reach 150° to 155°F prior to removing from grill.Drizzle reserve sauce over chops when serving or serve warm on the side.Serves 6.
Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 3 to 6 minutes per skewer1 pound extra large shrimp (21 to 25), peeled and deveinedMarinade¼ cup extra virgin olive oil¼ cup lime juice¼ cup chopped cilantro (about half of a bunch)½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon ground black pepper½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes1 teaspoon minced garlic8 skewersAssemble marinade ingredients in large food storage bag, seal and toss to mix. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate shrimp 30 minutes.If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water while shrimp is marinating to prevent them from burning on the grill. When shrimp are finished marinating, spear three shrimp per skewer. Discard remaining marinade.Grill shrimp on outer edges of the grill over charcoal (approximately 400°F) for 2 to 3 minutes on one side and 1 to 2 minutes on other side. Serve on the skewer or remove shrimp from skewer and serve a on platter.Serves 4.
