Prime Cuts

So, now that we’re a couple weeks into Spring, it is really starting to feel that way for us at Caminito.  What are some of the signs that Spring is here for Justin and I?

• Another icefishing season has drawn to a close,
• The tarps have come off the tables on the patio,
• Thoughts of spring produce and the coming changes to the menu have been wafting through my brain, and
• Little signs of green plant life have started to make themselves noticed

Thinking of all these things has made me think of how the signs of Spring affect the home chef… and those who know me from reading my blogs know that when I think of food I inevitably think of the grill.  I of course have the luxury and privilege of having a 12 month a year wood fire grill in my restaurant kitchen,  but for those home grillers, I think if you have not yet this year, it is time to resurrect the backyard barbecue from its winter slumber.

In doing this I want to just give a few bits of advice along to get everyone thinking spring…

When you take out the grill for the first time of the year, whether gas, charcoal, or converted wood burning grill, follow these easy steps to wake your grill up from its winter slumber:

1. Uncover it carefully.  The little creatures of nature often like to make their over winter homes in the nooks and crannies of a grill and its cover.  I usually find evidence of a small mammal and a spider nest or two (my grill spends the winters in an old barn behind the house).
2. Shake the cover out carefully and give the grill a good once over to wipe down the cobwebs, and dust.
3. This is a good time to empty any ash and accumulated grease, also a good time to check the gas tank and connecting hoses (if using gas).
4. Give the grill grate a good thorough scraping, preferably after the heat has been applied to loosen any carbonized material.
5. Then, before using the first time, carefully put a few splashes of vegetable oil on an old kitchen towel and thoroughly wipe down the grill grates while warm or on low heat (be extra careful not to light the towel or yourself on fire).

Now you have a properly lubricated and ready to go grill for the season the season, provided regular scraping and brush downs after uses.  You, my friend, are now ready to start grilling….

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Photo by: Mr. Usaji

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