According to a Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association survey, 73 percent of Americans will spend their Fourth of July holiday cooking outdoors. And natural gas is by far the most popular type of grill with 64 percent saying that’s their preference over charcoal or electric. Grilling is simply synonymous with the holiday.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbeque for two or 12, Americans celebrate our country’s birthday by coming together as family, close friends and neighbors over a deliciously grilled meal. After prepping those burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salmon, oysters and veggies, with the touch of a button your natural gas grill is ready, and the clean burning natural gas means less smoke dampening the mood.
In the beautiful Pacific Northwest, summer is the best time for sitting comfortably in the backyard on a cool evening, with a warm fire and dinner sizzling on the grill — it’s pure pleasure.
Please stay safe this Fourth of July and enjoy that gas grill all summer long. Here are some helpful grilling tips:
- Trim excess fat from meat and poultry to reduce grill flare-ups.
- Use the appropriate temperature to cook food, using lower temperatures for smaller items or larger cuts of meat that will take a long time.
- Place veggies on the edges of the grill to prevent overcooking.
- Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray on the grates for easy cleanup.
- Always stay by the grill when cooking.
Share your favorite grilling recipes by tagging @pepnorthwest and use the hashtags #GrillingWithGas and #CookingOutdoors.
By Scott Ongley, President of Northwest Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association