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Community Corner

Celebrate Father's Day – Cooking for Dad!

Our Chef Laureen has done it again by providing simple and delicious cooking tips here in the spirit of our loving fathers.

A Place Just For Dad

We many not shower him with praise
Nor mention his name in song,
And sometimes it seems that we forget
The joy he spreads as he goes along,
But it doesn't mean that we don't know
The wonderful role that he has had.
And away down deep in every heart
There's a place that is just for Dad...

~ Author Unknown

Forget the Old Spice, the stand by tie or the new BBQ grilling tool set. Cook up a quick, simple and delicious meal for the man who always masters the grill.

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Make it a family day honoring Dad and let him take a day off from all the grilling to do a little chilling. Brush off the grill, light up the coals or fire up the gas and you are on your way to a great fun-filled day.

For a bit of inspiration try a few of these delicious grilling favorites:

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Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas with bell peppers, Vidalia onions and Monterey Jack cheese served with salsa, cilantro and guacamole.

Oger Burger stuffed with red onion, garlic, white cheddar cheese and a black pepper - salt crust served on a grilled buttered sesame seed bun.

Beer Can Chicken season your beer with garlic, rosemary, basil, jalapenos and black pepper, rub the chicken with sea salt, a touch of cayenne pepper and paprika.

Brown Sugar Honey Pork Ribs salt and pepper rub the ribs and brush with a thick coat of bbq sauce of brown sugar, honey, ketchup and cider vinegar.

Baked Beans simmered with brown sugar and peppered bacon.

Potato Salad red skin potatoes with spicy brown mustard, parsley, onion and celery.

Grilled Corn on the Cob - soak the corn husks on, grill for about 30 minutes and once finished husk the corn and brush with garlic, cayenne pepper butter.

Grilled Bologna on Garlic Toast - brush the bologna with olive oil, butter the toast and sprinkle with garlic salt.

Grilled Pound Cake topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge sauce.

  • Grilling Tips

To prevent any potential for food borne illness, wash your hands frequently while preparing your menu.

The grate should be oiled before grilling any food. Use a long handled brush for this purpose. Oiling the grate will help prevent food from sticking to it and will make cleanup easier.

When using charcoal prep the briquettes with a charcoal chimney.

The Direct method sears the food in order to create a flavorful crust on the surface, followed by Indirect to prevent burning the outer area of the food while cooking evenly.

When Indirect grilling, remember to keep lid closed. Opening the lid can add from 10-15 minutes onto grilling time.

Do not use a fork to turn the meat as you are grilling since piercing causes the juices to escape. A long-handled spatula or tong is more appropriate.

  • Grilling times:

Hamburgers – direct heat cooking 2-5 minutes on each side depending upon thickness.

Ribs – indirect heat cooking 50 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Chicken – indirect heat cooking 60-75 minutes.

Always let your meat rest for 3 minutes prior to slicing or serving.

  • Grilling Temperatures:

Make sure to place the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.

Beef – Rare: 140 degrees F; Medium Rare: 145 degrees F; Medium: 160 degrees F; Well Done 170 degrees F

Pork – Medium Rare: 145 degrees F; Well Done: 160 degrees F

Chicken – 165 degrees F

Celebrate all the sweet things Dad does for you. The center of the family deserves a little bit of food cooked with love.

Enjoy a Sunday Funday with Dad and remember Peace Love Food!

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