IN Mt. Lebanon Summer 2014 | Page 23

INDUSTRY INSIGHT T Get Grilling! SPONSORED CONTENT On Your Mark, Get Set, Grill! he days are getting longer, trees are budding and the tulips are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation (finally). Alas, it’s time to get our grills up and running. For most of us, the ritual marks the beginning of easier, healthier living. But before you drop that juicy steak and side of veggies on the grill, there are crucial steps you must take now to get your grill and equipment in tip-top shape. Food just doesn’t taste the way it should when it’s cooked in the remnants of last season’s meal. Even if you gave your grill INGREDIENTS a cleaning before putting it away last year, follow these Juice of 2 lemons pepper flakes simple steps to keep your food looking and tasting great: 2 teaspoons hot red arse black pepper Grinding of co 1. Clean Your Grill Racks. Most of us have self-cleaning e sea salt 1 1/2 teaspoons coars ovens, so kill two birds with one stone by placing your icken, split in half 4-pound roasting ch grill racks inside your oven and setting it on self-clean. ch 3 or 4 clean bricks, ea If the racks are caked with excessive amounts of food or foil apped in aluminum wr grease, turn the grill on high and close the cover for a few oll oked under bricn PChickenocoAl Mattoks) e minutes. After, brush both sides with a stiff wire brush. 2. Replace Your Lava Rocks. Remove lava rocks and spray the basin of the grill with “no heat” oven cleaner. Let it sit overnight, then hose off in the morning and replace with new lava rocks. Use a bent paper clip to poke through every burner hole. re, then place halves with the mixtu grill and position them directly on the each half. the bricks on top of ing and regulating Grill carefully, watch to avoid flare-ups. the heat as necessary ing oven mitts. Use Remove the bricks us icken once to cook tongs to turn the ch position the bricks on the other side. Re . When a fork easily on top of the chicken and the juices run DIRECTIONS pierces the chicken cks, transfer the Prepare the grill. clear, remove the bri board and cut it into wl, combine the chicken to a cutting In a large shallow bo er, er flakes, pepp pieces. Serve hot. lemon juice, red pepp ch side of the chicken and salt. Coat ea 3. Spring-Clean Your Seasoning & Grill Tools. Bottled herbs only maintain their flavor and pungency for one year. After you’ve cleaned your grill, why not spend an afternoon organizing your kitchen and pantry? We all have a few things tucked away in our kitchen drawers that haven’t seen daylight in years. Spend some time taking inventory of what you use on a regular basis and upgrade to ergonomic peelers, high-heat spatulas, and of course, make sure you have the essentials like a set of oversized stainless mixing bowls. WE’RE MORE THAN PITTSBURGH’S BEST WEDDING VENUE Chef’s Tip: To help keep your grill racks clean, spray your clean racks with non-stick spray or rub with cooking oil, and apply barbeque sauce on your meat only when it’s nearly done. Now that your equipment is ready, explore marinades and rubs for added flavor and moisture. Grilling Fish Get your grill extra hot to ensure that your fish doesn’t stick. Turn the heat down slightly just prior to adding the fish to prevent charring or flaming. For extra insurance, put a few thin slices of lemon on your grill grate and place the fish on top. You will sacrifice some of the grill marks on your fish, but maintain the great grilled flavor with the added kick of some fresh lemon. Spring is the time for new beginnings! Ciao! This Industry Insight was written by Jason Capps. Bella Sera was founded from traditions passed on to me from my ancestors in Italy.” - Jason Capps & Chef & Owner More than Pittsburgh’s best wedding venue, Bella Sera prides itself on creating unbelievable experiences for customers through exceptional food quality and hospitality at its renowned Tuscan venue. Whether its our world class weddings, catering, or special events like Easter Brunch and Wine Tastings, our ability to create amazing experiences for our friends is what sets us apart. 724.745.5575, www.bellaserapgh.com, 414 Morganza Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Grillin’ & Swillin’ Join us Friday, May 30 at our pond for great BBQ, Beer and Live Music! RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY SIGNED. SEARED. DELIVERED. We cater BBQ for your Social or Corporate Event. CALL US TODAY OR VISIT OUR ALL-YOU-CAN-ENJOY LUNCH BUFFET - MON-FRI 414 MORGANZA ROAD, CANONSBURG, PA 724.745.5575 • BELLASERAPGH.COM Follow us on Facebook Mt. Lebanon | Summer 2014 | icmags.com 21