Save Energy with Summer Cookouts
We love grilling. And 70% of all households in the U.S. agree! With grilling, you get delicious food and spend more time outside. Plus, you don’t need to worry as much about summertime GA gas rates. Furthermore, you keep all the heat from summer cooking out of the house. In Georgia, that can be a huge win for your Atlanta Gas Light bill. So, let’s get the season started with 11 sizzling grilling tips for the best summer cookout.
Best Tips for Prepping Your Summer Cookout
Roasting in the oven and cooking on the range add heat to your home. Then your AC runs longer, driving up energy costs. Instead, lower your Georgia energy bill by grilling outside. To get started, follow these tips for grill prep.
- Light gas grills with the top open. Firing up the grill with the top down can cause a dangerous buildup of gas and even an explosion.
- Preheat the grill. When you set food on the grill, you want the cooking surface hot for even cooking.
- Clean the grill after heating. Use a brush followed by a wet towel. Finally, add oil to the grill surface.
- Marinade tougher meats. A little marinade or dry rub goes a long way for flavor and texture.
- Bring meat to room temperature for even cooking. Take meat out of the fridge about an hour before grilling time.
Tips for Grilling at Your Georgia Cookout
Now you are ready to cook. Follow these simple tips at the grill for spectacular summer meals.
- Leave it alone. Once food is on the grill, resist the urge to constantly open the grill and flip food. Flipping items only once is typically the goal to shoot for.
- Use a meat thermometer. Checking the temperature of your meat helps determine when it’s done. It also helps avoid overcooking and drying out meat.
- Remember the grill is for more than meat. A skewer of grilled veggies is a great complement to a grilled main dish. Also grill fruits like watermelon and pineapple. Grilled flatbreads are another fun option!
- Go cold for other sides. Bean salads, coleslaws, and garden salads are refreshing companions to grilled foods. Plus, keep even more heat out of the house by avoiding the cooktop.
- Allow meat to rest. After 5-10 minutes rest, meats will hold onto their juices rather than spilling out all over the cutting board.
- Don’t forget dessert! Ditch the oven once again and go frozen. For example, put bananas on popsicle sticks, roll in yogurt and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Put it in the freezer and enjoy a cold treat after dinner.
We’re Cooking up Natural Gas Savings
Your house will be cooler and energy bills lower when you follow our cookout tips. But there is more you can do for energy savings. Switching natural gas providers often means getting a cheap fixed rate for the next year or more. Check out your options for natural gas savings at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.