New to grilling? Make sure you have good tongs
Q: I know next to nothing about grilling. I would love to learn, without ruining food in the process. What tips can you give me?
We have a new grill, one that allows us to set temperatures. The thermometer seems to run consistently with the temperature setting we chose, so that’s not a variable.
A: A thermometer is essential. As for other basics, you should typically build an indirect fire (fire on one side, no fire on the other) so that you can move things around, as needed.
For tools, have long-handled tongs. For a good basic book, Steven Raichlen’s “The Barbecue Bible” is terrific.
Q: Frequently when cutting ripe avocados, I find black blemish spots inside. Are these similar to the bruises on bananas, not pretty, but safe to eat?
A: Avocado growers say they are caused by concentrations of oil content, over-ripening or bruising.
I cut them out, and that’s what the growers recommend, too.
But when there’s a lot of discoloration — brown spots and striations in the flesh — chances are good that the avocado won’t taste as good. So they recommend not eating that stuff.
Q: What’s the secret to getting sweet potato fries crispy? Is there a method that doesn’t involve extraneous equipment I’ll have to wash?
A: Give them a good spritz of olive oil cooking spray and bake in a single layer (on a baking sheet lined with foil).
Q: At a family barbecue I was able to rescue the corn from a boiling pot of water and introduced grilling corn to this side of the family. It was a big hit!
I did notice that some of the kernels got smoky grey almost instantly — so even when evenly roasted, didn’t look as good as some ears — any tips? We always fully shuck the corn so put it directly on the grill to cook.
A: First, steam the ears wrapped in foil with ice, then remove the foil and place them on the grill to give the corn some colour.
The kernels remain plump and juicy this way.
Q: I read somewhere about the minimalist kitchen. Since I’ll be moving soon, I’m starting to look at my kitchen.
I admit, when I don’t know what to get my husband, I’ll get him a kitchen tool. But as a result, our kitchen is overrun with tools we only use once a year — if ever. Do you have any suggestions for multi-use tools?
A: I would keep the zester (microplane?) and strainer. Both are pretty handy. How else to easily get citrus zest, or grate garlic or ginger? And a strainer you can use when making broth or custard or flavoured oil.
The potato masher might be expendable, because you can use a wooden spoon or fork, although I use my potato masher for beans more than potatoes. I don’t own a mandoline utensil and I’ve gotten along fine without it.
Q: My boyfriend smoked two racks of ribs this weekend. They were delicious, however, the sauce burnt/got stuck to the aluminum foil.
Do you have any tips on how to prevent the burnt crust/sticking to the foil?
A: Add the sauce only in the last 10 minutes and without the foil.