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        Latest News — spice blends

        Grilling Safety Tips - For Tailgating and those who grill year round...like us!

        With tailgating in our future, here are some safety tips...

        According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 86 percent of households own an outdoor barbecue, grill or smoker, and 62 percent of grill owners use them year-round.

         

        After a summer of grilling, I'm sure that a good cleaning is in order.  Especially if you plan on using the grill year round. Once the grill is clean and ready for use, keep some safety tips in mind...

        Heat doesn't clean the grill by itself

        The heat does burn off a lot of food particles, but it's smart to use a good grill brush (Alternatives such as steel wool, pumice as well as rags and towels work) and scrub off the interior surface of the grill (grates, flavor bars, etc.) trying to get all the char off. Even the char can catch fire and lead to more residue as well as black food.  

        For charcoal grills - Clean out old charcoal, ashes and wood from the last outdoor cooking season, and make sure vents are clean and not plugged up.

        For a gas grill - Make sure propane connections are tight and hoses are not cracked to prevent potential gas leaks.

        Once the grill is clean, make sure it sits on flat, stable ground. 

         

        Thaw meat in the refrigerator, so it stays cold while it’s thawing. Thawing it under cold running water (called "slacking") is acceptable if a person needs to prepare the meat in a rush.

        If you have a frozen patty, it is better to thaw it, but will still be ok if you put it on the grill frozen. just don't expect it to be the most tender. Also, its hard for seasoning to stick to frozen meat...you know us, we love our seasoning!

        Make sure to avoid cross-contamination by having a plate for raw meat and a plate for cooked meat.  It is also important to switch the tongs and/or spatulas mid-cooking to ensure they aren't contaminated.

        Also, marinade meat in the refrigerator. We like to do this in a plastic bag (squeezing out as much air as possible). Once the meat is taken out of the marinade, dispose of the leftover marinade or boil it to make sure its safe (if you plan on using it to baste or glaze). 

        Put small items on skewers so they don’t fall through the grates. We like to soak the wood skewers in water for 15 minutes before to lessen the chance of burning.

        Food safety for meat

        Use a thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the proper safe temperature as well as to make sure you don't overcook it. Take your pride out of it...Even some of the best chefs use a thermometer. The internal temperature should be taken in the middle of the cut. Check each piece on the grill. This is especially important if the cuts are different sizes.

        Recommended cooking temperatures:

        • Ground Meat (including Beef, pork and lamb) should be cooked to 160 degrees F
          • Poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees F
          • Beef steaks and pork chops to 145 degrees F

          We here at Willard's Kitchen recommend grinding your own steaks and then you can have your medium-rare burgers. Chuck meat makes a great burger.

          Side dish safety

          • Vegetables are great on the grill...Try zucchini or potatoes on the grill with our All Purpose Seasoning 
          • It is good to let the main meat rest, so you just might have enough time to cook the veggies after already finishing the meat
          • Make sure to keep cold sides cold (if you are going to the tailgate or picnic) in a cooler or refrigerator
          • Make sure to keep a separate cooler or ice chest for the beverages because that will be opened more often (especially at a tailgate!)
          • Keep hot foods over 140 degrees F, by transporting in crock pots or insulated thermal carriers, and when you get there make sure to plug in or set up in a chafer

          Most Important Note:

          Always wash your hands before, during, and after meal preparation. Use warm water, soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds to get the best results (singing happy birthday two times works for me). If water is not available, hand sanitizers can be used as long as you get the dirt off first!

           

           

          Rexville Grocery...Mount Vernon

          Rexville Grocery is more than a grocery store. This Historic Skagit Valley store offers great gourmet foods and serves as a community center. Wine tasting's, food festivals, singles events and art openings are just part of what you'll find. Stop in for a picnic lunch or a cup of great coffee and enjoy the friendly Rexville spirit! Pick up some of our blends while you are there!

          Rexville Grocery Store Mt Vernon WA

          Moline, Illinois!!!

          I'm not sure if too many of you on the west coast can attest, but Jerry's Market has the best quality meat in the Quad Cities at a reasonable price. They have had repeat customers for about half a century. Nothing is a better review than the test of time. If you know of anyone there that is looking for the best, look no further than Jerry's! Tell them Willard sent you, and pick up some of our blends while you are in there!

          New Store - Arlington, WA

          Those of you in Arlington, WA can rejoice. Our products can now be purchased at Garden Treasures Nursery and Organic Farm.  

          Garden Treasures is a six-acre nursery, garden center and certified organic, historical farm in the floodplain of the Stillaguamish River Valley.  We are proud to be a part of a business that has been committed to the revitalization of local agriculture and the movement to "Know Your Farmer - Know Your Food."

          http://www.gardentreasuresfarm.com/