Grilling is a great way to prepare foods, it offers great color, texture, and flavor and not to mention does not require added fat. Ever taken a close look at grill grates? Even if you are good about cleaning these, allergens can remain a threat. Residues from meats, sauces and marinades can cling onto the grill and get into your food. If you plan on going to a barbecue this weekend that you yourself are not hosting, consider these tips for the grilling allergy free.
1. Consider cooking your foods in a foil pack. Part of the fun of grilling is hearing the sizzle of the meat and seeing the grill marks, which will likely be missed with this method, but at least you know your food is safe. Heavy duty foil may be best and be sure to use a separate set, or a clean set of grilling tools when touching the food.
2. Ask the host of the party if you can bring over your own grill grates. May sound excessive, but that way you or your family member with a food allergy and still enjoy the same foods, prepared the same way.
3. Consider bringing over a portable grill along with separate grilling tools. These get more expensive each year and would avoid any hesitation when using someone else's grill.
While your out grilling, try this allergy-friendly BBQ sauce! (make one day ahead of time)
2 cups ketchup
1 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/2 Tbsp. dry mustard powder
2 Tbsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil on high heat, stirring frequently. Turn heat down and let simmer for 2hrs, totally worth it!
To make your marinade Top 8 free, just leave out the Worchestershire Sauce. =)
ReplyDeleteAnother suggestion for families dealing with food alelrgies is to not use marinades until after grilling-ie. use them as a condiment (where possible).
Another option would be to always use a "safe" marinade. "Safe", of course, depends on what the allergen is. We deal with Top 6 Allergens (Top 8 minus fish/shellfish) as well as sesame and cinnamon and the only marinades we use are ones we make ourselves--mostly oil/vinegar/garlic/onion. The addition of sugar & cooking sounds like a nice idea.