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The weather is turning warm so thoughts are turning to America’s favorite pass time, outdoor grilling. Firing up the barbeque grill and cooking hamburgers, chicken, steaks, fish, ribs and vegetables for your family and friends to enjoy can be such fun and the food is delicious. However, it is important to follow grilling safety tips to ensure safety of the cook and surrounding people and buildings.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage.

• Although gas grills are used roughly 1.5 times as often as charcoal grills, they were involved in five times as many fires.  Gas grills were involved in 6,400 home fires, including 2,100 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires.
• One-third (33%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 11% started on an exterior wall surface.
• Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 51% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 56% of the outside gas grills, and 29% of the non-confined gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

In order to stay safe, the association provides these easy steps to take. You can download these grilling safety tips here. Or watch this video.

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grills

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Grilling is a simple way to  cook those outdoor meals that taste so good. Just follow these tips and use common sense and you will be able to enjoy the experience and most importantly the food.

Texas Caviar with black beans, also called texas caviar salsa, is a very popular dish for picnics, family get togethers or other dish to pass occasions. This Texas caviar recipe is extremely easy to make and since it is made the night before it gives you more time to prepare if you are having a party at your house.  This is one of the most popular dishes at every party that I take it. People always ask for the recipe.

Shoepeg corn is a cultivar of white sweetcorn valued for its sweetness. It is characterized by small, narrow kernels tightly and unevenly packed on the cob. The corn has a sweet, mild flavor. Shoepeg corn is more commonly used in the south. The name “shoepeg corn” derives from a shoemaking term used during the 1800s. Shoepeg corn kernels resemble the wooden pegs used to attach soles to the upper part of shoes.

Ingredients

1 can black beans, drained
1 can black eye peas, drained
1 can shoe peg corn, drained
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup red onion, chopped
1 cup olive oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 small can jalapeno chile peppers, diced

Directions

1. In a small pan heat olive oil, sugar and vinegar until sugar melts.

2. Mix all ingredients together and marinate overnight.

3. Drain marinade and enjoy