LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021

FIRE IT UP! 2 FIRE STARTER

Propane check Wondering if you have enough propane for dinner? Before you light up the ’cue, pour hot water down the side of the tank. Pat your hand down the tank: When it goes from warm to cold, you’ve found the level.

If you want to fire up charcoal without lighter fluid or expensive gadgets, there is an under­ appreciated method used among backyard chefs. Build a mound of charcoal (lump or briquettes), and burn four hot spots with a blowtorch. To get things moving along, a hair dryer (set to cool) will huff and puff and blow your fire into white-hot coals in no time.

4 CLEAN YOUR GRILL WITHOUT A BRUSH

If your grill brush has reached an unsightly state, you can clean your grate with two common house­ hold items. Make a ball of foil to rub over the hot grate with a pair of tongs. Or use the cut side of half an onion: The acidity and moisture act as natural cleaners, plus it flavours the grill.

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Fish that won’t stick Do you have trouble grilling fish without it sticking and falling apart? Here’s a simple trick: Make an aromatic bed of citrus slices and herb sprigs, and then place the fish on top, cover and grill. Winning combos include lemon and dill, and orange and rosemary.

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EARLY SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK