''It's Grilling Season

Grilling........For those of you who do not know grilling season is May through September

according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. But that should not keep hardcore grilling enthusiasts like my brother Warren from firing up the barbie even in the coldest of winter months.

Warren tells me that there many people like him that grill all year round and with so many people grilling like he dose there really isn't just a season any more.I know when I was growing up we would grill at least two times a week in the winter. Whether you do your grilling year round or just when it's

warm outside, Warren say's it's important tp take proper care of the grill to get the best possible results.

First you should clean grates with a wire brush to remove food and residue he also recommends using a brass wire brush on stainless steel grates and stainless steel brush on cast iron grates.

If your grill needs to be painted, us only special paint intended to withstand high temperature;

sand off loose flakes and prep before painting.

Maintenance of the grills components are inportant also Warren say's, spiders and insects can nest inside components that carry gas to the burners, so it's important to clean them, as well as valves and burners, to remove debris and carbon deposits. Warren say's he uses oven cleaner on greasy surface, scrubbing them with a wire brush and then wiping clean with a paper towel.

On gas grills, check lava rocks for signs of wear, and if they are cracked, then replace them.

Before you put food on the grill, you'll want to test your burners to make sure flames spread

evenly, and when it's finally time to light up, coat the grates with cooking or high-smoking oil

like peanut oil prevent food from sticking.

After you cook and the grill is cooled, scrub the grate with a wire brush to remove cooked on food.

Wipe up grease and food messes with a damp paper towel or cloth. Salt and grease can accelerate

corrosion. Discard ashes from your charcoal grill after it has cooled; if you use a gas grill, clean or

change the catch-pan liner regularly. Place a weather resistant cover over your grill year round

when it's not being used The DIYNetwork.com recommends using a sturdy cover over your grill year

round to help protect your grill from wear and tear. Make sure it fits snugly to best protect from the elements and, as with any time you're dealing with fire, use every safety precaution. The National

Fire Protection Association offers these safety tips

1. Use gas or charcoal grills outdoors only.

2. Position the grill away from siding, decks, railings and overhanging branches.

3. Place the grill a safe distance away from lawn games, play area's and foot traffic.

4. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from grill.

5. Use long handled grilling tools to allow plenty of room away from the flame while grilling.

6. Periodically remove grease from catch-pan trays so it cannot be ignited by the grill.

So this is The handicapped Chef saying just grill right grill smart and grill good.

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