Many folks may be grilling out for the first time this weekend.
Putnam County Extension Agent Michelle Parrot said a meat thermometer helps you serve perfectly prepared food.
“Just keep one out there by your grill and as you’re grilling those hamburgers, let’s say, just make sure you put that thermometer in that hamburger that it reaches 160 degrees. For chicken it’s 165 degrees,” Parrot said.
Meat thermometers can be picked up a most stores and they’re not expensive, she said.
“Nowadays you can really find them anywhere and they really are key to cooking, because it saves your flavor and moisture and texture of whatever your cooking because you’re just cooking it to the right temperature. That way you’re not burning it and it’s dry and people don’t want to eat it. This way its fresh, it’s the right temperature and we don’t have to worry about any of those bacterias making people sick,” Parrot said.
If you’re marinating chicken, beef or pork, Parrot said, make sure you keep it cold to prevent bacteria growth.
