Before July 4 grilling, grab a bargain in the meat department
One of the unintended bonuses of this recession can be found in the meat department. Prime cuts of beef that would normally be headed toward restaurants are instead ending up in grocery store cases at discounted prices.
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to grill up some of those deals. According to a recent consumer survey conducted by IPSOS Public Affairs, 74 percent of families plan to spend more time grilling outdoors this summer than in years past.
Chef Dave Zino, executive director of the Culinary Center for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association has some more tips to make your meat dollar go farther.
Double-Duty Meals: Plan ahead and grill enough for a couple of extra meals such as sliced leftovers for salads or sandwiches.This is a tip that my friend Sharon recommends.
‘Tis the Season: “Use rubs made with fresh herbs and garlic to enhance the flavor of naturally tender steaks such as T-bone, top loin (strip) and tenderloin. For less tender steaks such as top round, flank or skirt, a basic marinade incorporating acidic ingredients – wine, vinegar or citrus juices – tenderizes and adds flavor. Marinate the steaks at least six hours – up to 24 hours – to achieve perfect results. When adding seasoning to ground beef, don’t over mix and use a light touch when forming patties.”
Bulk Up: It’s cheaper to buy in bulk. Freeze what you don’t use right away.
Everything in Moderation: Always grill over medium heat to ensure the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is cooked thoroughly. Use a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion, and use tongs to turn the meat, not a fork which can causes juices to escape. Charring isn’t recommended on beef, chicken or fish. For more grilling tips and summertime recipes, check out this helpful site. And if prices should start heading up, and you know they will, check out these tips.
-- Tracey Henry, Suburban Diva
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.
Amy Hollyfield is a workaholic mother of two young
daughters, blessed to have a work-at-home husband who makes their life possible. She was born in Detroit and moved around a lot as a kid (read: Air Force brat). She has lived in Florida since the month after she
graduated from Northwestern University. She lives for the yelps, hugs and kisses that greet her on nights that she makes it home before bedtime.
Sherry Robinson was born in the Sunshine State but she feels more comfortable inside a mall than outside at the beach -- thank goodness her husband is the outdoorsy type. He takes their two sons on night hikes, beach runs and bug hunts while Sherry does her best to take care of the homestead -- and find out what is new on the store shelves. A graduate of the University of South Florida in 19noneofyourbusiness, Sherry has been at the Times for nearly 20 years. And with nearly 10 years of parenting experience, Sherry is eager to offer up some great dish on raising kids and keeping your sanity.
Guest blogger Tracey Henry, a.k.a. Suburban Diva, is a frantic, slightly frazzled mother of four. She is a freelance humor writer and author which is the only thing that parenting four children ages 12-1 trains you for, except perhaps court jester and professional bull rider. She and her husband have lived all over the country, but settled in Florida eight years ago because the beachcombing is so much better here than on the banks of the Mississippi. Their family time includes a lot of sport -- both watching and playing -- and fun in the sun and surf. Catch her in Whoa, Momma! and on her site, 
Sherri Day and her husband welcomed their daughter into the world in early 2008. So far, she describes parenthood as exciting, exhausting and exhilarating. A self-described Southern belle with small-town values and big-city idealism, Sherri was born in rural Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Clark Atlanta University and her master's of journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the Brandon bureau chief for the Times. Sherri moved to Tampa from Brooklyn four years ago.