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Grilling Etiquette; Improve your BBQ IQ

The basics of "how to grill" prevail as universal, but when it comes to the rights and wrongs of hosting and attending cookouts, everyone has their opinion. For instance, when asked to attend a barbecue, is it always standard to bring your own meat? If you are hosting the party, should you invite your neighbors? To ensure a blunder-free outdoor cookout, follow these dos and don'ts revealed from a national poll of Americans, fielded by the HPBA.

When invited to a barbecue:

  •  • DO feel okay bringing your own sauce, 49% of grillers say it's acceptable.
  •  • DO expect the meat to be provided by the host, but pull your weight by bringing your own sides and beverages. Go the extra mile and bring enough to share with others.
  •  • DON'T touch the grill! 61% of those surveyed say only the host/hostess should "man" the grill. As a guest you can look, but don't touch.

As the host of a barbecue:

  •  • DO have all grilled food ready at relatively the same time.
  •  • DO offer grilled vegetarian options.
  •  • DON'T feel obligated to invite your neighbors. Two-thirds of people surveyed said there is no need to extend an invitation to neighbors, even if they can see and smell that you're having a barbecue.

In general, when grilling with others:

  •  • DO start eating your food if your meat is finished before everyone else's - after all you don't want your freshly grilled meat to get cold.
  •  • DO stake your claim at a community grill by laying out your grilling utensils or meat.
  •  • DO be considerate of others - it is only appropriate to flip your own meat and the meat of others when manning the grill.

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For more information about the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association log on to www.HPBA.org.
Copyright © 2008 HPBA and ATG Stores. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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