Memorial Day Grilling Recipes and Advice It's time to fire up the grill and we have Tim Laird - America's CEO Chief Entertaining Officer and author of "That's Entertaining!" - with tips and ideas for grilling. Grilling Accessories Start with the right gadgets and accessories: Meat thermometer wireless option is great Grill thermometer: Can utilize your grill like as an oven, this helps regulate the internal temperature Proper utensils... Sturdy grill brush: Go heavy-duty. The light weight ones fall apart quickly. Spatula: Go with a large and sturdy spatula Basting brush: Look for the new silicone bristles. They don't fall apart, hold up to high heat and are dishwasher safe Mister bottle: Always keep on hand for flare-ups Tongs: These are a necessary tool so you don't pierce meats and lose valuable juices Fire extinguisher: Better safe than sorry Grilling Tips Bring meat to room temperature then sear on high to keep the juices in Don't be in a hurry to turn Once you put something on the grill, leave it alone until it's time to turn it. If you flip, squish, or move the meat too much, you'll push out the juices, making it dry. Keep a lid on it Every time you peak at the food while cooking, you lose heat and smoke which gives your food that great grilled flavor. Glaze or Sauce a little at a time You want to layer your glazes and sauces creating layers of flavor and not just a thick crust that usually burns. Great grilling foods you might not think of: Avocados (perfect on their own or use in salads, sandwiches or guacamole as an appetizer) Grilled lettuce (fantastic flavor and an easy first course) Grilled sweet peppers (easy delicious side dish) Grilled lobster tails on skewers (great taste and the skewers keep the tails from curling) Grilled fruit such as peaches, plums and pineapple (great for dessert) Touch Test (area between thumb and index finger) Hand open: Rare Open circle with thumb touching index finger: Medium Closed fist: Well Grilling Debates Charcoal vs. Gas Tomato or vinegar based sauces Best type of grill and grates: Egg, Weber, Monogram Finally: To help keep your grates seasoned, brush with oil after each use