They say these are the “dog days” of summer.  Well, I say this is the best time of year for “green grillin!”

I love to grill.  I have my I’m a Grill Master apron that I proudly put on every time I step up to my barbeque grill on my deck.  I take pride in being the best damn grill master (at least in my house) and therefore I will share my Labor Day secret with all of you.

First and most importantly have your favorite beer chillin in the fridge for your “victory guzzle” This is important and must not be forgotten.  Now onto the grill:

If you haven’t already purchased one go out and get a Grill.  Like a flat-screen TV and man-cave every man should have the ultimate grill.  I can’t promote but I can say that I have two.

My baby is called Woody, he is my new boy. He is a portable Charcoal grill but I only use Green-Eco-Friendly charcoal and natural wood.  I love wood because it flavors meat just right to tantalize the taste buds.  When you use woods you invite the fragrance of the wood whether it be hickory (my favorite) chestnut or perhaps maple to enhance the flavor of whatever it is you are grilling.  There are several types of wood to use but I caution that you use wood that is prepared for barbeques.  

To buy green-friendly charcoal you must look on the label for brands that are certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Smartwood and other organizations, but be careful, some aren’t certified. So to make things easier go to http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lump.htm this site has the facts and nothing but the facts, on green charcoal for grilling.

If you are still not comfortable with using charcoal due to emmittance of toxins then I suggest using wood briquettes only, you’re not going to get more natural than that.

My other grill is a hybrid grill named Big Momma.  Boy, does she do it all.  My neighbors know when she is in action and the smell of a masterpiece in the making lingers throughout my neighborhood.  Which makes for great conversation when saying our good-mornings the next day.   She is the crème de la crème of grills. She has dual capacity.  So I can slow cook on one side using my wood briquettes or I can ignite the other side for quick gas grilling. Either way she is my big party hostess, especially for this weekend’s event. And gas is natural so overall it is the better way to go.

Now you may say you don’t want to invest in another grill right now. And I would agree to an extent. Right now, perhaps not, but after Labor Day prices start going down I suggest you check out your green dream grill when prices are reduced.

Try to use reusable plates, cups and silverware.  It is better to wash than to chuck in the garbage, it keeps landfills down.  But, if you’re going to have a big crowd and you don’t want your wife to feel overwhelmed with cleaning, buy the biodegradable products.  Put out recycling bins for guests to dispose of things in the right way.  Clearly label your bins, i.e. Glass, Metal and Plastic!  If you and the wife are too tired to clean before or after leave it to us.  We offer services for before and after party cleaning. Call our office for details: 866-744-4021.

I will leave you with my favorite burger recipe. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend, from all of us at Teresa’s Family Cleaning.

JV’s Burger Bombs—the flavor will explode in your mouth!

Makes 6 burgers

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 package Onion soup mix

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions:  Preheat grill at medium high heat on a lightly oiled grate.  In a large bowl combine meat, onion soup mix, peppers, Worcestershire sauce and egg.  Using a burger press, place some meat then some cheese then some more meat.  Make sure when you press together no cheese is coming out the sides.  You can pre-make the burgers wrapping them with plastic wrap and refrigerating, no more than 1 day before.

When grilling its 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium-rare and 5 minutes per side for well done.

Enjoy!