Community Corner

Spice Up The Grill With These Burger Recipes

Eight summer recipes for the burgers on the grill.

Grills will be fired up across the nation this weekend in celebration of America's independence. Burgers and hot dogs are the old standbys, accompanied by a myriad of interchangeable sides, including corn, potato salad, french fries, apple pie and even fried dough. It's classically American food on the quintessentially American holiday, but that doesn't mean you can't spruce things up a bit.

The Huffington Post offers up a few summer burgers from Food52.com that are sure to put a smile on the in-laws or anyone you're hosting at the barbecue this weekend.

(Click on links for recipe descriptions)

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Lamb Burgers with Cilantro Yogurt

Shrimp Burgers with Roasted Garlic-Orange Aioli

No matter how good a burger tastes, failing to take proper safety precautoins could dampen the afternoon for all.

The Windsor Fire Marshal's Office offers up these safety tips taken from the NFPA:

General Safety

•Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

•The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

•Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

•Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

•Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal grills

•There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.

•If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

•Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

•There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

•When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. You can do this yourself by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.

If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill.

If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

If you have any questions about these or other fire safety related issues please do not hesitate to contact the Windsor Fire Marshal’s Office at 860-285-1971.


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