The Almanack

The articles on this page are courtesy of aracontent.com and are not written by The Almanack

Burger season is back -- don't forget the basics

(ARA) - Americans love hamburgers ... that's a fact. An estimated 1.5 billion pounds of ground beef become those favored burgers cooked at home each year. Whether it's gas versus charcoal, with cheese or without, every burger fan has a different opinion about what makes the perfect patty.

But there's one thing most burger enthusiasts agree on. According to a national consumer survey from The Beef Checkoff, 90 percent of people enjoy their burger cooked to medium (160 F) doneness or higher. However, some home chefs and grillmasters are using unsafe methods for checking when a burger is done, like cutting into them with a knife, squishing them with a spatula, or just making an educated guess.

Dave Zino, executive director of the Beef and Veal Culinary Center at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, suggests a better method for checking your burgers to ensure a juicy, flavorful and safe result.

"Don't waste time with guesswork and techniques that can affect the quality of your burger," Zino says. "Use an instant-read meat thermometer each and every time to make sure you're cooking ground beef to 160 F. It's the only sure-fire way to achieve the doneness most people prefer while also ensuring a safe meal."

No matter the hamburger preference, the beef industry is dedicated to providing consumers with healthy and nutritious food. Steps taken at every segment of the beef production chain -- from pasture to plate -- ensure the safest product possible. However, there still are many opportunities for consumers to improve food safety in their own kitchens, and making sure your ground beef is cooked to 160 F is just one of them.

"Whether I am at work as a professional chef or in my home kitchen, food safety is always a part the recipe," Zino says.

Try Chef Dave's tips to ensure your burgers are safe and savory this summer:

* Keep beef refrigerated, even when thawing it. Don't leave beef out at room temperature.

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after making patties or preparing any other foods.

* Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Think ahead when at the grill or stove and have a clean plate ready for cooked meat.

* Insert an instant-read meat thermometer sideways into the center of the patty. Always cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 F.

* Have leftover burgers? Refrigerate cooked foods no later than two hours after cooking.

For more information, tips and recipes for making your burger the best, visit: www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com/safesavoryat160.

Classic Beef Cheeseburgers
Makes four servings. Preparation and cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
4 hamburger buns, split
4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

Toppings:
Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickles

Directions:

1. Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally. About two minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.

3. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger, and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.

Cook's Tip: To prepare on stovetop, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally.

Cook's Tip: Other popular burger toppings include grilled or caramelized onions, blue cheese, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and barbecue sauce.

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Lawn Mowing: Get Reel, Go Gas-free

(ARA) - Warm weather arrives with the melodic chipping of songbirds preparing their nests. What? Can't hear them? The steady rumble of lawn mowers not only drowns out nature's melodies, it disturbs wildlife and sleeping neighbors, and is an unhealthy source of summertime air pollution. Gasoline-powered lawnmowers will soon have to be dramatically cleaner under new rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The long-awaited regulation requires a 35 percent reduction in emissions from new lawn and garden equipment beginning in 2011. The reductions will be the equivalent of removing one out of every five cars and trucks on the road, according to the National Association of Clean Air Agencies.

The EPA said the new rules will save about 190 million gallons of gasoline each year. Environmental awareness of gasoline engine pollution has sparked a renewed interest in reel mowers. This, coupled with the growing trend of smaller lots and lawns, greatly reduces the need for large, heavy, gas-guzzling mowers. The new reel mowers in the marketplace today are not your granddaddy's heavy, hard-to-push, blunt-edged mowers of time past. They're state-of-the-art, lightweight and give your grass a gorgeous grooming.

Reel Mowers Are:

Environmentally Effective: Reel mowers don't add any pollution, noise or emission levels into the atmosphere. And, thankfully, there are no gasoline fumes or smell.

Small Size and Right Weight: Reel mowers don't have many working parts, so they're smaller and lighter than electric or gas mowers. They're actually relatively easy to lift, store and push.

Energy-boosting Exercise: They're a great form of exercise while you accomplish a much-needed outdoor task. You can burn about 400 calories an hour mowing the lawn with a reel mower.

Economically Attractive: Reel mowers are considerably less expensive than gas, electric or battery-powered mowers. And, again, because you're not using gasoline, they continue to be budget friendly.

Quality of Cut: Reel mowers tend to deliver a superior cut. The sharp blades make clean cuts much like scissors. Traditional rotary mowers actually tear the tips of your grass off, leaving jagged edges that often turn yellow.

Quell the Noise: Because reel mowers don't have an engine, they make virtually no noise at all. You can mow the lawn whenever you want to without disturbing your family or neighbors.

If you're ready to "get reel," a good mower choice is the German-made modern classic Brill Mower 38-reel-mower. The mower offers several benefits:

* It features five blades, the optimal number for superior cutting and ease of pushing.

* Weighs only 17 pounds, light enough to hang on the garage wall or pick up with one hand.

* Eight-inch diameter wheels make it easy to push over tough terrain.

* The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty.

Keep in mind that manual reel mowers don't cut tall weeds well, but they do great on grass. Because of the design, the reel will roll over tall weeds without cutting much. So they aren't a good choice to mow a vacant lot, or overgrown areas of the landscape.

You can also go gas free but add a little power to your push, opting for cordless electric reel mowers. Like the manual reel mower, no gasoline is required, which makes for a much quieter mowing experience without the pollution of the gas mowers.

Brill also makes the Brill Razorcut Accu 38, the newest addition to the Razorcut line of reel mowers. It has a 24 Volt cordless electric motor, can cut up to 2,500 square feet of grass when fully charged, and weighs just 29 pounds.

Reel or electric, your lawn will love it. A good sharp reel mower will leave your lawn in beautiful shape. You can also get bag attachments for many of the models. For more information on reel and electric mowers as well as environmentally friendly lawn and garden supplies visit www.cleanairgardening.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Have a Great Lawn That's Good to the Earth

(ARA) - Caring for the environment means caring for a full, green lawn. Properly maintaining your lawn will produce strong grass and can help protect and conserve water resources at the same time.

Regular care and lawn maintenance is especially important if you live near large bodies of fresh water like the Great Lakes. Containing more than 90 percent of the fresh surface water in the United States, the Great Lakes provide more than 40 million Americans and Canadians with drinking water.

To enjoy a great lawn and protect fresh water resources for generations to come, follow these lawn care tips from the experts at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Alliance for the Great Lakes:

* Strong, dense lawns can help reduce run off and erosion, and filter rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies. The foundation of a good lawn is rich soil, so use a mulching mower to return grass clippings to the soil where the clippings break down and recycle nutrients back into the grass.

* Generally, only new lawns require additional phosphorus for root growth. For mature lawns, choose a fertilizer that is low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for more.

* The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall. Never fertilize when the ground is frozen.

* Use a drop spreader or rotary spreader with a side guard to keep fertilizer on the lawn.

* Sweep any grass clippings and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn to help keep nutrients out of waterways.

* Set your mower to its highest setting to build strong, deep grass roots that can find water and nutrients. Longer grass can also better withstand periods of heat and drought.

* If your lawn is dry, the best time to water it is in the morning. Water easily evaporates in the afternoon and watering at night can cause fungus and disease.

* When lawn problems arise, select the right product for the task. For small problems, use a spot treatment. For numerous problems throughout the yard, use a broadcast application.

* Use native plants in your landscape and garden. These plants are adapted to your area and better able to tolerate adverse conditions and resist disease.

* Avoid application when rain is in the forecast, as heavy rainfall can overwhelm soils and cause fertilizers to be washed into waterways.

* Storm sewers often lead directly into streams and lakes. Never dispose of clippings or pet waste in or around sewers or water resources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Make it a habit to sweep up any fertilizer, grass clippings and leaves.

For more information and water-safe lawn care tips, visit LawnsandLakes.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Great dinners start on the grill

(ARA) - Dinnertime is a lot more fun as the grilling season gets under way and aromas of sizzling food fill the air. In fact, there's a good case to make for cooking the whole dinner on the grill. This time of year, supersweet corn from Florida ranks high on the list of delectable grillables -- and, like grilling, corn on the cob is just plain fun.

Ready for the Grate
Some cooks grill corn ears in their husks. But Cheryl and Bill Jamison, authors of "The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining," prefer to "flame sear" ears stripped of their husks. "You get a much deeper taste," they say. Their basic recipe calls for basting the ears with melted butter as they grill over a medium fire. At the end comes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. While the corn is cooking, throw chicken breasts, steak, pork tenderloin or sausages on the fire. Everything will be done at about the same time.

One easy idea from Diane Morgan, author of "Dressed to Grill: "Rub corn ears with a basting sauce like her zesty Hotlips Chili Butter (recipe below) and grill them alongside skewered chicken and bell pepper chunks. Then relax and chat while dinner takes care of itself.

Dual-use Rubs and Marinades
There's no end to the marinades, slathers, basting sauces and rubs that make corn and other meal components taste fabulous. For instance, whip up a Greek-style marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and oregano -- brush the mixture on skewers of pork chunks, corn rounds and zucchini that very conveniently add up to a meal.

For a great chicken and corn dinner, coat cutlets and ears with melted butter, olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with a Southwest seasoning blend (or salt, pepper cumin and oregano) and head for the grill.

Many marinades and rubs are added before grilling so that the foods and flavorings will really bond. But freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil are best added after grilling the corn with just a light coating of oil -- that way, they'll stay fresh and green. When a marinade like barbecue sauce might burn, basting at the halfway point is the right choice.

Grill Once, Eat Twice
As long as you're grilling, why not cook extra? Serve corn on the cob tonight and refrigerate the leftover ears. The next night, scrape off the nicely caramelized kernels and toss with a few other ingredients for a distinctive salsa to go with your leftover grilled chicken, pork or other protein. The Jamisons suggest combining the grilled kernels with diced red bell pepper, red onion and a bit of corn oil. They flavor the salsa with lime juice and salt and, just before serving, fold in diced avocado.

Grilled corn kernels can be used in lots of other ways. Sprinkle them into salads or soups, or add to shrimp or chicken salad destined for a wrap.

Supersweet Corn Care
Supersweet corn from Florida is in markets until June. Today, you may find corn in or out of the husk with kernels of yellow, white or both (bi-color) -- all of it has the same deliciously sweet flavor. Make sure you store the corn in your refrigerator to keep it fresh and sweet. For information on how to keep your corn fresh, visit FreshSuperSweetCorn.com/storage.

Grilled Corn with Hotlips Chili Butter
Serves six

1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Pinch ground red pepper
6 ears fresh supersweet corn, husked

Preheat outdoor grill or broiler. In a small bowl, combine butter, cilantro, salt, chili powder, sugar and red pepper. Brush corn lightly with mixture; grill, turning occasionally, until some kernels turn golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove to platter; brush with remaining chili butter. Serve with grilled chicken and red pepper kabobs, if desired.

Corn and Pork Skewers
Serves four

3 ears fresh supersweet corn, husked
12 ounces pork tenderloin or boneless, cooked chicken breasts
2 small zucchini
2 small sweet red bell peppers
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat grill or broiler. With a large, sharp knife, cut corn in 2-inch pieces and the pork, zucchini and bell peppers in 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Add pork and vegetables; toss to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes at room temperature. On eight (10- to 12-inch) metal skewers, loosely thread pork and vegetables. Grill or broil, turning occasionally, until meat is cooked through, eight to 10 minutes. If desired, serve with salad greens. Pork and vegetables can also be cooked "unskewered" on a grill rack or broiler pan, for eight to 10 minutes, turning often.

For more delicious grilled corn recipes, visit www.FreshSuperSweetCorn.com/recipes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Emergency Nurses Offer Water and Boating Safety Tips for Summer

(ARA) - The summer season is filled with many enjoyable activities, many of which take place in or around water. As people head to beaches and neighborhood swimming pools, or take recreational boating trips, water safety becomes increasingly important. Drowning remains the second leading cause of injury-related death among children ages one to 14, and in 2004, boating accidents caused a reported 3,363 injuries and 676 fatalities.

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Injury Prevention Institute/EN CARE offers the following tips for parents and children to ensure safe play in water and on boats.

Water Safety Tips
* Never leave a child unsupervised around water in or outside the home. It takes only a few seconds and one inch of water for a child to drown.
* Pools should have a fence that is at least four feet tall with a high gate latch that is not reachable by children.
* Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and a list of emergency numbers at the poolside.
* Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use, as children can be tempted by floating pool toys.
* Secure, lock or remove ladders to above ground pools when they are not being used.
* Use only Coast Guard approved life preservers or life jackets. Air-filled flotation devices such as "water wings" or "tubes" actually increase chances of drowning.
* No one, not even adults, should swim alone. Teach children to swim with a buddy.
* Take a class in how to perform infant/child CPR.
* The American Red Cross recommends at least nine feet of depth for safe diving and jumping. Never dive headfirst into unknown waters.

Boating Safety Tips
* Know how to operate your boat safely in all weather and water conditions.
* Ensure that your boat has the safety equipment required by law and that it is in working order.
* Participate in the Vessel Safety Check program, provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron.
* Boat operators should be familiar with the body of water being navigated.
* All passengers must always wear a life jacket while boating.
* Always avoid alcohol while operating a boat.
* Maintain a safe speed at all times.
* Water skiers and swimmers should be at least 20 feet from the back of a moving boat in order to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.

For additional information and safety tips, visit the ENA Injury Prevention Institute/EN CARE Web site at www.ena.org/ipinstitute. Information about the ENA is available at www.ena.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

From Flame to Finish: Grilling 101

(ARA) - Got a hungry crowd to please? Fire up the grill! Cookouts are an easy way to serve a gathering of any size -- whether you’re feeding three or 100 -- for any occasion. From holiday celebrations, birthday parties and family reunions to camping trips and weekday cookouts, grilling is a fun and flavorful way to bring together family and friends. That’s why Kingsford is sharing tips to help you stay safe when turning up the heat at your next gathering.

“Grilling safety is extremely important no matter how skilled you may be, especially now since more Americans than ever are using their grills beyond the summer season,” said Kelly Burke, charcoal expert for The Kingsford Products Company. “In fact, our research shows that 37 percent of Americans grill year-round.”

Whether you’re a master like Burke or a beginner, be sure to follow these simple grilling safety tips:

* Light It Right! -- Get your grill started by forming a pyramid with your briquets. Add lighter fluid according to the instructions of the lighter fluid you are using. If coals are slow to start, resist the temptation to add more lighter fluid. Instead, place a few new briquets in a metal pan, soak with fluid and then add to the grill with tongs before lighting.

* Wait to Put a Lid on It -- Keeping the lid on your grill can help foods retain their natural juices and deepen flavor, but leave the lid alone until you’re ready to cook. Putting it prematurely on the grill can prevent the lighter fluid from completely burning off and may impact the taste of your food.

* Beat the Burn -- Use the indirect grilling method when cooking large pieces of meat—like ribs, roasts or whole birds—or those with a higher fat content. It’s a good way to beat the burn since heat circulates around the food. For indirect grilling, after the coals are ready, spread them on both sides of a drip pan to collect the fat and prevent it from dripping into the fire, which causes smoke and flames.

* Fight Flare-Ups -- Use leaner cuts of meat or trim the fat off meats to reduce smoking or flare ups. Take care not to char or overcook your food.

* Add a Flavor Booster -- Use a marinade like KC Masterpiece to add great flavor to beef, pork, lamb, fish or poultry.

* Cool Down -- Time to turn down the heat? Place the cover on your grill, close the vents and let the coals cool down for at least 48 hours before throwing them away. Never pour water directly onto the coals to put out the fire—water and heat create steam, which could burn you.

At your next cookout, put these tips into practice when firing up the “Grilled Tiger Steak Kabobs,” surf ‘n turf skewers that boast the delicious flavor of KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade. Looking to go beyond kabobs? Visit www.kingsford.com for more great grilling recipes and expert tips.

Grilled Tiger Steak Kabobs
Recipe created by Chef William Pickett of Mickey & Mooch in Charlotte, N.C. on behalf of the makers of Kingsford Charcoal

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 10-20 minutes
Serves: 4

4 12-ounce strip steaks, approximately 1-1/2 inches thick
1 16-ounce bottle KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade
16 large tiger shrimp, shelled
2 large red bell peppers, chopped into 1-1/2 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped into 1-1/2 inch pieces

Cut strip steaks into 2 ounce pieces and place into a one quart food storage bag with 1 cup of KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (if time allows, marinating overnight is suggested.)

Approximately one hour before grilling, add shrimp to the marinade.

Light grill using Kingsford briquets. Using long metal skewer, thread marinated steak piece, pepper, shrimp, and onion until skewer is full. Repeat with additional skewers. When coals are ready, lay skewers directly on grill grate and cook uncovered until steak is desired temperature.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: KC Masterpiece and Kingsford Charcoal are registered trademarks.

Choose right, use right: Tips for safe and effective use of pesticides and fertilizers

(ARA) - It's that time of the year again when millions of do-it-yourself homeowners face the challenges of keeping problem insects and weeds away from home gardens and yards -- while staying within the family budget.

The pesticides and fertilizers available at local hardware and home improvement stores are designed specifically to help with these tasks, but choosing the right products and using them correctly is something every homeowner must consider.

"Nothing is more rewarding than picking healthy, home-grown vegetables, or enjoying a healthy lawn or a pest-free outdoor space with family, friends and pets," says Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. "The range of products available to homeowners is vast, but you have to use the ones that are right for your specific situation and use them responsibly."

Here are some basic guidelines to help homeowners choose the right products and use them correctly:

* Identify the problem -- Different pesticides and fertilizers are formulated to work in various ways, so positively identifying the problem is vital. If this is unclear or unknown, ask a qualified expert or local extension agent.

* Determine the best method of control -- Research the best, most effective, most economic solution to the specific problem at hand. Sometimes pesticides or fertilizer products are the answer, other times a different solution might be appropriate.

* Read and follow all label directions -- If pesticides or fertilizers are needed, remember the label is the law. Read the label carefully for mixing and application instructions, as well as other precautionary information such as wearing proper clothing or product drying time after application.

* Use only what is needed -- Measure, mix and use the right amount of product needed for the task at hand. Don't over-apply, but don't under-apply either. Read the directions and follow them to the letter.

* Store products in a clean, dry area -- Always store any unused pesticide or fertilizer products away from weather or direct sunlight. Make sure all products are stored out of reach of kids and pets.

"The right pesticide or fertilizer can make all the difference, but each situation is unique," James says. "We have the right to choose the products we use, but we also have the duty to use them responsibly."

Pesticides and fertilizers are designed to improve quality of life. If used properly, they are a helpful tool. They control, kill or moderate unwanted and dangerous pest populations ranging from stinging insects to vegetable-destroying fungus to noxious weeds, and they help to minimize the risks posed to homeowners, families, pets and property.

When used according to label directions and applied as directed, they have the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the productivity and usability of gardens and green spaces around the home. Improper use and careless handling can cause unnecessary, avoidable complications. Make sure all products are selected and used with care.

For more information on the proper application of pesticides and fertilizers, visit www.pestfacts.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Turn the Typical Backyard Barbecue into a Hot Spot for Fun and Flavor

(ARA) - Many American families will forego the traditional summer vacation travel this year and spend more time than ever making home-spun fun in the sun at the backyard barbecue. But if your version of barbecuing involves the same old fare and familiar flavors, it's time to spice up your old standby. Here are some simple ways to add just the right amount of sizzle and style to any standard backyard barbecue.

Create a Fun Toppings Bar
Americans love familiar fare, but it's important to infuse your own style. Add a toppings bar to make ordinary barbecue staples like burgers and steaks a little more extraordinary. Stock your toppings bar with all of the usual suspects, like ketchup and mustard and be sure to include a variety of out-of-the-box toppings to spice things up.

Chili, hummus, mango salsa, horseradish and caramelized onions are a few options that add an extra kick. Also, try incorporating new twists on traditional favorites. Lea & Perrins new Thick Classic Worcestershire sauce offers the flavor you crave from original Worcestershire in a sauce that's now thick enough for dipping and topping and perfect for adding a flavor boost to any grilled food.

Infuse the Flavor In Advance
Marinating your meat ahead of time is a simple step you can take to boost flavor in a big way. Consider the following steps to create a marinade that's simple and sure to satisfy. Combine a half cup of Lea & Perrins' traditional Worcestershire Sauce, three tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil, one-fourth teaspoon salt, and three tablespoons Heinz Balsamic Vinegar in a baking dish or plastic bag and pour it over your meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

You can also add flavor in advance with a variety of flavorful rubs. Many grill jockeys massage their meat with a spicy rub, while others content themselves with a light sprinkling. Whether you massage it in or sprinkle on top, these savory spice rubs have the ability to transform ordinary grilled meat into a barbecue of distinction.

Hit a Home Run with Savory Side Dishes
Offer an array of summer sides as yet another way to tantalize the taste buds. Consider a grilled vegetable medley over couscous or cut sweet potatoes grilled in foil with a touch of brown sugar and apple butter. For fruit inspired sides, fresh pineapple and a barbecue pit make a perfect pair. Or, place halved mangoes, peaches, plums, or apricots flesh-side down on an oiled grate until they look caramelized and serve with a scoop of ice cream. By offering a variety of sides, you're appealing to various palates and creating a grilling extravaganza everyone will enjoy.

Turn up the Heat with Open-Fire Cooking
An open flame barbecue pit is a sure-fire way to unleash flavor. With a little know-how, even a novice can cook creatively at the open-fire barbecue. Begin the fire at least two to three hours in advance so the coals are sufficiently hot. The cooking fire can be built in a portable charcoal grill, a fire ring, or simply a trench dug in the ground. Top it with a piece of wire mesh or create a cooking grate with the metal grid from your existing grill.

Because the food absorbs flavor from the smoke below, you'll want to use a good-smelling hard wood such as hickory, white oak, mesquite, or fruit woods. The key is to create a low bed of coals so that you don't overcook the meat or cook it too fast. Also, keep in mind cooking on an open flame takes a bit more time and patience, so the best tip is to simply slow down, relax and enjoy!

Keep it Fun with Flavors for Everyone
The backyard barbecue is as much about family time as it is about the food. Be sure to include flavorful options that everyone in the family will enjoy. To lure the kids, try grilling pre-cooked meatballs and offer toothpicks and pasta sauce for dipping. Or, change up their typical hot dog by serving it wrapped in a tortilla shell with melted cheese and diced tomatoes. For the adults, add an element of interest to burgers and steaks with options such as Greek-style lamb burgers or grilled London broil sandwiches. Whatever you decide, just be sure to keep it interesting and fun for everyone.

For more ideas on how to add flavor and fun to your summer barbecue with distinct recipes for marinades, savory side dishes, and more visit www.leaperrins.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Backyard Buzz: How to Attract Hummingbirds

(ARA) - If the birding world had a rock star, it would be the hummingbird. Swift, tiny, secretive and simply amazing to watch, "hummers" are so hard to spot that catching a glimpse of one can be a summer experience you'll long remember. But you don't have to be an avid birder to be thrilled by the sight of a hummingbird.

Hummingbirds can be found across the country, with ruby-throated hummingbirds common east of the Rocky Mountains and a dozen or more species common in western regions. To maximize your chances of seeing a hummingbird this summer, take a few simple steps to attract them to your backyard, where you can enjoy them at your leisure.

In spring, hummingbirds return from their tropical winter retreats in Central and South America, and this is the best time to attract them to your backyard. Like all wild birds, hummers have three basic requirements to make a place their home - access to food, water and a good nesting spot. Offering nectar-rich flowers and feeders is a good start. But you also need suitable habitat that provides sheltered perches and good nesting places, encouraging females to raise their young.

Research shows that these tiny birds have a remarkable memory and frequently return to the same hospitable sites on the same day of each year. If you feed consistently, you may have return visitors, especially during spring and fall migrations. If you can get them to nest nearby, too, you'll have fledglings who also may remember your address in years to come.

Female hummers typically settle in deciduous trees over a clearing or stream. They fashion their nests from sticky spider webbing, using lichen to camouflage the exterior and soft plant fibers to cushion the interior. It's probably not practical for the average hummingbird fan to stock spider webs and lichens in their yard. But there is a man-made alternative.

Hummer Helper is the first commercially available product that has proven appealing to hummingbirds. Introduced by Songbird Essentials, the all-natural material (specially processed with oil left in) is contained in a wire frame painted red to attract a hummingbird's eye.

The product is endorsed by the Hummingbird Society (hummingbirdsociety.org), an Arizona-based advocacy group. In the March 2009 edition of the society's journal, Executive Director Ross Hawkins reported watching females at work gathering the material. "We recommend 'Hummer Helper,'" he wrote. "It has the potential to help bring in more hummers, close by where you can observe them, and to increase the odds that they will nest near you."

To start attracting hummers, hang a small feeder. Nectar mixes are available, but it's easy to make your own. Use four parts tap water to one part ordinary table sugar, heated until dissolved. Red coloring isn't necessary. Increase the visibility of new feeders by hanging red ribbons nearby. The hummingbird's high metabolism drives it to feed about every 10 minutes, and it examines every square yard in its range for food, experts say.

Keeping the feeder clean and the nectar refreshed is critical. Spoiled solutions can turn to alcohol and support mold, both harmful to the tiny birds. In cool weather, fluid can be left for five to seven days, but during hot spells it should be replaced every two days. For easy cleaning, pick up a specialized brush like Songbird's "Best Hummer Brush." Don't use soap or detergents, which can be hard to rinse thoroughly. A solution of ordinary white vinegar is a good non-toxic cleaner.

Two other handy accessories are a water-filled nectar protector ant moat, hung above feeders to keep ants at bay, and an overhead protector like Songbird's Hummer Helmet to keep rain water from diluting nectar solutions. While its shade helps keep nectar fresh longer, the red color acts as a big red "Food Here" sign. Songbird products are sold through outlets catering to birders. The Web site www.songbirdessentials.com includes a "Retail Finder" directing customers to nearby locations.

To learn more about hummingbird research, visit the Hummer Bird Study Group at hummingbirdsplus.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fertilizer Can Be Green

(ARA) - The impact phosphorus - a common component of lawn fertilizer - has on the environment is drawing a lot of attention as summer approaches. Phosphorus from fertilizer can leach into lakes and streams, contributing to excessive algae and water plant growth that harms fish and impedes recreational use of these waters.

Urban areas have many sources of phosphorus: including lawn fertilizer, leaves, other organic yard waste and pet droppings. Regulators have targeted lawn fertilizers as a primary source of interest. However, any source of excessive phosphorus will cause problems in lakes and rivers.

Phosphorus is essential to sustain life. It plays a key role in how living creatures use energy from food to power growth and reproduce. Limiting phosphorus limits growth and reproduction. Eliminating phosphorus from the environment eliminates life.

Not all sources of fertilizer phosphorus are the same. The water extractable phosphorus test, or WEP test, is a new way to show how easily phosphorus in a particular fertilizer moves into groundwater. A low WEP means that phosphorus will stay out of groundwater. A high WEP means that movement is likely. Phosphorus in groundwater may move to surface water and cause excessive water plant growth.

Synthetic fertilizers, the traditional kind used to manufacture common lawn fertilizer, contain more than 85 percent water extractable phosphorus. If these fertilizers are ove- applied, some of this phosphorus may enter groundwater and move to bodies of water.

Fertilizers such as Milorganite 5-2-0 contains less than 2 percent water extractable phosphorus, making them better choices for the environment. This phosphorus is far less likely to move into groundwater. Research also shows this phosphorus is still available for plants to use.

"Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer should be the fertilizer choice for homeowners and regulators concerned about phosphorus movement to lakes and streams," says Mike Archer of Milorganite. "Our research shows that Milorganite fertilizers consistently are better stewards of the environment."

Milorganite fertilizers contain high amounts of iron. This iron combines with phosphorus, holding it away from soil water until plants can use it. Thus, lawns still have an adequate supply of phosphorus to grow and repair themselves from damage by mowing and playing. However, this phosphorus does not move to groundwater. "Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer not only adds non-staining iron to help keep lawns green, but it uses this iron to keep phosphorus out of lakes and streams," Archer says.

Other sources of phosphorus also contribute in polluting surface waters. Leaves and grass clippings contain phosphorus. Keep them out of curbs and from washing into storm sewers. Recycle their nutrients and organic matter back to your plants by mulching them. If you are mowing near open water, point mower discharges to land.

When you spread any fertilizer, blow or sweep it off drives and walks back onto your lawn. When it rains, any fertilizer left on these hard surfaces washes into storm sewers then to bodies of water, causing pollution.

Finally, pick up pet droppings and place them in the trash. These droppings contain high amounts of phosphorus. Dropping them into storm sewers is like dropping fertilizer pellets onto open water.

Everyone can do something to protect the environment. Using eco-friendly fertilizers, taking care when disposing of lawn debris, and properly disposing of pet droppings are actions that help keep our lakes and rivers clean and clear for future generations.

For more information regarding eco-friendly fertilizer, visit www.milorganite.com or call (800) 304-6204.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Lawns Do a World of Good

(ARA) - Imagine life without grass. No green lawns with kids playing outdoors, no soft cushion for your bare feet on a hot summer day, and less greenery to clean the air we breathe. Perhaps we take for granted all the great eco-benefits a well-fed, lush lawn provides for us. Yet lawns still get a bad rap because of the assumed negative effects on the environment. Let's face it; a well-cared-for lawn is better for you, your family, and the environment.

For starters, growing green plants is the best thing you can do to clean the air. And grass is better than other plants -- even trees -- at removing carbon and other impurities from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, grass takes carbon from the air and stores it in the ground. Ongoing studies at The Ohio State University indicate that as a result of this natural process, your well-cared for lawn removes and stores twice the amount of carbon from the air in a year than a tree can in 10. The stored carbon then helps build rich organic matter in the soil that helps purify water and gives grass a fertile base to thrive.

Thriving lawns keep enriching the soil by providing a home for beneficial micro-organisms and insects. These good critters eat nature's leftovers -- like decomposing grass clippings, plant leaves and other vegetation -- and recycle nutrients back into the soil. They also pollinate plants and serve as food for other animals, making grass an important part of nature's cycle.

And did you know that summertime air temperatures above lawns can be up to 30 degrees cooler than above paved areas? Grass is like a natural air conditioner that cools the air as it releases water vapor through its blades. The water evaporates and draws heat, cooling the air in the process. As a result, lawns are a safer surface for children to play on and provide the cool comfort we desire on hot days.

"Homeowners are hearing conflicting messages about lawns and the environment and, as the authority on lawn care, we recognize our responsibility to give them the information they need to make informed decisions," says Rich Shank, chief environmental officer for ScottsMiracle-Gro. "Caring for the environment starts in our own backyards, and growing a strong, thriving lawn is simple and safe. When we care for our lawns we help build a cooler, cleaner environment -- and an inviting space for our families to enjoy."

The reasons to love your lawn are many. And with good care, like following the tips below, lawns contribute to your family's well-being and our environment.

1. Feed regularly with products made for lawns.

Feeding 3 to 4 times a year makes your lawn strong and full of life. A strong lawn is better able to tolerate stresses like heat, drought and insects. It crowds out weeds, can fend off most diseases and is better able to contribute to the environment. Use a fertilizer made for lawns like Scotts Turf Builder. All-purpose fertilizers like 10-10-10s apply more phosphorus than your lawn needs -- up to 6 years worth in one application.

2. Follow label directions.

Lawn fertilizers are designed for best results when applied according to package directions. Applying too much product won't improve results, but it will put down more nutrients than your lawn needs. So why over-feed and waste fertilizer?

3. Conserve water.

Water is an important component for a healthy lawn, but only water your lawn when it needs it. If your lawn dulls in color or begins to wilt, then your lawn needs water. Make sure to sweep any fertilizer that lands on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn. This keeps nutrients where the grass will use it -- and out of our waterways.

4. Mow smart.

Lawns that are mowed high have deeper root systems that can reach water and nutrients in the soil better. Use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on your lawn. Clippings will break down and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

For more facts about lawns and ideas for enjoying them visit www.LoveYourLawn.us.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Is It Done Yet?”
Only Your Food Thermometer Knows for Sure

(ARA) - Kids popping into the kitchen or dashing by a barbecue grill ask impatiently, “Is it done yet?” The answer to this hungry question is the basis of a national campaign to encourage the use of food thermometers when preparing meat, poultry and egg dishes, to prevent foodborne illness. The campaign, which is being led by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is themed, “Is It Done Yet? You Can’t Tell By Looking. Use a Food Thermometer to be Sure!”

Studies have shown that using a food thermometer is the only way to tell if harmful bacteria have been destroyed. FSIS reports that even if hamburgers look fully cooked, one in four hamburgers may not be safely cooked. Yet only 6 percent of home cooks use a food thermometer for hamburgers and only 10 percent use a food thermometer for chicken breasts, according to the latest data from the Food Safety Survey, which was conducted by FSIS and the Food and Drug Administration.

USDA food safety experts encourage people to get and use a food thermometer -- dial or digital -- and become a role model in their neighborhoods. By using a food thermometer to check if meat, poultry or egg dishes are done, you also prevent overcooking and guesswork. Food cooked to a safe internal temperature is juicy and flavorful. If you use a food thermometer, then you’ll know the answer to “Is it done yet?”

You can buy a food thermometer in many grocery, hardware or kitchen stores. Here are some tips for using it:

* Insert the food thermometer into the thickest part of the food, making sure it doesn’t touch bone, fat or gristle.

* Cook food until the thermometer shows an internal temperature of 160 F for hamburger, pork and egg dishes; 145 F for steaks and roasts; 170 F for chicken breasts and 180 F for whole poultry.

* Clean your food thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after each use.

FSIS has created a Web site to provide consumers with recommended internal temperatures and instructions on how to use a food thermometer:

www.IsItDoneYet.gov

FSIS is partnering with various organizations, agencies and local groups to help spread this important food safety message.

For food safety information in English and Spanish, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) MPHotline (674-6854) or TTY: (800) 256-7072. The year-round toll-free hotline can be called Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. An extensive selection of timely food safety messages also is available at the same number 24 hours a day.

For a free copy of the “Is It Done Yet?” brochure, order online at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/isitdoneyet/isitdoneyet.htm or send your name and address to Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC), Dept. 11, Pueblo, CO 81009.

Consumers may also pose food safety questions by logging on to FSIS’ online automated response system called “Ask Karen,” which is available on the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. E-mail inquiries can be directed to MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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