JUST IN TIME FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY WEEKEND: HOW TO GRILL ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING!

HOW TO GRILL ANYTHING




Memorial Day marks the start of the serious grilling season, and there's no better weekend to try your hand at outdoor cooking, or bolster your established grill-master game. Luckily, honing your outdoor culinary skills is a lot more simple than it seems, given the right tools, a little preparation, and a few tips on technique. 

This primer covers everything from hot dogs to cherry tomatoes. As for seasoning, most foods will taste great if you add just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil beforehand. If you want even more flavor, try a rub or a marinade.



GETTING READY
Clean that grill: If there's black crust on the grill bars, you need to get it off to ensure no-stick cooking and easy food flipping. If you're feeling strong, wad up some aluminum foil and go to town on that stuff. For seriously stuck grime, you could also try popping the grill in the oven to bake off the stubborn bits.


Make your own sauce: Most of the pre-bottled sauces you see on grocery shelves are over-sweetened, and none match the taste of homemade. Making your own isn't that difficult, either. Use one of BBQ Recipe Secret's three sauce bases as a starting point, and build your own flavor ideas into them. It'll give you something to talk about while you're waiting for the ribs to finish. Don't be scared - try it for fun!
 


HONE YOUR TECHNIQUEUse a cheat sheet: Experience is the best indicator for knowing the precise moment to yank your food off the rack, but we've provided a super-helpful cheat sheet below. Here's a sample that covers the basics of red meat and sausages:

For more grilling gear, our gadget-crazed brother site Gizmodo runs down 10 awesome grills you can buy for the ultimate Memorial Day barbecue.

HOW TO GRILL BEEF

PERFECT BURGERS

Use meat that's as close to room temperature as possible for even cooking. Don't press them on the grill, unless you like your meat dry. And the best "secret" to great burgers is buying good meat, preferably ground by a butcher while you watch. (This author is a BIG FAN of this Kansas City favorite.) Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.





Time: 3 to 5 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 140° F for medium.


Tip: Don’t press down on the patties during cooking or you’ll squeeze out the delicious juices.




HOT DOGS 


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally.



STEAKS
Seriously salt your steak: Got filet mignon dreams for the weekend, but only a Quarter-Pounder budget? Buy a cheap cut of "choice" meat, then salt, salt, salt the heck out of that thing—for only one hour before grilling, and then pat it dry. By doing so, your salt is breaking in your meat and loosening some of its protein strands, making it hold flavor better and cut like the steakhouse commercials of your dreams.

Let it rest: You'll be eager to slice open your tender steak or succulent chicken, but you'll lose a lot of juicy flavor if you do so. As the food techies at Cook's Illustrated point out, cutting into your food right off the grill releases a significant amount of juice, which would be re-absorbed for better succulence if you let it sit a few minutes.KC/New York Strip Steaks, ¾ to 1 Inch Thick

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 3 to 5 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.


Tip: For the best sear, turn steaks just once halfway through.





Rib-Eye/Porterhouse Steaks, 1 to 1½ Inches Thick

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 3 to 5 minutes per side, then indirect for 4 to 6 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.


Note: For steaks 2 inches thick or more, increase indirect cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes.




HOW TO GRILL FRUIT

CITRUS FRUIT


(such as oranges and lemons, cut in half or into wedges)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally.




PINEAPPLE 


(cut into rings or wedges)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 2 to 4 minutes per side.




STONE FRUITS
(such as peaches, plums, and nectarines, cut in half and pitted)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side.


 
 
 


HOW TO GRILL KABOBS

Soak wooden skewers for at least 15 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill. For tastiest results (meaning nothing is burned or overcooked), make your kebabs with items that cook at the same rate—say, shrimp and cherry tomatoes (fast) or chicken, onions, and oranges (slow).

 

BEEF, PORK AND POULTRY
Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally.


Tip: For best results, cut meat into 1- to 1½-inch cubes.



SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 1 to 2 minutes per side.



VEGETABLES 


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally.


Tip: For best results, cut vegetables into 1- to 1½-inch cubes.






HOW TO GRILL LAMB
 
 
 
 

Chops, ½ to 1 Inch Thick


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 3 to 5 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.



Chops, 1 to 1½ Inches Thick


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 4 to 6 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.



Leg, Butterflied Boneless, 1 to 1½ Inches Thick, 3 to 3½ Pounds


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then indirect for 15 to 20 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.


Tip: If you’re grilling a leg of lamb tied into a roll, increase indirect grilling time to 20 to 30 minutes.




Rack of Lamb, 1 to 1½ Pounds


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 3 to 5 minutes per side, then indirect for 10 to 15 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 130° F for medium-rare.






HOW TO GRILL PORK
 
 
 

BABY BACK RIBS


Heat: Indirect (covered), medium-high, then direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: Indirect for 25 to 30 minutes, then direct for 4 to 5 minutes per side.


Tip: For a delicious caramelized finish and to prevent burning, apply barbecue sauce only during the last 5 minutes of cooking.



CHOPS, ½ to 1 INCH THICK
 Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 3 to 5 minutes per side for bone-in; 2 to 5 minutes per side for boneless.


Internal Temperature: 145° F.



CHOPS, 1 to 1½ INCHES THICK
 Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 6 to 8 minutes per side for bone-in; 5 to 7 minutes per side for boneless.


Internal Temperature: 145° F.



LOIN ROAST, BONE-IN 4 TO 5 LBS.

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, then indirect for 1 to 1½ hours.


Internal Temperature: 145° F.



LOIN ROAST, BONELESS, 3 TO 4 POUNDS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, then indirect for 30 to 40 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 145° F.




SAUSAGE LINKS
Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.


Internal Temperature: 145° F for pork; 165° F for chicken.


Tip: To grill a sausage coil, run 2 long skewers through it in a crisscross pattern, then cook as directed above, turning once.




TENDERLOIN


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high, then indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: Direct for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, then indirect for 10 to 12 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 145° F.


 
 
HOW TO GRILL POULTRY

As my fellow neighbor and serious griller, Jerod S. can attest, eHow's technique for grilling whole or partial chicken results in some juicy bird. The basics: Oil the grill, cook the chicken uncovered slightly off the heat center, and, for the love of Sunday, don't put your sauce on until the last few minutes.CHICKEN BREASTS - BONELESS AND SKINLESS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 160° F.




CHICKEN CUTLETS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 160° F.



CHICKEN PIECES, BONE-IN


Heat: Indirect (covered), medium.


Time: 40 to 50 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 165° F.


Tip: For crispy skin, grill the pieces skin-side down over direct heat (uncovered) until golden, 6 to 8 minutes, then transfer to indirect heat and cook skin-side up until cooked through.



CHICKEN THIGHS - BONELESS, SKINLESS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 4 to 5 minutes, turning once.


Internal Temperature: 165° F.




CHICKEN WINGS
Heat: Indirect (covered), medium.


Time: 25 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally.


Internal Temperature: 165° F.



WHOLE CHICKEN - 3 TO 4 LBS.


Heat: Indirect (covered), medium.


Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes.


Internal Temperature: 165° F, measured in the thigh.


TURKEY BURGERS


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 5 to 7 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 165° F.


Tip: Don’t press down on the patties during cooking or you’ll squeeze out the delicious juices.





TURKEY CUTLETS 


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side.


Internal Temperature: 160° F.






HOW TO GRILL SEAFOOD

The trick with seafood is to make sure it doesn’t stick. So coat it lightly with oil and check that the grate is clean and very hot. For fillets and whole fish, you can also try this foolproof (albeit more time-consuming) method: Place the fish on a soaked cedar plank or a lightly oiled piece of heavy-duty foil, then grill (covered), over medium indirect heat.


SCALLOPS 


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 1 to 2 minutes per side.


Tip: Thread on skewers for easy turning.



SHRIMP


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 1 to 2 minutes per side.


Tip: Thread on skewers for easy turning.



FISH FILLETS OR STEAKS - 3/4 TO 1 INCH THICK

(such as salmon, striped bass, and mahimahi)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 3 to 4 minutes per side.


Note: If grilling with a cedar plank or foil, cook over medium indirect heat (covered), 20 to 30 minutes.



WHOLE FISH


Heat: Direct (uncovered), high.


Time: 4 to 5 minutes per side.


Note: If grilling with a cedar plank or foil, cook over medium indirect heat (covered), 20 to 30 minutes.






WHOLE FISH, LARGE FILLETS OR SIDE OF SALMON - 1 TO 3 LBS.

Heat: Indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: 30 to 40 minutes.


Tip: Because a large fish can tear when turned, cooking on a plank, on foil, or in a fish basket is necessary.






HOW TO GRILL VEGETABLES 

ASPARAGUS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 2 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally.



BELL PEPPER


(cut into 2-inch strips)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 4 to 5 minutes per side.



EGGPLANTS, SUMMER SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI

(cut into ½-inch-thick slices)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 4 to 5 minutes per side.


Tip: Slice the vegetables on the bias to expose the maximum surface area.




MUSHROOMS

Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 4 to 5 minutes per side.


Tip: Mushrooms can also be cooked in a foil pouch; see Tomatoes, Cherry, for the method and times.



ONIONS 


(cut into ½-inch-thick rounds or wedges)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side.



POTATOES


(slice, then cook in a pouch made of heavy-duty foil)


Heat: Indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: 25 to 30 minutes.


Tip: New potatoes can be cooked whole, or halved if large.



SCALLIONS


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium-high.


Time: 2 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally.



TOMATOES, BEEFSTEAK OR PLUM

(cut in half)


Heat: Direct (uncovered), medium.


Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side.




CHERRY TOMATOES
(cook in a pouch made of heavy-duty foil)


Heat: Indirect (covered), medium-high.


Time: 5 to 10 minutes.



OF COURSE, LET US NOT FORGET WHAT THE HOLIDAY IS REALLY ABOUT. HONORING THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED WHILE SERVING OUR COUNTRY.
WE HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

Original Article in Real Simple Magazine

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: HOW TO READ A TIRE SIDEWALL

How To Read a Tire Sidewall

There's probably a lot more information on a tire's sidewall than you're aware of, such as where the tire was made and when, and sometimes, even whether your tire complies with pass-by noise regulations in Europe.


Here's how to decode it all:


1.) 245: The numbers preceding the slash indicate the distance, in millimeters, across the widest point of the tire called section width (245mm, or 9.65 inches, in this case) when mounted on a wheel of specified width. Often listed before this number are letters that loosely signify the kind of duty for which the tire was designed: P stands for p-metric and is generally used on passenger cars, LT indicates light-truck duty, and T is for a temporary spare.



2.) 40: This two-digit number is the aspect ratio, or profile, of the sidewall. This tire's sidewall height is 40 percent of the tire's width, which equates to 98mm, or 3.86 inches. The lower the number, the shorter the sidewall. An exception is Michelin PAX tires, where this number signifies the overall diameter of the tire in millimeters.



3.) R: This letter indicates radial tire construction; nearly all tires sold today are of this variety. Other constructions are D for bias-ply tires and B for belted. A preceding Z is simply a reference to an outdated and vague speed rating of more than 240 km/h, or 149 mph (the specific rating can be found in the service description).



4.) 18: This number indicates the diameter of the wheel on which the tire should be mounted, generally in inches. These are usually whole numbers but can also be half-inch increments, such as 16.5, or in millimeters, as in 390.



5.) SERVICE DESCRIPTION: These numbers and letter together are called the service description. The numbers indicate the tire's maximum load rating, or the amount of weight the tire can bear (93 stands for 650 kilograms, or 1433 pounds), and the letter denotes the speed rating, or how fast the tires can safely rotate (W means 270 km/h, or 168 mph). The lowest rating typically found on passenger-car tires is Q, which means 99 mph. The highest, Y, is good for 186 mph, and when enclosed in parenthesis, as in (93Y), it means in excess of 186 mph. These values are determined by tire-testing machines in a lab, and the decoded load rating is also listed elsewhere on the tire.



6.) RED DOT: Here's a long-held myth that can be put to rest: It doesn't help in the balancing process to align the heavy spot of a tire often indicated with a red dot with a wheel's valve stem when mounting. Aluminum wheels are now the norm, and the valve stem is no longer the de facto lightest point.



7.) 200: The tread-wear grade is a relative figure based on the rate of wear of a tire during a 7200-mile on-vehicle test compared with that of a reference tire. The higher the number, the longer it will likely last. 300 indicates that the tire should last three times longer than the Uniroyal reference tire, which scores 100.



8.) A: A tire gets a seemingly uninformative traction grade (AA, A, B, or C) based on how much grip it generates in a straight-line test in which the tire is dragged at 40 mph across a wet surface without being allowed to rotate at all.



9.) A: This letter indicates a tire's ability to dissipate heat. As heat increases dramatically at high speed, this is, in effect, a second, less precise speed rating. A means the tire can withstand speeds over 115 mph, B is for between 100 and 115 mph, and C means between 85 to 100 mph.



10.) M+S: This stands for mud and snow and simply means that the tire has more space between the treads, which should help to facilitate traction on soft surfaces.



11.) MOUNTAIN SNOWFLAKE: Unlike the M+S rating, this icon indicates that a tire has met a minimum performance requirement in snow testing.



12.) ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) MARKING: These letters or a symbol indicate that this is the automaker-specified version of a tire that came as a car's original equipment. These tires can often be a very different blend of rubber compound compared with the off-the-shelf variety of the same tire, even though the tread pattern is identical. Examples of OE markings: General Motors' all have a TPC SPEC number; BMWs have a five-pointed-star symbol; Mercedes' some are emblazoned with M0; Porsche-all have the letter N followed by a number, i.e., N1, N2, etc.



13.) TIRE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: This is a required and self-explanatory list of the reinforcing materials and number of layers (in both the tread and the sidewall) that are molded into a tire's rubber for reinforcement.



14.) DOT LABEL: Every tire sold in the U.S. must have U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling. The first two characters indicate the factory of manufacture, and the next five or six are manufacturer-specific jargon (for tracking purposes, as in the case of a recall). The last four numbers give the date of production (the first two indicate which of 52 weeks, and the second two, the year). The European equivalent of the DOT code may also be present (it starts with an e), although fewer manufacturers are printing both on a tire?s sidewall (to prevent gray-market shipments when currency exchange rates fluctuate). If this string of numbers ends with -S, it means the tire complies with European noise regulations.





Here at Superior Lexus, we supply the correct tires for your Lexus at competitive prices. We continuously shop our competition in the KC market and post it here for you.





Article by DAVE VANDERWERP


Car and Driver, November 2009






Original article is here at http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/how_to_read_a_tire_sidewall-feature

5 WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR LEXUS NEEDS SERVICE

Small problems are easier to fix than big problems. However, most big problems start out as small problems that didn’t get the right attention and repair. Sometimes the small problems are intentionally (and unwisely) overlooked, but other times they simply go unnoticed until they reach “big problem” status.

To catch such problems while they are still minor and easy to fix, here are some warning signs that your Lexus should be brought in for service:




1.Low fluids. Your luxury vehicle runs on fluids; without them, nothing would work. The engine, transmission, brakes, steering, air conditioner, heater and even the battery become useless without the correct amount of the right fluids. If any of the levels are low, that means the fluids are leaking or being burned up somewhere. Once the levels get too low, major damage can result.


2.Unusual noises. If your Lexus has started playing a new tune—especially one that includes squeaks, squeals, rattles or roars—you should bring it in for a tune-up.


3.Changes in the gauges. It’s a good habit to occasionally glance at the gauges on the dashboard. Though they usually have a fairly wide “safe” operating range, you’ll notice that they tend to stay within a very narrow range under normal operating conditions. If they suddenly start to drift from that narrow band, a problem may be developing, even if they are still in the range considered “safe”.


4.Decreased performance. Luxury vehicles are built to high performance standards, whether that means acceleration, braking, handling or a smooth ride. As the regular driver, you are the person best suited to notice any decrease in performance and suspect that something must be wrong.


5.The vehicle is asking for it. Modern vehicles monitor themselves for any problems and ask for service when needed via warning lights, such as the “service engine soon” light. Too many people ignore such obvious warnings or put off doing anything about them.


So, if your Lexus is displaying any of these warning signs, please don't hesitate to bring it in to Superior Lexus Service Department - we will make sure to get you back on the road in no time:)

Lexus College Graduate Finance Program Can Turn Recent Graduates’ Lexus Dreams Into Reality

If you’re a recent college graduate and luxury vehicle-lover, you may already be dreaming about buying your first Lexus. Those dreams may seem distant, even if you already have a good job and are on the road to a successful career. But there is a solution: with the Lexus College Graduate Finance Program, recent graduates can purchase their first Lexus with financial peace of mind.



The College Graduate Finance Program is built to help recent college graduates purchase their first new or Certified Pre-Owned Lexus vehicle. In order to qualify, graduates must present the dealership with documentation of graduation and proof that they are currently employed. Applicants must also pass income and credit checks. But once they do, they’ll be that much closer to driving home their first Lexus.

By buying or leasing a Lexus with the College Graduate Finance Program, you’ll gain many advantages. This includes a waived security deposit, competitive financing terms, and even a $1000 rebate on select vehicles, including the new Lexus CT200h and IS250 Sedan.

This means that owning a new or Certified Pre-Owned Lexus is more viable than you might think. If you are a recent graduate with a good job and a solid credit history, there’s no reason why you can’t get your own.



If you’d like to learn more information about the Lexus College Graduate Finance Program, visit Lexus’ website. If you’re ready to take the next step, come visit us today at Superior Lexus. We’ll help you through the application process and, as soon as you’re approved, we’ll help you into your very own Lexus.

Congratulations, you've earned it!

In The Know: OMG! My Daughter Just Got Her License! Now What??

"Hey Mom, where are the car keys? I am going to practice, then over the Megan's to study."

We have all heard the words - it never gets easier. Being a parent of a teen driver is most likely one of the most terrifying experiences that you go through. I have four girls and two of them are in their twenties and have had their license for several years, and yes - I still worry! She will ALWAYS be your five year old in pigtails - it is IMPOSSIBLE that she is backing out of the driveway right now. (I could totally relate to this guy....but not his choice in vehicles:) You NEVER stop worrying.

You do your best to establish rules, guidelines and expectations. You lecture, lecture, lecture about the use of cell phones, not wearing seatbelts, having too many people in the car, etc., until you are blue in the face. You show them horrific videos of teen driver/drunk driving car accidents (yes, readers - I show my girls these videos, because I would rather scare them NOW rather than having an officer at my door giving me the live version of a Mother's worst nightmare LATER.)

What has helped me through the years? Educating and arming myself with ideas and resources to help them and being the best role model I can be while they are in the car with me.  

So as we dive into the beginnings of prom night/graduation parties/summer fun, let's make sure to arm ourselves as parents and once AGAIN, take the time to have the discussion of safe driving with our kids. You may get the infamous eyeroll, the sigh, the "Jeez, Mom, AGAIN, really??!!" But aren't they worth it?

Perhaps these great resources will help you, as they have me.

How safe is your Lexus?

Watch Videos of Kansas Teen Driving



http://www.safercar.gov/parents/driving.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/Teen_Drivers/

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Teen-Drivers

Star Search - Celebrities that LOVE their Lexus!

SARAH JESSICA PARKER - MOM DUTY IN HER RX 350

Sarah Jessica Parker was recently spotted bringing her daughter home from school in a Lexus RX. It's pretty rare to see SJP behind the wheel since she lives in NYC but we're sure she's got multiple cars like this Lexus hiding somewhere.

Ryan Phillippe spotted walking back to his Lexus LS Hybird.

Normally, you would spot George Clooney on one of his motorcycles but over the weekend Clooney and his girlfriend Stacey Kiebler were spotted filling up the trunk of a Lexus LS instead. Guess they wanted to shop in style:)

Charlize Theron was spotted running errands in her Lexus RX hybrid recently.

 
 
Paris Hilton parked her white Lexus LFA on the street while she stopped for lunch the other day. What car of Paris' would you rather have -- the Lexus or the Ferrari? Come on - you REALLY have to think about it? - The LFA of course!
 
 

 

Zachary Quinto was spotted getting into his Lexus CT Hybrid recently after leaving a friends house in Hollywood. He LOVES the look and the great gas mileage!  What do you think of the CT?

Alyson Hannigan loading up the back of her Lexus CT Hybrid.

Marcia Cross was spotted valeting her spotless Lexus RX 450h before heading to lunch recently and we have to ask, is it just us or does the real life Marcia Cross seem a lot like the character she plays in Desperate Housewives?

It seems like Jennifer Aniston rarely has the time to drive herself around because we mostly catch her in the backseat of an SUV but just recently Jen was spotted leaving lunch with a "friend" in a white Lexus RX. What do you think of Jen in an RX?