Show Doctor Doctorin in n the Kitchen by Laurence M. M Hursh MD M.D. Consultant National Dairy Council OUTDOOR COOKING Summers Summer's half haU gone but theres there's plenty of time remaining for cooking out of doors And its it's that outdoor flavor that can give food its special taste I person personally personally personally ally prefer this time of the summer sum sum- mer season for Cor picnic and patio barbecues because corn on the cob is available plus gorgeous tomatoes and so forth But if joure youre going to picnic away from home lets let's talk a bit about equipment and ways of ol doing things easily and safely Plan In Advance In-Advance You should plan your jour food needs in advance Whatever can be prepared before beCore you leave will make it more fun and less work for Cor you at the picnic grounds or campsite Include fruits and vegetables In your plans Also milk and I other dairy foods meat fish cheese or eggs and breads and other cereal products That way youre you're following the four food group plan But dont don't take more than you'll need Its It's a common mistake to overload An insulated ice chest will hold all the things that need to tobe tobe tobe be kept cool Insulated bags will work too if you add a plastic bag full Cull of ice cubes along with other contents Keep all perishable foods cool until youre you're ready to serve Warm moist foods spoil quickly Use special care with salads sandwich fillings and creamed dishes In fact you shouldn't mix salad components with dressing until youre you're ready to serve No problem with things like hot dogs and hamburgers if iC you keep the meat coo cool until cooking time Buns can be buttered at home Canned beans and fruits are served right out of the can without heating or cooling Relish Relish Relish Re- Re lish mustard catsup and such go to the picnic in their containers contain contain- ers ready to serve Buy milk near the campsite rather than lug it from home And ice cream sticks or bars can also be purchased and tossed in your cooler for dessert Cheese No problem It Itcan Itcan Itean can ean be transported as it comes from Crom the store and used when joure youre ready Use Disposables Utensils of all kinds come rome In plastic Plates and napkins are disposable So are paper cups Probably the only things you'll take back home with you are plastic bowls and other serving devices like jars plus whatever knives youve you've needed and your barbecue grill and leftover char char- coal As for making your fire the charcoal briquettes available everywhere are best If U you use a liquid starter use it sparingly and be careful Follow Instructions ions on the can It will take about 30 minutes for your charcoal charcoal char char- coal to form white coals the hottest and best Then have Dad take ake over and show what a chef he is It will be your time mother away from the kitchen |