Grilling Set and Gift Card Giveaway!

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on August 3, 2009

The Healthy Beef Cookbook I am so excited to tell you about an amazing grilling set that we get to give to one lucky From Dates to Diapers reader, courtesy of The Beef Checkoff….

This fun prize pack includes a Crate and Barrel BBQ Serving Set with Tools, BBQ Safe Instant Read Thermometer, Basting Brush, The Healthy Beef Cookbook, Beef It’s What’s For Dinner Apron, Bamboo Picks, Mini Thermometer, Food Tent, Meat Markers, BBQ Mitt, Burger Press, and a $100 Gift Card for Beef!

This set is truly amazing and makes grilling even more fun… My boys are big fans of the tongs!

Here’s how to enter ::

  • Visit the Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner website and browse through their tips and tricks for summer grilling. Leave me a comment below, before August 15th, with a new tip you discovered, or one of your tried and true favorites, for your chance to win!
  • You may decide to tweet about this giveaway, up to once a day through the duration of this giveaway, for additional entries. Please use the hashtag #D2Dgvwy and leave a link to each tweet in a separate comment below.
  • You may also become a fan of From Dates to Diapers and leave yet another comment here for another chance to win.

Happy grilling!

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{ 498 comments }

Jennifer August 14, 2009 at 12:19 pm

grilling time differences for different cuts of meat!

Happi Shopr August 14, 2009 at 12:30 pm

you should dry the meat with a paper towel after marinading – I had no idea.

Karen August 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

I didn’t know that you had to pat dry the meat after you meat dry after you marinated it

katie August 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

I learned that there are 29 different cuts of meat that qualify as lean beef :)

Adele August 14, 2009 at 1:18 pm

I never knew that the meat should be patted dry after removing from the marinade. Thanks for this offer.

Gabriel J. August 14, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Great prize! I love to grill my meat slow so it is still moist!

Sonya August 14, 2009 at 2:01 pm

I love their burger directions and recipes, especially the Chipotle Burgers!

Danielle August 14, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Knowing to soak the wooden skewers will help me a lot with grilling!

Molly K August 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm

I learned that 160°F is the optimal temperature for a safe and savory burger.

Kate August 14, 2009 at 3:16 pm

I learned that cutting meat on the bias makes it more tender! Thanks!!

Dree August 14, 2009 at 3:36 pm

I learned to start with a small bite offering for summer get togethers.

Dree August 14, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Bambi M August 14, 2009 at 3:58 pm

I learned that sugary glazes burn easily, so they should only be applied in the last few minutes! That explains why my honey beef turned into crispy beef!

Thanks for the generous giveaway!

lea August 14, 2009 at 5:34 pm

I learned that grilling times are based on beef being taken directly from the refrigerator to the grill – not at room temperature.

Sharon Seneker August 14, 2009 at 6:05 pm

I learned the difference between rubs and marinades! Thanks1 senekers@comcast.net

kris August 14, 2009 at 6:15 pm

I like to marinate meat in Coke.

EdV August 14, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I never knew that you should pat the meat dry when you take it out of the marinade.

Gloria S August 14, 2009 at 6:36 pm

I didn’t know that keeping the beef refrigerated is the best to grill

Angela Winesburg August 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

I learned that there are 29 cuts of beef that meet the government labeling guidelines for lean! Thanks!

Gloria August 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

I learned to take meat out of the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to grilling.

Gloria August 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Gloria August 14, 2009 at 7:45 pm

fan on facebook/Gloria McKellar

Carol Mathesen August 14, 2009 at 8:29 pm

I have never really used a meat thermometer but after reading how important they are, even for hamburgers, I am converted.

elizabeth August 14, 2009 at 8:46 pm

I learned the difference between rubs versus marinades. Of course, when I told my husband, he was surprised I didn’t already know it. At least I know now!

Pamela S August 14, 2009 at 9:16 pm

I never did really understand “rubs”. I usually marinated, so the rub info was very helpful. Thanks so much.

Craig Johnson August 14, 2009 at 10:22 pm

fun, new recipes are the best!!

mineola August 14, 2009 at 10:48 pm

I rub the grilling surface of the grill down lightly with canola oil before grilling (don’t leave any excess, and obviously never do this when the flame is on!) which reduced charring & sticking. I LOVE our grill- I’ve even made great grilled pizzas this summer- what a pleasure! And fresh basil is just about big enough to pick… :D

checkers August 14, 2009 at 10:50 pm

it’s safer to marinate meat in the refrigerator instead of on the counter.

mineola August 14, 2009 at 10:52 pm

I know where the beef is! get your grill on giveaway at from dates to diapers :D #D2Dgvwy http://tinyurl.com/neq2cm ends Sat Aug 15

http://twitter.com/mineola/status/3323964544

Michael August 14, 2009 at 11:15 pm

The best tip I picked up regards cooking to the proper temperature – because color and juices don’t tell the whole story – and that the best way to determine doneness of burgers and steaks is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.

Jennifer gersch August 15, 2009 at 2:00 am

I learned •Refrigerate or freeze beef as soon as possible after purchase

Mishia August 15, 2009 at 2:04 am

The best tip I read is to always soak your wooden skewers before use!

Wendy August 15, 2009 at 5:22 am

Always love learning something new!

Just learned that meat should be cooked on medium heat and you can check the temperature, cautiously hold the palm of your hand above the coals at cooking height. Count the number of seconds you can hold your hand in that position before the heat forces you to pull it away; approximately four seconds for medium heat.

amy delong August 15, 2009 at 5:48 am

I love to use marinade,and found out some intresting things,pat dry before grilling,which I never do

ahdrad2932(at)msn(dot)com

Eric Breunig August 15, 2009 at 6:09 am

Make sure you get all of your ingredients and utensils, etc out right away, then you aren’t rushing around.

Carolyn G August 15, 2009 at 6:34 am
Leslie M. August 15, 2009 at 6:49 am

LeslieVeg left a Sat Tweet
http://twitter.com/LeslieVeg/status/3328117736
Leslie

Aisling August 15, 2009 at 6:58 am

I like their suggestion to mix ground oats with your ground beef and steak seasoning blend before grilling hamburgers.

Shane Davanzo August 15, 2009 at 7:04 am

I learned this: Before cooking, remove meat from marinade and pat dry with a paper towel to promote even browning and prevent steaming.

Toni August 15, 2009 at 7:06 am

160° is the optimal temperature for safe and savory ground beef — I thought it was lower!

Toni August 15, 2009 at 7:07 am

I’m a fan on facebook – thanks!

Renee T August 15, 2009 at 7:16 am

A tried & true favorite is to let the meat sit out for about 15 minutes before you start to grill to bring it closer to room temp. Less sticking on the bbq. GLTA!

Renee T August 15, 2009 at 7:18 am
Jere August 15, 2009 at 7:24 am

Something I just learned that in my part of the country flank steak is called “london broil” at the grocery store.

kathy August 15, 2009 at 7:53 am

I learned when shopping for beef to be sure the packages do not contain excessive liquid – this can be an indication of problems with temperature or storage.

JUlie August 15, 2009 at 7:59 am

Allow hot or warm leftovers to cool in the fridge, not at room temperature. I always let it come to room temp before putting it away. Oops!

David August 15, 2009 at 8:34 am

Take the meat out of the fridge 15 minutes prior to grilling

R Hicks August 15, 2009 at 9:35 am

My fav grilling tip for burgers is to mix in about a 1/4 cup of fine bread crumbs per pound. You get very tasty burgers this way and it stretches the meat some.

R Hicks August 15, 2009 at 9:37 am
R Hicks August 15, 2009 at 9:37 am

facebook fan

rich hicks

Heather E August 15, 2009 at 10:35 am

“Plan ahead and freeze cut beef for 6 to 12 months.” Great tip. I sis not know that beef could be kept for so long.

Dddiva August 15, 2009 at 10:46 am

I Love the Summer Grilling Videos
Learn from the beef experts to match a marinade or rub with the right cut of beef.

Something I like to do is prep as much ahead as possible, so I make the marinade or rub and freeze the meat with it on as it defrosts it soaks in all the wonderful flavors, and I never have to worry if I have time to both defrost and marinate.

Dddiva August 15, 2009 at 10:48 am

I am a facebook fan Sherry Conrad

Dddiva August 15, 2009 at 10:50 am
Amanda S. August 15, 2009 at 10:58 am

I learned this new tip:

Turn properly. Use long-handled tongs for turning steaks; spatulas for burgers. A fork will pierce the beef causing loss of flavorful juices. And don’t be tempted to press down on burgers – it only releases the juices and creates flare-ups.

Sarah Mitchell August 15, 2009 at 11:25 am

I learned the optimal internal temp for the perfect burger is 160.

Charity August 15, 2009 at 11:41 am

Let your meat sit for 10-20 minutes before putting it in the fridge! I already knew that one.

Thanks

Charity August 15, 2009 at 11:52 am
Charity August 15, 2009 at 11:52 am

Fan on facebook. ccboobooy

barbara wright August 15, 2009 at 11:57 am
blueviolet August 15, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I didn’t know about checking the cooking temperature of the grill by hand. That’s a great tip!

blueviolet August 15, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I’m a facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/doot65

Susan Smith August 15, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Removing visible fat from meat and poultry before grilling to help prevent flare-ups and excess smoke formation

Maja August 15, 2009 at 1:35 pm

cool tip:

Turn properly. Use long-handled tongs for turning steaks; spatulas for burgers. A fork will pierce the beef causing loss of flavorful juices. And don’t be tempted to press down on burgers – it only releases the juices and creates flare-ups

Maja August 15, 2009 at 1:36 pm

susbcriber

christopher h August 15, 2009 at 1:49 pm

learned to trim visible fat from meat and poultry before grilling to help prevent flare ups

Jammie August 15, 2009 at 2:18 pm

I did not know ground beef should be used 2 days after purchase if not frozen thats nice to know

Kelsey August 15, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Always soak your wooden skewers before you use them!!!

Thanks!

ksweeper21@gmail.com

Candie L August 15, 2009 at 4:29 pm

Beef has 10 essential nutrients. Thank you

Cindy August 15, 2009 at 4:31 pm

Before cooking, remove meat from marinade and pat dry with a paper towel to promote even browning and prevent steaming.

carol ~ August 15, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Soak your wooden skewers! Yes, I will now!

carol ~ August 15, 2009 at 4:45 pm

I follow and tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/3335863570

carol ~ August 15, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Facebook fan-Carol Yerby Lewis.

joanna smith August 15, 2009 at 4:52 pm

From visiting the website a Tip I found useful is “When shopping for beef, make the refrigerated meat case your last stop to ensure that beef stays cold as long as possible until you get home.” This is something I will now keep in mind everytime I go grocery shopping! There are other wonderful tips there too, so thank you for steering us over there and for the chance to enter.

joanna smith August 15, 2009 at 4:55 pm
joanna smith August 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm

I am a fan of From Dates to Diapers on facebook, my username there is Joanna Smith

Judi Brommer August 15, 2009 at 5:30 pm

To get a really good crunch on the outside of your cornbread…put your iron skillet on top of the stove or in the oven and get your grease hot then pour your mix in before putting in the oven to bake. YUMMY!! Nice and crunchy on the outside and good ‘ole fashioned white cornbread in the middle!!

kathy pease August 15, 2009 at 6:54 pm

i like Instant-read meat thermometers which have a dial or digital readout are the best option to use for ground beef because they give an accurate temperature reading much quicker than an oven-proof meat thermometer.

kathy pease August 15, 2009 at 6:55 pm
kathy pease August 15, 2009 at 6:56 pm

fan on facebook kathylpease

katiea August 15, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Beef beef beef beef, beef beef, beef… beef beef beef! Beef, beef beef beef, beef beef beef, beef beef, beef beefbeef. (to the tetris tune). Anyway, lots of useful info on there, dry your beef before grilling (makes sense), check for excess liquid before buying, and save the salt/spices until after cooking. All of which make sense but I guess I didn’t really think about it much. Thanks for the giveaway! Beef Beef!!

Betty C August 15, 2009 at 7:54 pm

I’ve tried the Cowboy Beef and Black Bean Chili recipe and it’s delicious. As for tips, I needed reminding that when broiling a steak to only turn it one time.

Nancy August 15, 2009 at 7:57 pm

I learned that there are 29 cuts of beef that meet the government labeling guidelines for lean.

Nancy August 15, 2009 at 7:59 pm
DanV August 15, 2009 at 8:24 pm

One is this recipe – Beef & Green Olive Stew

Janet August 15, 2009 at 8:35 pm

When shopping for beef, make the refrigerated meat case your last stop to ensure that beef stays cold as long as possible until you get home.

Choose packages that are cold, tightly and completely wrapped with no tears or punctures.
Be sure the packages do not contain excessive liquid – this can be an indication of problems with temperature or storage.
For vacuum-packaged beef, be sure that the seal has not been broken and that the package is not leaking.

jill1 Lund August 15, 2009 at 8:42 pm

I found “explore new beef cuts”. My late husband had new beef cuts when he helped a local farmer butcher his cattle.
I’ll try the beef and olive stew when more money comes our way.

Helen August 15, 2009 at 8:49 pm

I found out that the most nutrient-rich foods that were also wallet-friendly included: eggs, milk, beans, lean ground beef, potatoes and soup.

Veronica Garrett August 15, 2009 at 8:51 pm

I always marinade in the refrigerator.

Marcy Strahan August 15, 2009 at 8:54 pm

I ALWAYS LET FOOD SIT/COOL FOR 10/20 MINUTES BEFORE PUTTING IN THE ICEBOX!

Marcy Strahan August 15, 2009 at 8:55 pm

fACEBOOK fAN!
ZESTYWONDERLAND

kristelh August 15, 2009 at 8:56 pm

I learned that you soak wooden skewers before grilling.

Yvonne Butler August 15, 2009 at 8:57 pm

Use your favorite grilling mixture of spices and herbs to make a rub and this will add flavor and seal in the juices of your meats. Thanks for the chance to WIN!

kimbly August 15, 2009 at 8:58 pm

Always use a rub for your meat and refrigerating helps the rub “set” into the meat

Brian E. August 15, 2009 at 8:58 pm

Thanks for the giveaway… One of the most helpful pages was the “Make it 160° for a Safe and Savory Burger” page; this grilling season I have been using a thermometer instead of just cooking “by sight” and our burgers are less dried out as a result.

senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

Gianna August 15, 2009 at 9:11 pm

The wooden skewers need soaking :)

Kristie Belding August 15, 2009 at 10:30 pm

A very simple marinade for those allergic to just about EVERYTHING! 1 Cup olive oil (extra virgin is great), 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup soy sauce.

Mix together and pour over your raw chicken or beef. Let rest for 2 hours, then you are ready to put it on the grill.

*Do ahead method. Marinade in the freezer.
1. Empty and wash out the ENTIRE sink.
2. Bring the trash can close and get a sharpie marker.
3. Mix up your marinade or have a bottle of your favorite premix (bottled marinade or Italian dressing) on hand.
4. Pull out and open the desired amount of freezer bags (sandwich/quart/gallon – this also helps control portion size, as you won’t need to thaw out an entire package if you only need a few pieces) and place them on the counter next to you within easy reach.
5. Crack open the meat package in the sink and rinse each piece before placing it into an open freezer bag. Fill each bag only 1/2 full as you will need room to put the marinade and squeeze out lingering air.
6. Line filled bags up in the empty part of the sink as you will be filling the bags with sauce in a moment. It also makes clean-up a breeze.
7. After filling the bags and DOUBLE CHECKING that they are sealed. Label each bag with MEAT TYPE/DATE/SAUCE USED. This will prevent a lot of meat flavor mix-ups.
8. Lay the bags FLAT in the freezer. This will make them easier to stack and break apart if they do stick together.
9. After an hour go back and double check that the seals on the bags have not leaked. : ) Re-bag if it is a side seam.

Carolyn G August 16, 2009 at 6:40 am

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