At AJ's Fine Foods you'll find we are more than the products and delicacies in our aisles. The critical component of the AJ's experience lies in the spirit and expertise of our team members. Here you'll find your opportunity to ask questions and have our culinary experts share their knowledge with you.
Can the AJ's Experts share some advice for a grilling novice?
To obtain an extra-smoky flavor on an open grill, use moist wood chips or vine cuttings, and improvise a cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil or a foil turkey-roasting pan.
Make fires with different woods -- you'll find the fragrance perfumes whatever you're grilling. My favorite is guava wood; apple, mesquite and hickory are great, too.
Make sure you are cooking over the right heat so you don't dry out lean ingredients. In general, grill foods that are served rare over high heat so the outside sears while the inside stays juicy. For dishes that cook all the way through, the heat should be moderate to low.
Use bone-in fish and chicken whenever possible; the bones add flavor and help keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Use roasted garlic, shallots, or onions to add flavor to low-fat foods. Wrap heads of garlic, peeled shallots or halved onions in foil, place the package on the coals and cook until tender. Then rub the garlic over grilled vegetables, poultry or pork and serve the shallots or onions alongside.
