July is of course synonymous with celebrating America’s independence. But the month is also known for its timeless American food connections.

Those connections are part of the reason July is National Culinary Arts Month. And related July observances like National Grilling Month, National Hot Dog Month, and National Watermelon Month are equally front and center this month as we dive into summer.

"People who love to eat are always the best people."

- Julia Child, American chef and television personality

Whether enjoying July 4^th holiday gatherings or a steady schedule of summer weekend get-togethers, American energy fuels the month and season’s uniquely American cuisine. For those homes and businesses fortunate to have access to natural gas, not only do they enjoy one-of-a-kind temperature control, but also significant cost savings compared to electric appliances.

Here’s a short guide to making the most of July’s delicious festivities, including grilling safety, cooking tips, and of course a few new recipes to try.

If you’re a restauranteur or in the food service industry, be sure to check out our “Restaurant Manager’s Energy Guide” for additional energy tips. And if you’re looking for help managing your energy costs, give us a call at 610.373.7999 or send us an email out customercare@ugies.com.

It’s been said, "The grill is the summer equivalent of a fireplace; everyone gravitates to it." So first, a few outdoor cooking/grilling safety reminders:

1. Grill Location: Place your grill on a flat surface away from overhanging branches, deck railings, and other flammable materials.
2. Stay Attentive: Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep a close eye on the cooking process to prevent flare-ups and other accidents.
3. Fire Safety: Keep a fire extinguisher, water spray bottle, or a bucket of sand nearby to quickly put out any unexpected flames.
4. Proper Clothing: Wear appropriate clothing, avoiding loose sleeves or other items that could catch fire.
5. Food Safety: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice until you’re ready to grill them.

While cooking safely is priority one, a close second is grilling skills and technique!

1. Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill for at least 15 minutes before cooking to ensure it reaches the right temperature and helps to kill any bacteria.
2. Oil the Grates: Prevent sticking by oiling the grill grates, while the grill is off, with a paper towel dipped in oil and using tongs to wipe the grates.
3. Control the Heat: Use different heat zones on the grill to cook various types of food simultaneously. Direct heat is perfect for searing, while indirect heat works well for slower cooking.
4. Keep it Clean: Clean the grill grates before and after each use to remove any residue and ensure the best flavor for your food.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of meats to ensure they are cooked safely and to your desired doneness.

And now the good stuff. Check a few recipes below that might be new additions to your summer menu planning.

National Grilling Month

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus makes a delicious side dish or appetizer. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture that complements the tender asparagus perfectly.

Click here for recipe.

Smash Burger

Smash burgers are made by placing a ball of ground beef on a very hot flat top grill or skillet and then quickly smashing it down with a spatula or burger press to create a thin patty. Due to their thin size, smash burgers are often double- or triple-stacked. Here are a few recipes to try: classic smash burger, “Tex-Mex smash burger,” or the “black and blue double smash burger.”

National Hot Dog Month

The hot dog is an American summer icon. While you can’t go wrong with a squeeze of ketchup, mustard, and relish, its easy to take your hot dogs up a notch by adding a few different toppings to create unique and elevated flavor profiles. Try these ideas, including a couple with tomatoes and basil that you might have growing in your garden:

• Mediterranean Dog: Add tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta, diced tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning.
• Wagyu Beef Dog with Caramelized Onions: Use a premium wagyu beef hot dog and top with slow-caramelized onions, whole grain mustard, and crispy fried shallots.
• Kimchi Dog: Top with homemade kimchi, gochujang mayo, and a fried egg for a Korean-inspired twist.
• Caprese Dog: Add fresh mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and a balsamic glaze.
• Reuben Dog: Top with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and crispy corned beef bits.

National Watermelon Month

This watermelon month, incorporate healthy watermelon throughout your meals. Low in calories, watermelon is a great anytime snack throughout the day. Plus, it’s hydrating in the summer heat as the fruit is about 91% water. Here are some watermelon recipe ideas, which with a few variations, can serve as both side and main dishes.

• Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad: Charred watermelon slices serve as a base for a unique take on the classic Caprese salad, offering a smoky-sweet flavor profile.
• Chili-Lime Grilled Watermelon: Grilled watermelon slices seasoned with chili-lime for a smoky, tangy side dish.
• Chili Lime Cucumber Noodles on Salted Watermelon: A no-cook dish combining cucumber noodles with salted watermelon, flavored with lime, chili, honey, mint, and basil.
• Watermelon Bacon Salad: An unexpected but delicious combination of sweet watermelon and salty bacon in a refreshing salad.

Hope you enjoy these recipes, and they introduce new variety for your summer grilling and entertaining season. Have a fun, safe, and delicious summer!