Now some tips for getting grilling just right on Fourth:

1- It is important to get grill hot. Preheat for 15 minutes with all burners on high and lid closed. It is easy to scrape grate clean with a wire brush at this point. 2- When using a gas grill, cook with lid down. It concentrates heat when searing and maintains heat when slow cooking. Conversely, you should keep lid open when using charcoal as residue buildup can affect flavor of foods being grilled. 3- When cooking things like fish and burgers, you should oil grill. Dip a handful of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, wipe grill thoroughly. This will also pick up any residue left from brushing.

And last but by no means least, a couple of recipes that we here at The Cantering Caterer in Westport, Connecticut, are happy to recommend:

Lemon-Herb Marinade Great with chicken 10 gloves of garlic, chopped very fine 1 TBS Kosher Salt ½ TBS Ground Black Pepper 3 Lemons, squeezed 1 cup or more of freshest herbs you can find – parsley and cilantro are great! 1 cup olive oil. Mix everything together, coat meat and refrigerate overnight. Amazing Burgers To: 2 Lb good ground beef Add: 1/2 cup red onion, chopped fine, 1/4 cup chopped parsley,2 TBS Capers, 2 TSP Worcestershire, a dash or 2 of Tabasco, Kosher salt and pepper to taste Hand form into 8 patties and grill! Serve on a roll with fresh garden tomato and crisp Romaine lettuce. Increase quantities as needed.

Enjoy Fourth and enjoy your party!

New York Strip; this is a t-bone with tenderloin and bone cut away. This is a good quality cut of meat and can usually be found at a lower price per pound than preceding cuts.

T-bone; this is an excellent cut for couples who like to share. The smaller tenderloin is a few delicate bites while New York strip can satisfy heartier appetite.

Filet Mignon; this choice is usually a more costly choice but is well worth additional expense if you are looking for most tender and moist cut of meat. You will not find intense flavor of a rib-eye or porterhouse but this is still an excellent cut of meat.

Top Sirloin; this cut is a lesser grade but larger cut of meat. A family of four can eat from one top sirloin. Try to buy top or prime grade, they will be tenderer than lower grades.