Fourth of July Events
Keeping it Healthy
There are many ways you can turn your grilling not only into a flavorful and fun way to cook, but also into a healthful way to eat. By choosing foods that are low in fat, high in nutrients and full of flavor, you can get great meals that are also good for you.
Tips:
- Keep your grill clean, it will cook better.
- Trim excess from food; fats are troublemakers.
- Avoid "flare-ups"; charred foods increase HCA and PAH* formation.
- Don’t overcook foods; cut charred sections off.
- Use marinades to add extra flavor and to reduce the formation of cancer causing substances.
- Use herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage to add flavor and reduce HCA.
- Serve up your grilled foods with a good helping of fruits and vegetables.
* Heterocyclic Amines (HCA) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are known cancer causing agents
Fireworks Safety
Make sure your celebration is done with safety in mind.
- Always read and follow label directions
- Have an adult present
- Buy from reliable sellers
- Use outdoors only
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
Rhode Island and Massachusetts ban all consumer fireworks, including sparklers.
Fuel the Flames
Which is Best for Your Backyard?

Gas - $60 -$1,000
- More than 63 percent of homeowners who cook outdoors use propane
- For the novice griller
- Propane burns cleaner
- Often portable
- Cooks large volumes
- Quick heating
Infrared - $300-$1,500
- A roaster’s favorite
- For high heat burning
- Best for roasting and rotisserie
- Great for low quantity, high yield meat
- Heats evenly
Charcoal - $25-$2,000
- For the intermediate griller
- Inexpensive to operate
- Perfect for that barbecue taste
- Less dangerous than gas
- Great internal heat for moderate size grilling
Grillin' Slang
While around the fire, be sure to know the native tongue.
| Barbecue (BBQ) | to broil or roast in large pieces over an open fire, seasoning with spices |
| Grill | to broil on a gridiron, embossing with a series of char marks |
| Smoke | to cure meat by heat using wood or wood chips |
| Pit Roast | to cook large meat directly over embers placed underground |