Humphries - Recipes For Your Grilling Machine

We've always known that grilling or broiling food is preferable to frying - it is a much healthier option because you don't have to cook in loads of added fat. Grilling also helps meat retain more B vitamins than frying.

The advantages of an electric health grill over a conventional grill are that it is quick and convenient, and often uses less fuel. It also allows the fat in the food and any juices to drip off into a handy container; the fat can then be spooned off and the juices used for an accompanying sauce, when appropriate. Food cooked on the grill has that attractive 'griddled' look as well.

You may have thought you can only cook burgers and steaks on your grilling machine, but you'd be wrong. You can cook everything from kebabs to fish, vegetables to fruits and, of course, the most sensational toasted sandwiches and other snacks. This book shows you exactly how to do all these things, and every delicious, innovative recipe will help you make the most of your new gadget, so you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals every day.

In this chapter, you'll find everything you need to know to get the best out of your appliance.

Before you use your grill for the first time:

• Remove all packaging.
• Wipe over the plates and then the outside with a clean, damp cloth.
• Wash the drip tray in warm, soapy water, then rinse, dry and put in place.
• Place the grill on a flat, heat-resistant surface (I always put mine on a large, heat-resistant chopping board).
• Make sure the cord does not hang over the edge of the work surface.
• Make sure the cord is completely unravelled.

WARNING
Do not put the cord, plug or body of the grill in water or any other liquid.

When you are ready to use the grill:

• Make sure the drip tray is in the correct position. Never use without the drip tray in place.
• Close the machine for efficient heating up.
• Insert the plug into a suitable socket and switch on. The red 'power on' light should glow.
• Turn the heat control up as high as possible to heat quickly. The grill is ready to cook when the indicator light glows (see your manufacturer's instruction booklet). If not cooking on the hottest setting, turn the grill down to the temperature you require.
• When using the cooker for the first time, a fine smoke haze may appear as the components heat up. This is normal.
• Oil the plates, if appropriate (see individual recipes).

The grill can be used open or closed. All the recipes in this book give you instructions for the different methods, as appropriate.

In the closed position, your grill will cook food in half the time it takes to cook both sides separately. Cooking with the lid closed is suitable for firm foods, such as steaks, sausages, bacon, vegetables and toasted sandwiches. The open position is more suitable for soft foods that would squash completely flat with the weight of the lid.

Some machines have a variable top plate, which enables you to cook more foods with the lid down - such as thicker meats, softer fish, seafood and fruits. You can also toast buns for burgers.

If your grill has fixed plates, you can obtain a similar effect for some foods by supporting the lid clip on a cork or similar heat-resistant object, so it holds the lid in an open position, just resting on the food. Do not use anything to support the clip that is flammable, metallic or liable to melt. You may need to rearrange the food during cooking, as this method won't grill as evenly as variable plates.

WARNING
The machine plates and body will get really hot during cooking so avoid touching any part except the handle.

• Oil the food, or drain off any marinade, if necessary.
• Lay the food on the preheated grill plates. Close the lid, if appropriate. If the lid is to remain open, the food must be pressed gently with a spatula to obtain the griddle marks on the surface.
• Cook for the stated time, turning if recommended during cooking.
• If food is very fatty, drain the drip tray during cooking, to prevent fat overflowing, and replace immediately.
• When the food is cooked, open the lid, if necessary, and remove the food using a non-metallic spatula or tongs.
• Reheat the grill before cooking a second batch of food.

WARNING
Do not use metal utensils as they could damage the plates.

• Close the machine and plug in as before.
• Turn the setting to 'low' or 'sandwich', if your machine has a variable setting.
• Butter or oil the filled bread or rolls on the outside.
• Place on the hot plate, lower and fasten the lid. Cook for the recommended time.
• Lift the lid and remove the toasted food with non-metallic tongs.
• For thicker snacks, either use an adjustable grill or support the lid on a cork or similar heat-resistant object.

• Always unplug the grill after use.
• Remove and empty the drip tray. Wash in warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
• If your grill has fixed plates, wipe these immediately, while still hot, with a clean, soft cloth or kitchen paper (paper towels).
• If there are baked-on food particles, mix some warm water with detergent and squeeze over the residue, then clean off with a non-abrasive plastic scourer or brush.
• If the grill has removable plates, leave the machine to cool down, then remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water or put in the dishwasher.
• Wipe over all the rest of the machine with a clean, damp cloth or kitchen paper.
• Always replace the drip tray and put away the cord in the cord storage.

WARNING
Never immerse the machine in water.

• Do not put the cord, plug or body of the grill in water or any other liquid.
• Always make sure there is adequate air space around the appliance when in use.
• Make sure it is on a heat-resistant, level, dry surface.
• Avoid contact with any flammable materials while in use - such as curtains, cloths, kitchen paper (paper towels), wall coverings, etc.
• Do not use the appliance outdoors.
• Do not place it against any other appliance when in use.
• Do not line the plates with foil or other materials.
• The machine plates and body will get very hot during cooking, so avoid touching any part except the handle.
• Keep children away from the appliance when in use as it becomes very hot.
• Do not leave the appliance unattended when in use.

• For best results, always cook foods of similar thickness at the same time
• Check food during cooking. If some pieces are not browning on top because they are thinner than other pieces, turn them over. In the same way, round foods, such as sausages, benefit from being turned gradually during cooking to get an even griddled effect.
• If you have marinated food before grilling, drain it well and pat dry, if necessary, before placing on the grill plates or it will generate too much steam and the results may be disappointingly soggy. Also, if the marinade has a high sugar content, this could cause the surface of the food to burn or the plates to scorch, so take care, check often and don't overcook.