A group of 4-H youth are proving that grilling out isn’t just for grown-ups. Mouth-watering aromas wafting from Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market site June 14 were evidence enough. Youth ages 8 to 18 were invited to take part in the annual Lowndes County 4-H Grilling Contest. Participants brought their own grills, utensils, seasonings and skills to the preparation of meats provided by the Extension Service. Each boy or girl was entered in one of several available categories: Expensive Steak, Less Expensive Steak, Hamburger, Specialty Beef, Pork Chop or Poultry.
Even at these young ages, some of the competitors are very experienced. Even so, they all took part in a tutorial on grilling safety before the first briquette of charcoal was lit.
Lowndes County Extension Agent Reid Nevins and Noxubee County Extension Agent Crayton Coleman reviewed correct techniques for getting a fire going, judging charcoal color and readiness, sanitation, food temperatures, degrees of doneness, seasonings and more.
“4-H is a learn-by-doing organization, so this is a great opportunity to teach the kids,” said Nevins, who is an avid griller himself. “I love to cook, and I enjoy trying to pass on to them some things I know.”
Safety comes before all else, the agents stressed — from fires to food handling.
“We cover some of everything, including sanitation,” Nevins said. “Like not cross-contaminating by putting the cooked steak on the same platter the raw meat was on. Nine out of 10 times you might get away with it, but that one time it does get contaminated, it’s not good!”
After the workshop, the 10 or so participants returned to their grills and prepared to fire up.
“Don’t light your fire until you have a judge or agent with you,” Coleman called out, reminding everyone. “And remember, don’t put your meat on the grill until the charcoal turns gray. Spread it evenly so you get an even fire.”
When coals were ready, steaks, chicken, pork chops and kabobs went on the grills. Everyone was on task — basting, turning, seasoning and keeping a watchful eye. Several parents and grandparents watched from lawn chairs under the farmers’ market canopy.
“It’s such a valuable experience,” said Lori Moore, whose son Jay, 12, was grilling rib-eye steak. He also shows livestock, including dairy goats, rabbits, chickens and horses. “He’s learned all the grilling steps and the safety … it’s kind of gotten him excited about grilling. He wants to cook for the family. Steak is his favorite thing to prepare.”
When asked what the best part of the process is, Jay answered quickly, “The part where I get to cook!”
Seasoned griller
Lauren Revel, 17, basted chicken with a combination of Tobasco sauce, white pepper, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. She also sprinkled cherry wood smoked sea salt on the half-chicken throughout the cooking.
“I’ve been grilling for about three years,” said the active 4-H member who is on the county, district and statewide 4-H leadership teams. She also shows and raises goats, ducks and chickens and hopes to develop a business selling black-skin chickens to area Asian markets.
Revel prefers charcoal over gas.
“Fewer people use charcoal nowadays, but they forget that gas loses the flavor and charcoal adds to it; with charcoal you get that nice, smoky flavor,” she said.
Revel and Moore are among approximately seven of the contestants who plan to travel to Winona June 28 to compete in the North Mississippi 4-H Cookout Contest. There are additional statewide and national contests beyond that youth can advance to.
4-H is more than just livestock, Nevins pointed out. That is a misconception the public sometimes has. 4-H can also be grilling, photography, robotics, health and fitness, food science, rocketry and more.
“I think it’s great,” said Jane Noggle, 4-H volunteer and grandparent to 11-year-old rib-eye cook Harlie Humbers. “It all teaches them responsibility, independence and things they can carry over into adulthood.”
“Watching them grow and gain confidence — that’s what I enjoy the most,” said Extension Agent Coleman. “Growing in their abilities and growing as blue ribbon kids.”
Editor’s note: For information on 4-H programs, visit 4-h.org or call the Lowndes County Extension office, 662-328-2111, or the Extension office in your county.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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