Grilling

So, in addition to sunscreen, summer means it's time to break out the grill.  An easy way to test doneness of steaks on the grill: use your hands.

According to the Niman Ranch Cookbook:

Restaurant grill cooks, who may have to monitor a dozen steaks at once, rely on their fingertips to "read" doneness.  Depending on how readily the meat yields to their touch, they can judge its progression from rare (soft) to well done (firm).  With practice, you can master this techinique, too.  It works best on thin cuts, such as steaks and chops.

Gently press the cooking meat at its center or thickest part, then compare it to your own hand.  Relax your hand, letting it hang loosely from your wrist.  Touch the fleshy pad between your thumb and index finger.  It will feel soft, giving easily when you press.  That's the texture of rare meat.

Now form an open circle with your thumb and index finger.  The pad will be firmer and springier.  Meat cooked to medium will have a similar feel.

Now make a fist, tucking your fingers in snugly without gripping hard.  The pad between thmb and index finger with be firm and unyielding.  That's what well-done meat feels like.

 

photo credit: lawrys.com