How Do You Plan a Labor Day Cookout?
A Texas Labor Day cookout does not have to cost a lot. With local produce, cheaper cuts of meat, and a few smart swaps, you can feed a crowd without blowing your budget. It can also be a greener way to celebrate the end of a hot summer. Cook outside, use seasonal foods, and skip the extra Texas power use that comes with cooking and cooling your home.
This year, though, keep an eye on the weather. Current forecasts show much of Texas could still be hot on Labor Day, with some areas near or above 100 degrees. That makes outdoor cooking a good way to save on your electric bill, but you will still need a plan to keep your guests cool.
Shop Local For Your Labor Day Cookout
Late summer is a great time to visit a farmers market. Tomatoes, peppers, chilies, herbs and other fresh produce are still easy to find. Buying local food can also cut the distance your food travels.
In Austin, check out Texas Farmers Market. Dallas shoppers can visit Dallas Farmers Market. In Houston, Urban Harvest Farmers Market offers another way to buy local produce.
Local does not always mean safer, so handle fresh food with care. Still, farmers markets can give you a chance to meet the people who grow your food and find fresh seasonal produce.
Grill Smart And Save
Beef prices remain high. USDA data shows beef prices were much higher this year than last year. That makes Labor Day a good time to look for grocery store manager specials. A larger package of ground beef may also cost less per pound than smaller packages.
Poultry remains another lower-cost option. But, pork can be an even better choice. Pork prices have stayed well below beef prices, making pork loin, shoulder, and ribs affordable and tasty options for a crowd.
You can also save money with a grillable veggie entrée. Try thick slices of zucchini, bell pepper, onion and mushrooms. Toss them with oil, salt and pepper, then grill until tender. Serve them on buns, tortillas, or alongside the meat.
Keep Your Labor Day Cookout Cool
If the weather stays hot, move the party outside but keep people comfortable. Set up a hydration station in the shade with a cooler full of ice, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic drinks. This is especially useful for kids.
You can also save energy by cooking outside. Grilling keeps the oven from heating your house, which can help your air conditioner run less often. However, do not turn off the AC just because you are eating outside. If Texas temperatures remain near 100 degrees, keep your home at a safe temperature for anyone staying inside.
A little planning can make your Labor Day cookout cheaper, greener and more fun. Shop local, choose affordable cuts, grill outside and keep everyone hydrated.
If you want to save even more, take a moment to compare Texas electricity rates before the next big cookout. A lower electric rate can help offset the cost of running your AC during a hot holiday weekend. Compare plans and rates at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.