AT YOUR COOKOUT

If you don't cook out on July 4, then that's being un-American. Being sort of a public servant, I offer 2 tips for barbecuing on Friday.

Clean your grill with Arm and Hammer baking soda. It really cuts through grease build up when used with a scraper. Just sprinkle some some baking soda, fire up the grill and scrape off the residue of previous cook outs.

Then spray Pam Grilling, not Original or Baking, but Grilling. Don't be shy; spray a lot of the stuff. Your chops or brats or steaks won't stick. Guaranteed. And your meat will be clean. Be sure to let it cook off before throwing on the old meat. Whatever you do, and this should have been the first thing I mentioned, don't play with your food. That is, allow the brats, steaks, chops, or especially hamburgers cook without constant flipping. Even with the Pam, they can fall apart. The rule to go by--if you think they need turned, they don't. At least not that much.

They Tedbits work. You'll be a hit. People will leave full bellied and thinking you are one great chef. Cook it and celebrate our 223rd birthday.