Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook. When taking food off the grill, use a clean platter. Don't put cooked food on the same platter that held raw meat or poultry. Any harmful bacteria present in the raw meat juices could contaminate safely cooked food.
Leftovers Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers.
Safe Smoking Smoking is cooking food indirectly in the presence of a fire. Smoking is done much more slowly than grilling, so less tender meats benefit from this method, and a natural smoke flavoring permeates the meat. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Roasting Pit roasting is cooking meat in a large, level hole dug in the earth. The hardwood is allowed to burn until the wood reduces and the pit is half filled with burning coals.