Hand Thermometer

Since the weather will be warming up soon and picnics are in the near future, I thought I would do a repost on using your hand as a thermometer in the case you find yourself grilling out of doors. I think I'd rather invest in a real thermometer, but if you find yourself without one, this is the way to do it:

Hold your palm close to where the food will be cooking: over the coals or in front of a reflector oven. Count "one-and-one, two-and-two," and so on (each pair is roughly equivalent to one second), for as many seconds as you can hold your hand still.

Seconds Counted Heat Temperature
6-8 seconds ... Slow 250°-350°F
4-5 seconds... Moderate 350°-400°F
2-3 seconds... Hot 400°-450°F
1 or less ... Very Hot 450°-500°F