Here are some tips to keep in mind for this weekend:
1. Take your time. All Texans know that the best brisket has been slow-cooked for at least ten hours.
2. Don't use synthetic fluids or fire-starters. The chemicals will get into your cooking, which both tastes terrible and is terrible for you.
3. Make sure your grill isn't on a combustible balcony or within ten feet of combustible walls. You probably don't want to spend your holiday weekend with the Houston Fire Department.
4. Always use a charcoal lighter, not gasoline, when lighting BBQ charcoal.
5. Finally, don't forget about safety when you're cleaning up. You always want to put all your hot ash and coals into a non-combustible container until it cools or is saturated with water.
Follow Pooja Lodhia on Facebook and Twitter.