Here’s the scoop on making ice cream, grilling meat

What’s the secret to evenly grilled meat?

Bob White, Summit, N.J.

Temperature control — and a good thermometer.

On a gas grill, setting an area to a specific intensity will produce the same heat each time. A charcoal grill is less consistent: Check your grill’s built-in gauge, or place an oven thermometer on a rack above the grates in an indirect heat zone.

For indirect heat in a gas grill, preheat over high, then reduce one area to medium-low or off; on a charcoal grill, leave one side free of coals.

Begin cooking larger cuts over direct heat; move to indirect if the outside is charring before the meat is cooked through.

What’s the best way to set up an outdoor buffet?

Jordan Parker, Columbia, Mo.

Thoughtful placement will keep the food fresh and your guests well-fed. Set the table close to the house, but not so near that people can’t easily move around it.

Have everyone start at one end, letting them serve themselves from both sides.

Position platters where they can be refilled easily: grilled foods close to the grill, and cold salads near the door to the house.

A separate drink station avoids spills on the buffet.

Can I make homemade ice cream even if I don’t own an ice-cream maker?

Hanna Ciechanowski, Walpole, Mass.

A: Absolutely! No-churn ice cream doesn’t require any special equipment.

Try this mint-chip recipe, or substitute other flavors, like vanilla extract and bourbon, or almond extract and Frangelico with crushed cookies.

No-churn mint-chip ice cream

In a large bowl, stir together a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons peppermint extract and 1 tablespoon creme de menthe.

In another bowl, beat 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream with a pinch of coarse salt until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold into milk mixture, in two batches, until no streaks are left. Fold in 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao).

Transfer to a loaf pan; freeze for at least 6 hours and up to 1 month.

How do I know when a melon is ready to eat?

Christine Fulgieri, New York City

There isn’t one universal rule; it depends on the kind you’re buying. Some of the signs to look for:

Watermelon:

Pick it up: It will feel heavy for its size.

Tap it: The fruit should sound hollow.

Honeydew:

Look at it: You want a dull, pale-yellow exterior.

Sniff it: The fruit should smell fragrant.

Cantaloupe:

Press it: The bottom should feel soft but not mushy.

Sniff it: A ripe one will have a sweet scent.

What’s the best way to clean my windows?

Brianna Steinitz, Nashville, Tenn.

Choose a time of day when your window isn’t hit with direct sunlight. (It can cause cleaning liquid to dry too quickly, creating streaks.)

Rub away dirt using a sponge dampened with equal parts white vinegar and hot water — dishwashing liquid can leave residue.

Wipe with a squeegee, wetting the rubber edge first so it doesn’t skip. Use downward, overlapping strokes, then pull across the bottom.

This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Here’s the scoop on making ice cream, grilling meat."