Perfect Grilling Tips!

The man and the grill.  Isn’t that what is always pictured?  But what about women and the grill?  We are just as good flipping burgers and turning freshly cooked vegetables, are we not?  In my house, I am the grill master, from starting the coals to cooking the meal and everything in between.   And you can be too!

My favorite form of grilling is over charcoal.  I never use coal that has been soaked with starter fluid, as this makes the meat taste like diesel fuel.   Instead, I use a metal charcoal starter to heat up my briquettes.   But I have a secret. Shhhh, don’t tell any men about this one!  Take one piece of newspaper and place it loosely in the bottom of your starter.  Then pour two tablespoons of vegetable oil over it.  Place another piece of newspaper loosely over that.  Fill the chimney, light the bottom and walk away.   Before you know it your coals will be ready to place in the bottom of your grill!

When I empty my charcoal in to the grill I leave one space open to serve as a “cool spot” for things that need less heat. After I place the food on the grill I cover it so it can begin to cook internally.  This also keeps the charcoal from flaring up. It is never a good idea to leave the top off and spray the charcoal with water as fire begins to char your food – especially when a lid will keep the grill at a perfect temperature and flame-free.

Some basic grilling tips?   Never salt your food before cooking it.  This will draw the natural juices out of your meat, causing it to be dry and chewy.  And pushing your burgers down? Absolutely not for the same reason.   Brining your chicken and pork helps to keep it moist, as does boiling it until it is almost done just before placing it on the grill.

So let’s cook up something easy and delicious.  How do marinated vegetables, tender honey-lime chicken strips and garlic bread sound?  Tempted?  Then come back for the next post or even better, subscribe.  You don’t want to miss this one!