Thrill to the Grill by Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

One of my very favorite parts of hotter weather is the incessant use of
the barbecue or grill as we call it in the South. Being able to cook
everything over an open flame would be wonderful for all seasons, but for
most of us, itís confined to summer months. The key is using the grill in
an understanding way so your food is always ëcued to perfection. So to do
that, here are Five Easy Ways To Improve Your Grilling--

1óSome Like It Hot. When using a barbecue, whether it is gas or charcoal,
it is imperative to preheat the grill. You cannot put the food on a cold
grill and start that way for the same reasons you donít stick food in an
oven that hasnít been preheatedóit messes up the cooking time and the way
it should cook. Donít do it!

2óCool Tools. You just might want to check out your favorite hardware
store so you can try some new fun barbecue implements. There are some
wonderful grilling accessories that you just cannot live without. One is a
hole-y wok. Thatís rightÖbig holes in a flat bottomed wok. I grilled the
most incredible stir fried squash in one of those things. It was
easyósliced zucchini, summer squash and a little oil and garlic tossed
together in the bowl got thrown into that wok and those vegetables were
amazing. Think of the possibilities! I also purchased a flat hole-y cookie
sheet looking thing. That is how I cook my fish without losing it through
the grill slats.

3óMore Cool Tools. Donít forget when you fire up the barby, you will be
needing some good grilling tools. I use to use my kitchen spatula till the
one day I burned the hair off my arm when I was turning chicken and that
was enough to convince me. Use real grilling tools and spend a few dollars
on some nice ones. Lousy tools give you lousy results.

4óThe Brush Off. Donít forget to get a good wire brush to clean the grill,
too. Keeping the grill immaculate will improve what youíre eating
immensely. ìBurning offî the old food only works to a degreeóyou need the
brush!

5óUse Marinades. Marinades infuse themselves into foods and makes for a
delicious choice for healthy cooking. Marinades also tenderize and turn
even the most mundane piece of meat or poultry into something exotic and
full of flavor.

To make your own marinades, remember you need these elements:

Oil: Any type will do, but I prefer a higher burning oil like sunflower or
peanut oil.

Acid: You can use wine, citrus fruit or vinegar.

Seasonings: The world is wide open on this oneófrom your own special blend
of herbs and spices to soy sauce, and everything in between.