Why We Love Grilling Outdoors

Millions of us enjoy outdoor cooking. It's part of the rhythm of our lives, as natural as the changing of the seasons. Guys whose only time spent in the kitchen involves searching for beer in the refrigerator jump at the chance to cook dinner on the outdoor grill. Why? It's just plain fun, and a great social activity, gathering in the backyard with friends or family for a relaxed cookout. Becoming a competent backyard chef doesn't require any prior cooking skill or experience. You can start with the basics, such as grilling burgers or steaks, and as you gain confidence, expand your repertoire to more complex dishes. You can experiment with spice rubs and sauces, until you create your own signature recipes.


If you pay attention to what your doing, grilling or smoking meats is difficult to goof up. It doesn't require exact measurement of ingredients, such as baking does. In fact many a backyard grillmeister has discovered his or her best dishes after uttering the phrase: "What if we try this..." The major challenge is "doneness," recognizing when to take the foods off the grill so you don't end up with dry, grey overdone meats, scorched fish or undercooked chicken. But that just comes with experience. You reach the point where you don't have to cut into the steak to see if it is medium-rare. You just know.


These days, the sky's the limit in terms of the types of dishes you can prepare outdoors, and the flavors you can produce: even desserts can be prepared on the grill. Grocery store shelves are crammed with exotic marinades from every type of cuisine.


Let's not forget the most important part: grilled or barbecued food just tastes better than food cooked in the oven or on the stove. Searing meat over a high flame adds that delicious crust or "char" flavor. And what's better than the rich flavor of meats slow cooked over wood smoke?


Smoking or Grilling


Generally speaking, grilling refers to cooking foods quickly in an open cooker, over high heat. Smoking is a process of cooking more slowly, over a low heat, often with the cooker closed. But these processes are not mutually exclusive. You might sear a pork tenderloin over high heat, and then move it off the fire and let it finish cooking more slowly, adding wood chips to the fire to give it additional flavor, and closing the lid on the grill unit. Many outdoor chefs have two distinct cooking units: a gas or charcoal grill and a meat smoker. But many grills can serve double duty as smokers.


Enjoy yourself but keep safety in mind


Take precautions when you're grilling. Keep food icy cold until you're ready to grill. Salads and side dishes should be kept in a cooler until ready to serve. Don't cross contaminate utensils, plates, or the grill surface.


A fire extinguisher in easy reach is a must. It's also a good idea to have a pitcher of water nearby and a bowl of ice cubes. If you do burn your hand plunge it into the ice cubes for fast relief. And of course keep the grill out of busy pathways.

About the Author


Brian Hill loves to
grill,
whether it's chicken, fish, veggies, or his favorite, steaks. He's the author of the novel
Over Time,
His dogs blog at http://www.roseandkate.blogspot.com

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Grilling Smoker Smoking Q&A

Who makes Gas, Charcoal , Smoker combo with a load capacity under 50 pounds or so ?

I would like to find a Gas grill with a top rack in it and a rotisserie, plus a side box for charcoal or hardwood for smoking. I can find each one of them but not a combination unit that does all 3 at the same time. " Ebay is not the answer please. "

Weber does not make a combo unit. I built one and it was pretty simple and have the plans. I will be glad to share them with you.

smokin a turkey for Thanksgiving.?

I'm pretty good at this and have a great smoker grill but do any of you smoke turkeys for Thanksgiving and if so tell me your favorite way to prepair it.

I usually do a 10 to 12 pound turkey because I like that size bird. stuff it with celery, Onions and garlic and I bought this stuff called Texas BBQ rub , I coat the turkey with Zesty Italian dressing and then coat it with the rub, put it in a oven roaster bag and cut several slits in the bag (so it doesn't get over smoked) cook at 225 to 250 for 5 - 7 hours.. yum yum..

I'm in Florida so I use oak and cherry wood in the smoker.
I'll be doing 4 of them this year for friends and family, stop on by try some
thanks bdawg, I'll try that.. everyone has their own way, I use a dry rub, thus the oven bag. it comes out great but I'm always open to new ideas
how often to you mop it with the wet rub?

I was gonna smoke one. But I decided to do the ole traditional way my mama taught me (only I am gonna stuff it with similar goodies and such)