Barbecue season is here and everyone wants to light that fire and charcoal their next meal. A few tips might prevent your entree from becoming
next “Burnt offerings to gods.” Make sure that your grill is on a flat surface away from shrubs, grass or any flammable material. Check vents to make sure that ashes are not clogging them from any previous meal preparations. Use lighter fluid starter but never gasoline or kerosene. Never wear clothing with sleeves that might catch on fire. Short sleeves are best.
How much charcoal to use - this depends on how big your grill is, what kind of food you are preparing and weather conditions. If there are strong winds, cold temperatures or if is very humid out you will need more charcoal to get a good fire going. A rule of thumb - it takes about 45 briquets to grill 6-8 burgers.
If you don’t have a grill thermometer, you might try this. Do not let a child do this and be very careful as you would not want to get burned. Hold your hand, palm-side-down just above grill. Count “one thousand one, one thousand two, and so on.” If you keep your hand in place without pulling it away for 2 seconds it is a very hot fire (375), 4 seconds its a medium fire (300-350) and 5 seconds or more it is a low fire (200-300). Once again use reasonable caution when testing heat.
If you would like to try some of flavored hardwoods, a general rule is that a little goes a long way. They should complement and not overpower. Always soak your hardwoods in water 30 minutes before using. When placed in your grill, they should smolder and smoke but not burn. Grapevine cuttings give great flavor as do shells from nuts such as almonds, and pecans. Small bunches of dried herbs soaked in water will add fragrance as well as flavor. Rosemary, bay leaves, and oregano are great on a grill.
