Grilling Recipes: Make a Fabulous Dinner for Four

Summer brings about the best life has to offer; good friends, good fun, and the best and freshest foods available. However, for most of us summertime also brings around high-digit temperatures, which makes it all but unbearable some days to want to fire up the stove and feed a hungry family. Have no fear, the barbeque grill is here! The grill is a fabulous multi-tasking appliance that allows for a wide variety of dishes to be made, and a wide variety of preparations to occur, all with one single appliance.

If you can imagine it, it can most likely be cooked outside on the grill. The style of grill should be your first choice. Some people prefer propane grills, some people prefer charcoal, and still others prefer a good old-fashioned wood grill. Many propane grills now are made large enough to accommodate two or three tiers of racks, and a side burner or two for heating sauces or side dishes. Propane is typically easier to start and put out, as most of them come with a push button ignition system, making them ideal for those who like quick response time in their grill, or who are more novice outdoor cooks. Charcoal and wood burning grills require more preparation, and the fuel (either charcoal or wood, depending on your choice) takes longer to burn down and be regulated enough to evenly cook your food. Whatever your choice may be, make sure you have plenty of fuel on hand to ensure your food of choice is adequately prepared.

A solid set of outdoor grilling tools is essential when cooking out. Most stores sell a basic outdoor cooking set, and they are invaluable to the griller. These sets normally consist of a set of long tongs, a large meat fork, a long spatula/turner, and a long knife. If you've never seen them before, outdoor grill tools normally have long, insulated handles to keep the users safe from heat. A basting brush is valuable if you're barbequing with a sauce as well. If you're cooking on wood or charcoal, a spray bottle full of water will come in handy to tame nasty flare-ups. And, of course, the obligatory apron is needed, good for keeping stray food off the cook.