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Easy Summer Grilling

© Shawn Price

It's hot in the kitchen, why not grill dinner outside? Too many folks wait until the weekend or a party to pull out the grill. It's just as easy as cooking inside, and the whole family will love it - even if it is the middle of the week. So turn off the television, take the family outside, and grab some food. It's grilling time!

The Best Way to Start Your Coals

Please don't douse your coals in that nasty-smelling starter. Your food will pick up the smell and it's expensive. All you need is a large coffee can and some newspaper. Punch a couple of large holes around the rim on the open end of the can. Fill the can with charcoal brisquets and top with crumpled newspaper. Turn the can newspaper-side-down into your grill. Light the newspaper through the hole. Let the newspaper heat your brisquets. When the brisquets are good and hot, remove the can. (And don't make my mistake. Use tongs or an oven mitt. Ouch.)

Use Up Those Summer Veggies!

Have you run out of fresh ideas for your tomatoes? Are you leaving bags of zucchini on neighbors' porches then running? Here's a dead easy idea: Slice up your extra produce (1/4 - 1/2 inch thick) and place in a ziplock bag or a bowl that will seal well. Pour your favorite Italian-style dressing over the veggies. Let them marinate in the dressing for at least an hour, but overnight is better. Grill over medium coals, flipping after 3 minutes. Serve plain or with green onion dip or plain yogurt.

How To Cook Chicken

Many folks shy away from chicken because it takes too long or they end up with chicken that is still too pink near the bone but black on the outside. If you have a microwave, you can speed up the process by pre-cooking the chicken, and just put the finishing touches on the grill. For every pound of chicken, microwave on high for at least 2.5 minutes. It still tastes great, but it is far safer for your family.

No Mess Foil Grilling

Foods wrapped in foil and steamed on the grill - no fuss and difficult to screw up. Don't bother with the pre-made foil pouches; simply use heavy-duty aluminum foil. Even the little ones love to make their own foil wrapped dinner.

This is the easiest way to cook fish on the grill. For lean fish, rub a little oil on the foil. Fat fish provide their own oil. Rinse and pat dry your cleaned and trimmed fish. Place your fish in the middle of a double thickness of aluminum foil. Add salt, pepper, some lemon, and your choice of seasoning (dill is wonderful) Wrap and crimp the edges. Place on a medium-hot grill and turn every 10 minutes or so. (About 30 minutes for 5-8 lbs)

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