Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Grilling Outdoors

You've seen the ads in magazines and on TV - the big burly guy (with the Teletubby tummy) brandishing a long handled fork in one hand and clutching a cold one in the other. He's standing next to a smoking grill, grinning with accomplishment, while the sun shines and the family waits patiently at the picnic table. Ah, the perfect grilling scenario. Or is it? Outdoor grilling, once known as the protected territory of male chefs is fast becoming a simple solution for quick meal preparation by busy moms. Grilling is a fast way to cook all types of food. The process is healthy and fun for everyone. With just a few quick tips, the outdoor grill can become your friend.

Grilling is Fast
The grilling process sears in the flavor of the food and cooks quickly. The food is cooked by using direct high heat. This is not the same method as barbequing, although the terms are frequently interchanged. Great food selections for grilling are chicken breasts, shrimp and scallop kabobs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veal chops, thickly sliced veggies and juicy steaks.

Grilling is Healthy
Because you are placing the food directly onto the heating source, the fat drips down away from the food. Alternatively, a sautéed chicken breasts cooked in a skillet sits in the cooking liquid, as does a hamburger in a fry pan and a veal chop cooked in a roaster. Marinades used to baste the food are made with fresh ingredients and seasoned with herbs and spices. The grilled food takes on these flavors and is often served alone without the addition of a rich sauce.

Grilling is a Snap
Great grilling is as easy as knowing your grill. A gas grill is ignited and ready to go in just a few minutes. A charcoal grill requires a little more attention. Experts advise that you arrange the coals in an even layer. Light them and let them go. Don't poke and prod - it's not necessary. When the coals are glowing red, just beginning to turn white and the flame is gone, it's time to grill.

Grilling is Easy
Season the food with salt just before grilling. Salt removes the moisture from the food so try not to season too early. Place the food on the grill and watch it. If the fire flares up do not spray the coals with water. Instead, move the food to another part of the grill. Use tongs to turn the food and test for doneness. You want to avoid piercing the food with a fork so as not to loose the juices. The less resistance to pressure from the tongs, the closer you are to done.

One last note. Prepare all of your ingredients in advance and bring them to the grill on a tray. Include additional seasonings, a serving platter, pot holders, tongs and of course the marinated or seasoned food. Plan to stay with the grill as long as you are cooking. Make sure that little ones are not left alone around a hot grill without adult supervision. Instead, while you are quickly cooking your great meal, encourage children to set the table, create an outdoor centerpiece, or toss the salad.

Now that you have all of the tips for a fast, healthy, easily prepared meal, why not try grilling as a quick way to entertain family and friends. Unless, of course, you happen to be best friends with Bobby Flay (author of "Boy Meets Grill"). If he should drop by for a little backyard fun - just hand him the tongs and enjoy…………

Also see: Veggies on the grill

Jorj Morgan is the Lifestyle Director of BlueSuitMom.com and the author of At Home In The Kitchen, a cookbook due in spring 2001. Email Jorj at jorj@jorj.com with your great grilling tips and recipes. We will share your ideas with other BlueSuitMoms.