Grill Thrill

GRILL THRILL
HOT TIPS TO INSPIRE YOUR BARBECUE FIRE

The summer season is in full swing and one of the best ways to take advantage of the longer days and
warmer weather is to fire up the backyard barbecue. The right tools can mean the difference between a
succulent, juicy steak and one that more closely resembles a hockey puck. Here, THE FAMILY GROOVE takes
a look at the grills and accessories designed to make the most of cooking outdoors.

For the ultimate in grilling, the gas grill makes outdoor cooking a breeze. The Weber Summit S-620 features six burners, two stainless steel work surfaces for grill side prep and built-in lighting for late night cookouts.
($1,499, www.homedepot.com)

Grill Fact: The Fourth of July is the most popular holiday for grilling, followed by Labor Day, birthdays, Memorial Day and Father’s Day.

For the traditionalist, nothing beats charcoal grilling. The classic Weber One-Touch Gold features the brands iconic bowl construction, an automatic cleaning system and an ash catcher for easy clean up.
($149.70, www.homedepot.com)

Grill Fact: 50 percent of Americans now own a charcoal grill, an increase of 11 percent over the last 10 years.

From tongs to wood chips, the right tools can make or break the backyard chef: a sturdy set of utensils, including a spatula, basting brush, fork and tongs should be close by to tackle every possible grilling scenario.
($69 for plain or $89 for monogrammed, www.williams-sonoma)

Grill Fact: Women are more likely than men to say they grill because there are no pots and pans to clean up afterwards.

To enhance the flavor of meat, fish and poultry, add a splash of barbecue sauce or use wood smoking chips while grilling.
($9.95, Apple Wood or Cabernet Wood Smoking Chips, www.texasirons.com)

Grill Fact: 78 percent of Americans say they prefer to grill outdoors compared to 22 percent who prefer to cook inside.

For the chef who wants to leave his mark, a monogrammed branding iron does it in style
($34.95, www.texasirons.com)

Grill Fact: Americans say their favorite food to grill is steak, but the food they grill most often is hamburgers.

Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
(Source: Weber’s Big Book of Grilling)

6 slices bacon
2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
6 thin slices extra-sharp cheddar cheese
6 hamburger buns
6 crisp lettuce leaves
6 slices ripe tomatoes

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Remove the pan from the heat.

Gently shape the ground chuck into six burgers of equal size and thickness (about ¾ inch thick). Season both sides of the burgers with salt and pepper.

Grill over direct medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 106 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Top each burger with a slice of cheese during the last minute or two of grilling time and allow the cheese to melt. During the last 30 seconds, grill the buns over direct medium heat until lightly toasted.

Serve the cheeseburgers hot on the toasted buns with a lettuce leaf and slice of tomato, topped with a slice of bacon. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

For more recipes and grill-like-a-pro tips, go to www.weber.com/bbq/pub/recipe/

Photo Credits: ©2007 Weber-Stephen Products Co., ©2006 Weber-Stephen Products Co. Used with permission.
Source: All “Grill Facts” are from the 18th Annual Weber GrillWatch Survey, conducted by Greenfield Online.

—Jennifer Carofano
After a decade of subways, bagels and window shopping in New York City,
Jennifer Carofano now lives with her husband and their two cars in sunny Los Angeles.

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