#9: Learn to Grill

I consider myself a very liberated female. I balance a career and family, sharing equally in all financial and household responsibilities with my husband. We take turns with laundry, cooking, cleaning, doing yard work and tucking the kids into bed. Nothing in our house is deemed as man’s work or woman’s work (except for killing bugs – that I don’t do).

Yet, until recently, I had never touched “the grill.”  Partially because Rick has always done an amazing job preparing any food that needed grilling and partially because I’m intimidated by the big stainless steel box in the back yard with an attached gas tank and flames. Kind of seems like an explosion waiting to happen.

But the 40x40 project inspired me to face my fear and learn the art of grilling.  Luckily, Rick is a great and very patient teacher, although I admit he seemed apprehensive when I first brought up the idea. I think he secretly liked being the family grill master, but he agreed to entertain my curiosity. He taught me how to turn on the gas tank and burners, the difference between direct and indirect heat, how to use a meat thermometer and the art of flipping.

To my surprise, grilling is actually kind of fun. In fact, I may have gotten a bit carried away with it. In the past three days I have grilled six types of meat (burgers, hot dogs, chicken, pork tenderloin and salmon) and four vegetables (corn, squash, tomatoes and bell peppers).

I do wince when I turn on the burners and that first flame makes me jump back in fear, but the gas tank and fire now seem a little less scary. I’ve searched online for new recipes and techniques and tonight I grilled dinner from start to finish without any assistance.

I could really get into this newfound hobby from experience #9 – especially since the clean-up is such a breeze. Next up…a grilling party for friends. Bring on the recipe ideas!