If you're completely green to grilling, your best bet is to start with Better Homes & Gardens' Summer Cooking School. This is an excellent resource for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Here you will find the basics of various cooking methods plus how to test the grill temperature and how to avoid flare-ups. There's also plenty of information about handling food, preparing sauces, marinades and rubs, and testing for doneness.

One of the wonderful benefits of grilling (and barbecuing) is that the food will taste great without a lot of preparation. Dry rubs are very popular and help lock in the natural juices and flavor of the meat while cooking. Marinades infuse the meat with flavor, making each bite a taste sensation. Fresh vegetables can be thrown on a grill with little more than a light coat of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. A wide assortment of recipes can be found at BBQ.com. You can also ask the pros for advice in the Cooks Online Forum.

Is grilling at home simply not an option for you? Let someone else do the work! Ribman is a searchable database that will help you track down local restaurants serving up barbecued dishes. Or, if you're in the Meridian, Texas area, check out the National Championship Barbecue Cookoff where the best of the best grill masters are sure to be on hand.

Life in the city can be hectic and complicated, but sometimes it's the simple things that bring us the most pleasure. Having a barbecue is also a great excuse to assemble an impromptu party with your neighbors and friends, so make the most of it.

Best wishes & happy grilling!

The Webicurean™
webby@webicurean.com