Grill Girl

Be sure to check me out at:

Yes! You Can Grill

Yes! You Can Grill is a site I just started, so I don't have all my work up yet and it just ain't too pretty. It's coming along though especially since I've now hired a web designer, so check back often.

I must say that I think grilling is a lot easier than building web sites. But I do like a challenge.

The only way you can really get away with saying "butt" down south (without offending anyone) is to talk about Beer Butt Chicken.

I'm pretty sure some southern good-old-boys got to drinking and came up with this idea. I can just see them looking at that chicken and sizing it up. Yep. Beer can outa fit in there. And, an idea was born.

The first time I tried this, I just did it for the heck of it and to impress my boys. It's hard to impress teen boys. But, this did the trick.

The chicken just goes over the can which is only partially filled with beer. Seasons are added. The chicken goes on the grill (with a lid). In the end (pun intended), this is the moistest and most delicious chicken ever, so I'm still making Beer Butt Chicken even if it's old hat as far as the boys are concerned. They do love to eat it.

Beer Butt Chicken takes some 'splaining, so I figured I'd just direct you over to my detailed version of my most famous recipe. Never thought that's what I'd be known for. But, hey, it's all good. Here it is:

Beer Butt Chicken

There's a BIG difference between grilling and smoking. Grilling means cooking quick over a direct fire. Smoking is low and slow. If you're trying to smoke on a grill, then you're using the wrong tool.

I hesitated on getting smoker. I knew it took hours to smoke rather than minutes. The good part is that you don't have to to stand around watching the meat cook. Once you get it down, it's really easy.

For more information on smokers, check out:

Grill Girl Loves the Weber Smokey Mountain Bullet

If you're new to grilling (or just looking for a great shortcut), then I have a little secret.

You can marinate most any meat in Italian dressing to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Now, don't use the creamy Italian. Yuck. That will be a mess and burn. I'm talking about the oily type. My favorite is Kraft Zesty.

Just pour the Italian dressing over the meat a couple of hours before grilling. Then, grill as usual. Very simple - but very effective.

These delicious rib eye steaks (which you can't see under the Weber come lid) were done this simple way and were fabulous.

If you are the type who likes more details on the directions (like me), check out my Fabulous Steak on the Grill recipe with lots of tips.

If you're new to grilling, hot dogs are very easy to do. They basically just need to be heated. Here is a starter guide to grilling hot dogs.

Hot Dogs - Super Easy

According to a recent survey by Weber, hamburgers are the number one top grilled item. Some sure taste better than others. If you want to make really delicious burgers, here's how you make the killer kind.

Terrific Hamburgers - Grilled

Everyone will tell you something different about grilling brats. It really depends on whether you're grilling pre-cooked or raw brats. This article breaks it all down, so you'll know what you're doing.

Beer and Brats

A tasty and healthy choice, chicken on the grill is really tasty. Get the basics here.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Let's call pork chops "the other grill meat." I'm not sure why more folks don't grill up some chops. They sure are good.

Grilled Pork Chops

Don't be afraid of seafood. It cooks up quick. If you don't want to stand over the grill all evening, toss on some shrimp.

Barbecue Shrimp

Impress the heck out of your guests with lobster on the grill. Again, it's seafood - doesn't take long to cook and YUM.

Lobster on the Grill

For more great recipes, see Yes! You Can Grill

I really hate to plunk down the money for a barbecue cookbook and then find that it's full of recipes that I'd never consider making.

Below are my top picks, and I've looked at a bunch. I do book reviews for a couple of sites online.

I'll add more good ones if I come across any.

I'm often asked whether it's better to grill over gas or charcoal. I'd have to say it's a personal decision. I prefer charcoal. You really can taste a difference. But, I cook over gas as well. It's very convenient.

Check out this quick guide if you're trying to decide:

Grills - Gas or Charcoal - Which is Best for Your Family?

Below are a couple of great gas grills if you decide to go with gas. The charcoal items are listed up higher.

It's hard to juggle the main course on the grill and the side dishes. Don't try be shy about accepting help. Enlist family members and if someone offers to bring something, thank them and say, "That's great."

If you're doing it all by yourself, streamline. Do make-ahead sides or items that can be fixed quickly on the grill. Remember that you're supposed to be having fun - not just slaving away over the grill.

I'm building on my Barbecue Side Dishes at my Grill Girl web site. Be sure to visit for some great recipes and leave a note if you need other specific recipes.

Remember also that if it's outside, it's a party. If you heat up the grill and toss on some hot dogs, everyone will be fine if you put out chips and store bought potato salad.

Call me a wimp if you want. It won't hurt my feelings.

I'm very protective about my hands. I write and I teach (lots of grading), so even a little burn can make my day jobs pretty painful if I get a grill or smoker burn.

Kitchen gloves were not designed to handle outdoor heat. Lodge gloves were. They are sold as Dutch Oven gloves. In other words, you can stick your hands right in the coals and jerk out a cast iron pot that is super hot.

I first used Lodge gloves for Dutch Oven, but I now use them for all outdoor cooking. No. I don't always need that much protection, why I figure: Why take chances?

I've not had a hand burn in years!