The Ultimate Grilling Guide

Cooking Light. — 19 p. We're going to give you the skills to win this year's neighborhood cookoff. You'll learn to grill so masterfully that when somebody yearns for, say, something as tasty as Beef-and-Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions — instead of Uncle Bob's famous charburger and overtoasted bun — they'll know exactly where to come. Grilling is simplicity in action: cooking your food — from meats to veggies — directly over hot coals (or a gas flame) for a short time. There's also an indirect form of grilling that takes a little longer. Both are different from barbecuing, which involves cooking for a long time over low heat. As for equipment, anything from a converted 55-gallon drum to a porchfriendly hibachi to a discount-store weekend special will work fine. Beyond that, only the most basic of gear: flameproof mitts, an instant-read thermometer, sturdy tongs, a wide metal pancake turner, and platters. And don't forget to make a grillside work space. Once you try these simple-to-make, flavorful recipes and cooking tips, you'll be grilling like a professional after work and for company on the weekend. No need to wait — fire up the grill and get started.