Part 2: Grilling 101 for Gals AND Guys

My first recommendation is to get a gas grill. I know this may offend some grilling purists, but it's quicker, cleaner, easier and there's a smaller risk of carcinogens than with a charcoal grill. It took my husband years to decide to replace our Weber charcoal grill with a gas model, but now he doesn't regret his decision.

Locate the two most important instructions that came with your grill. First, learn how to properly set up and safely start your grill. Second, find the cooking time chart.

There are two methods of cooking on a grill, by direct and by indirect heat. Direct method means cooking your food directly over the heat source; the indirect method means that your food does not have a heat source under it, but rather on the sides below it. Weber Grill recommends using direct heat to sear your food initially, but to finish the cooking by indirect heat. This can only be accomplished on a gas grill, since you can turn off the gas burners directly beneath your food, while it's difficult to remove hot charcoals once they've started burning.

Always preheat your grill for the recommended time or to the suggested temperature.

Lightly oil the cooking grate before placing it over the heat.

Marinate meats from 20 minutes up to several hours or even overnight depending on the cut of meat, for tender, flavorful results.

Apply spice rubs just prior to cooking.

Apply sauces or mops several minutes prior to completion of cooking time to avoid overcooking and burning the sugars in the sauce.

Use recipe or grill manufacturer's recommended cooking times and temperatures as guidelines. However, you'll need to check your food several minutes prior to scheduled turning and completion time to adjust for atmospheric influences on your grill.

Use cooking tongs instead of a fork to turn meat, to avoid losing meat juices.

Get creative with your grill. You can often grill items before your guests arrive that can be additions to other recipes. For example, you can grill vegetables to add to salads, bread slices to prepare bruschetta, or even fruit to make chutneys and salsas.

Prepare the grilling cocktails for yourself and your guests before heading out to the grill so you won't need to leave your duty post by the grill.