Crackle, crackle, pop. That’s not the sound of a corn flakes commercial….. it’s damp charcoal mocking me as it s-l-o-w-l-y burns away. Twenty minutes, thirty minutes, how long will it take? Hurry up! It almost makes me wish I had a gas grill!
Yes, damp charcoal is the scourge of every home griller. It only takes a day out on the lanai for charcoal to get damp. I’ve been an avid fan of grilling with charcoal all my life. My father used to grill steaks on a little hibachi, and the smell and flavor have stuck with me ever since. I know many men love their big gas grills. You know the ones - always on sale at the big box stores. Lots of stainless steel, huge in size, the kind of thing that looks awesome on your patio. And they work great as well; they provide a nice constant heat, fire up to proper temperature in a matter of minutes, and have a huge grilling surface so each of your items has space to breathe. They are really great to show off when you have friends or family over and make the “Grill Master” look like a pro. They work in all weather conditions.
Naturally, these modern conveniences are not for me. Part of the excitement of grilling, or BBQing is the thrill of the open flame. The excitement of not knowing exactly how much charcoal to use, or how long the coals will take, or even if they are ready. Yes, it takes a little skill to use charcoal. It’s a challenge; the mastering of fire is as imbedded in the human experience as eating the meat itself. If I can master fire, I can control nature.