Grills Gone Wild

October 2, 2009

Grilling has always been thought to be a ‘guy thing’. Just take a look at every advertisement for a grill that has ever existed, if you don’t beleive me. Guys do the outoor cooking because there is fire and meat involved, going back to their roots in the cave men days I suppose. I propose a change in this tradition. I enjoy a pulling a nice pan full of chocolate cupcakes out of the oven as much as any chick, but I also love to roll up my sleeves and get smoky at a grill. Being the daughter of a grilling legend, this is only natural.

Actually, the grilling talent goes back two generations. My grandfather and my father were both competition barbeque grillers. Yes, these competitions exist, and they are very intense. For as long as I can remember, my father drug me all around the state to attend barbeque competitions. These competitions are where I learned to grill from the best.

This video makes me cringe! It demonstrates just how far we’ve come in terms of gender equality. However, even though women have made great strides in the professional world, we are still lacking on the home front. Women can do anything a men can do, including taking charge of the outdoor cooking. The grill has long been a man’s territory, but it is time to share. Plus, you can’t call yourself a cook unless you have mastered the grill. Just ask Bobby Flay. Some really great food can be made on the grill and its about time women got in on the action. The days of beery-eyed men standing around a grill looking at charred hamburger patties are over. Think quick, convenient, tasty and healthy meals. Grilled vegetables take minutes. Even fruit can thrown on a grill. There is nothing sweeter or juicier than grilled peaches. Or, if time permits, try something elegant to impress guests like a marinated pork roast or a grilled rack of lamb. I’m not the only one calling for this grill revolution. Check out girlsatthegrill.com. Also, there are even all-women barbeque competition teams now. So, with the weather getting cooler, grill season is almost at an end. If you dare to defy your gender role, grab some tongs and head outside to the grill! These are some of my favorite grilling recipes: