Master the Grill

By Jenna Helwig
June 24, 2012
Credit: Peter Ardito
Think beyond hotdogs and hamburgers -- get grilling with these easy tips and creative recipes.
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Get Grilling

Credit: Alloy Photography/Veer

Summer and grilling go together like peanut butter and jelly. And what's not to love? Grilling is fast, healthy (since not much added fat is needed), and a dynamite way to add smoky flavor to foods. Think beyond the classic hamburger and hot dog -- fruits, veggies, and even breads grill beautifully.

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Step 1: Set Up Your Grill

Credit: Peter Ardito

No grill? No problem. Use a stove-top grill pan; don't forget tongs and a basting brush, two grilling must-haves. Use the basting brush to grease the grill and glaze your food (a brush made of silicone stands up well to high heat).

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Step 2: Heat the Grill

Credit: Peter Ardito

Do the hand test to gauge the level of heat on your grill. Hold your hand 4 inches above the grate. If you can keep it there for 2 seconds, you're at high heat. If you can keep it there for 4 seconds, you're at medium-high.

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Step 3: Choose Your Food

Credit: Peter Ardito

While almost any cut of meat can be grilled, for best results choose relatively thin, quick-cooking cuts like chops, steaks, patties, and boneless chicken breasts. It's important to cook raw meat thoroughly, but be careful not to burn or overly char your food.

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Grilled Shrimp Caesar

Credit: Peter Ardito
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Grilled lettuce? You bet! In fact, nearly all of the components of this scrumptious salad are prepared on the grill.

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Moroccan Lamb Burgers With Spiced Ketchup

Credit: Peter Ardito
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The toasty spices in the ketchup echo the smoky flavors in this savory burger.

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Lime-Glazed Pineapple

Credit: Peter Ardito
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The sugar in pineapple caramelizes beautifully. Here we add extra flavor with a lime-spiked glaze.

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Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Credit: Peter Ardito
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The whole family will love this summery spin on a classic Italian dish.

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Tangy Tenders and Drumsticks

Credit: Peter Ardito
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This recipe makes the most of everyone's two favorite parts of the chicken. Make sure to have lots of napkins available -- this chicken is finger-lickin' great.

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