Hot tip for better grilling
An article in Eating Well Magazine called "13 hot tips for better grilling tonight" mentioned a charcoal grill canister-type accessory that caught our eye.
Weber's "Chimney Starter" promises to make "starting a charcoal fire a breeze," according to the article. Not that starting a charcoal grill requires a degree in rocket science, but it did say you'll never need to use lighter fluid again. That's great for two reasons: you save money and the food tastes better.
"No kindling, no lighter fluid, no perfect pyramid required," the article said.
Too good to be true?
Actually works like a charm.
We bought one over the weekend at Home Depot ($13) and broke it in with a couple of New York strip steaks.
Here's how it works: Crumple two pieces of newspaper and place them in the bottom. Then dump in the charcoal. Then light the newspaper. The News & Record burns well, so consider it a bonus for subscribers: More burn, I mean bang, for your buck.
The article says it takes about 20 minutes - make it more like 25-30. Then remove the canister using oven mitts, pour the charcoal in the grill. Steaks took about 3-4 minutes on each side.