The Smell of Charcoal

Is there anything better than the smell of charcoal on a spring evening? (Food-wise, that is.) After deciding against leftover pasta for dinner, there was only one thing floating through my mind: It's 80 degrees outside, I haven't fired up the grill since last summer, and there's cold Blue Moon in the fridge.

A quick journey to Hyvee later, and I returned with half a dozen brats, a gigantic bag of Doritos (the bag is marked "FAMILY" for a reason), and hot dog buns. The total cost: 80 cents each for the brats (Hyvee carries four varieties of them, including pineapple), $3.50 for the chips, and about a dollar for the hot dog buns--of course, you can divide the total by three since there was a trio working on eating the food. Also keep in mind, however, that you'll have to buy charcoal the first time around (the Hyvee brand will suffice) and lighter fluid. And, if you haven't already purchased one, a grill. Of course.

Since I have the last three things on the list already, the total cost for each person was around $3.50.

So, once you get home, it's time to fire up the grill and get started. Now, I'm no expert when it comes to charcoal (but please don't switch to gas, because the food just doesn't taste the same), but my strategy seems to work all right: Don't use too much charcoal, get a good flame started in the middle, and when they're smoldering, close the lid and let the trapped heat do its thing. This may not be the best way to do it, but it works for me--if it doesn't for you, play around a little. Don't worry that it might take a little while--sit back, drink a beer (or three) and play catch with your roommates.
















After about half an hour, I was ready to throw the brats on. Before I did this, I boiled all six on the oven in advance. I'm not sure if this takes away from the quality at all, but they sure cook a lot quicker on the grill--after they're completely steamed through (they'll look gray as they float in the water), take them out, throw them on the grill, and listen to the sizzle. Burn them on each side (a crunchy brat is a good brat), add condiments, and enjoy.

It's not the fastest meal you'll ever make. In fact, it's probably one of the slowest. But on a beautiful spring evening, time doesn't matter, does it? Turn off the TV, leave the iPod inside, and listen to the sounds of nature--or, if you live near me, motorcycles, passing cars, and the sorority girls on their way home from class. ("Oh my God, we should totally grill out tonight, you guys!")

Good idea, Kappa Kappa Gamma.