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Forget The Gas, Light The Charcoal For A Better Grill Thrill

Turn off the gas grill and light the charcoal for a better grill thrill! I own three different grill apparatus and have come to the conclusion that when it comes…

charcoal grill

Turn off the gas grill and light the charcoal for a better grill thrill!

I own three different grill apparatus and have come to the conclusion that when it comes to great tasting barbecue charcoal is the best.

This past Memorial Day weekend my wife and I got together with her siblings and spouses at her mother's house. My mother-in-law doesn't own a grill of any type, so we had to bring the grill to her. I own a small Weber charcoal grill that is perfect for tailgating and folks that don't have a lot of space on the deck or patio for a large grill.

My "Bobservation" on charcoal grilling

I have owned this small portable grill for over a decade and use it only at concerts or football tailgates. It can only cook 6 burgers at a time because it's not real big, but big enough for the small group of 8 eight of us that got together in her backyard.

Leo at the grill

<strong>My late father in-law Leo working the portable Hibachi. This is how I like to remember him, beer in one hand, fork in the other. No shirt, no problem!</strong>

You have to have patience with charcoal grills

We put the grill on a portable table with plywood underneath it and added the match light charcoal and waited around 20 or 30 minutes for the coals to get hot enough to spread out under the grate and start the cook. You have to be patient with the coals because it's not like gas, where as soon as you light the grill you can start cooking.

People don't have the patience to use a charcoal grill regularly anymore, we just want to light that grill and get going, but if you have the time to wait for the charcoal to get red hot and start cooking you won't regret it.

Charcoal cooks fast!

I was surprised at how quickly the burgers cooked when they went on the grill. Even frozen burgers cooked quickly and the dogs too. The char you get on the flame broiled burgers is delicious, and if you like your dogs a little on the charred side, you will love how they cook too.

Experts know why Charcoal grilled meat taste better

From the folks at Napoleon "When you fire up the grill and toss food onto the red-hot grids, the Maillard Reaction occurs. The browning of whatever you’re cooking smells divine, activating the saliva ducts in your mouth, which will facilitate the transference of the chemicals that activate your taste buds."

I have never heard of the Maillard Reaction, but I sure did experience it this past Memorial Day and hope to be experiencing it a lot more this summer. If you don't own a small charcoal grill, I highly recommend you getting one, trust me they are a lot cheaper than gas grills and a lot tastier too!

Here I am working my mini charcoal grill, notice that awesome smoke!

bob at the grill

Tune into the Bob and LBF Show mornings from 5:30 to 10:00 on 105.7 WROR

7 Patriotic Desserts Perfect for any Backyard Barbecue

What's a Memorial Day or 4th of July backyard party without desserts? (Hint: a boring one!)

Patriotic desserts can be on the healthier side or if you're having a cheat day, sugary and delicious!

Whether you're planning a big cookout for a large group or a family barbecue, these tasty red, white, and blue desserts are sure to be a hit!

Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait

Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Red, White, and Blue Dipped Strawberries

For these patriotic dessert recipes, instructions, and more, check out catchmyparty.com, tidymom.net, thelittlekitchen.net, and skinnytaste.com.
Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.