Hello followers! It has been way way too long but a good friend has encouraged me to blog again but with new rules. I was too strict before and thought my blogging should be about my magical creations. Let’s be real. I’m a working mom who helps her kid with homework each night and has to keep on top of a house so magic in the kitchen is rare; from here on, you will see some of my best, a lot of my worst (I call them learning opportunities), my favorite kitchen gadgets, a lot of convenience, and whatever my mind tells me to write about. With that said and I am back and dum dum dum dum….

THE THRILL OF THE GRILL! I love my grill. Seriously! It was a Christmas gift and for the first 2 years of its summer life, I would always, without fail, express my love and joy every time I used it. I am a charcoal girl. Granted, a gas grill would be a nice addition for side items along with a full outdoor kitchen but seriously...the main event will always be cooked on charcoal as long as I have a set of tongs in my hand and a beating heart in my body. What makes my grill special? Yes, it is charcoal but…wait for it…wait…it has gas ignition. No more messing with lighter fluid or a chimney starter. Oh no, my friends. I dump in a few coals, hit a switch, and I HAVE MADE FIRE! You simply turn off the gas switch once the coals ignite and you’re good to go. And it doesn’t use big, heavy propane tanks, just small camp stove ones.

Thanks to our unusually warm March, I have grilled several times so far this season. Tonight I made a perfectly medium sirloin steak, grilled potatoes, and a salad on the side. My discerning son ate every bite on his plate so I consider it a homerun.

I think even Bobby Flay, my grilling hero, would approve of my grill.