There are basically two golden rules to follow before you start barbecuing. For me these also apply for grilling. In case you didn’t know there is a difference. Barbecuing is basically slow cooking beef or pork. Cooking directly over coals is grilling.

 Rule #1: Ok. So you want to BBQ? This is going to be tough for a lot of you guys out there. I know. You have this big cool electric grill, with all of the knobs and the buttons. Maybe having that big tank of explosive propane makes you feel like you are James Bond with his flying jet pack? You know you could blow everything up with one wrong move. Not you though. You have everything under control with the knobs and the buttons. Ok. It may be a cool outdoor stove, but this isn't BBQ. For BBQ, you need smoke and lots of it.  You need real wood such as hickory, mesquite, maybe even apple or cherry. Sure you can cook on a gas grill. You could put that brisket in the microwave too. I think you get the picture. Besides you will be a whole lot cooler if you can make that fire yourself. Your friends will at least thank you for the better tasting food.

Rule#2: There are some who already understand rule #1 and like to give the old charcoal grill a try every now and then. If you are one of these folks, then congratulations are in order.  You are well on your way.  You may still have a difficult time with rule#2 however. I know. You like to get that fire as high as you can get it. I know. After all, the first barbecue was probably invented by some caveman finding his inner pyro.  It is fun to play with fire. I hope I don’t take all of the fun away when I say, please put down the lighter fluid. Stop serving food with gasoline flavor. It doesn’t taste good and it is not good for you. I know it is hard, but you don’t have to do this anymore. It’s ok. You can grill without the lighter fluid. It isn’t even hard. In fact, it is easier. Besides, there is nothing cooler then glowing lava hot red coals that you have created yourself.

So what is this magic you ask? It is called a chimney starter. This is just a metal tube in which you fill the top portion with charcoal and then stuff a few sheets of newspaper in the bottom. There are holes in the bottom, in which you light the newspaper. Like the old commercial, you then just set it and forget it. In about 20 minutes, flames will be shooting out the top and you will have glowing red coals!  You can now grill your food gasoline free and save money on lighter fluid. It really is that easy!  So do yourself a favor and save a lifetime of BBQ. Invest the $10 it costs for one of these at your local grocery store. You will be glad you did. Better yet, show all of your grilling buddies that this is how it is done. I have two for when I am cooking for a large amount of people. I use one for each side of the grill.  Fire them up and then its time to get your Q on!