Grill It!

Lately I'm torn when getting any cookbook about grilling. Don't get me wrong, I love the BBQ. When we lived in Toronto we were fortunate enough to have a large deck off our dining room and we used to grill almost every night, even in the winter. But here in Halifax...no lawn, no deck, no tiny balcony...so all my grilling takes place indoors. Thank goodness for my grill pans and my Griddler, because for me...grilling is still the best way to cook.
So on to this great cookbook...Grill It! is written by Chris Schlesinger & John Willoghby who also wrote The Thrill of the Grill. It's easy enough to use even if, like me, you have no opportunity to grill outdoors.

For grilling newbies and old pros alike, the first 40 pages have some fantastic tips. They're all about the equipment and the different grilling options...including not only the difference between charcoal and gas, but ash roasting and smoke roasting as well. Everything is explained with photos...when to use a lid, dealing with flare-ups, knowing when the grill is hot enough...see what I mean. It's a great intro for anyone interested in grilling.

And for those of us who need to work indoors, the recipes translate brilliantly. I grilled rib steaks on my Griddler using this Southeast Asian Rub and they were awesome.

The book doesn't only have terrific recipes for main courses and appetizers. Grilled Banana Upside Down Cake, Ash Roasted Pears, Grilled Mangos and Grilled Balsamic Glazed Peaches sound pretty spectacular too. Don't even get me started on all the fabulous rubs, butters and sauces for grilling and roasting everything from veggies to chicken, fish, meat and even fruit.

If that's not reason enough to run out and buy this one...how about some watermelon mojitos or a lychee coctail?

Last night's dinner was inspired by Romaine, Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing. Unfortunately, I had no avocado or shrimp so the chili grilled shrimps will have to wait for another day. I did include them in the recipe for you though. The flavorful dressing did wonders for my version with left over roasted chicken & crumbled feta with tons of chopped fresh cilantro with the romaine and tomatoes.

And just to show that the recipes are versatile for even those without BBQs...check out this awesome Cumin Crusted Salmon with Orange Chipotle Butter