Guest Blogger: Grill Gal Cyndi Allison, Part 2

Please welcome Part 2 of guest blogger, Cyndi Allison. Cyndi tells her story of how she first started grilling in Part 1. Today she talks about writing about barbecue, while giving us some of her favorite grill tips. Her website, Yes You Can Grill gives great information and recipes for grillers and would-be grillers. Her blog Barbeque Master goes deep into equipment, technique, latest trends and traditional recipes. I'd read Cyndi's blog and website before we sent her a copy of She-Smoke to review. She posted an amazing review of the book and I thought it would be great to have her on the blog as a girl grill expert. Welcome back, Cyndi!

Writing About Barbecue, by Cyndi Allison

I’ve written as far back as I can remember but never considered food and cooking writing. Then, I saw an ad for a good griller to write for a web site. I’m guessing they thought they’d get a guy, but they snagged me and christened me Barbeque Master. Since Barbecue Mistress sounds kind of kinky, I decided I’d just stick with that but generally use Grill Girl on my own web site – Yes You Can Grill.

Perks of Being a Grill and Barbecue Chick

The best part about being a grill girl is that I get to meet other folks who love outdoor cooking. Most find my blog or site and email. Then I get to gab about barbecue. My family says “thanks.” That takes some of the burden off them, since I do so love to talk about what’s going on the grill.

One of the most recent barbecue friends I’ve found is Julie Reinhardt. You know – she hosts this blog and wrote She-Smoke. I read her book (yes – I do actually read cookbooks), and it’s one of the best I’ve seen. A lot of the grill and barbecue books have misinformation or include recipes too complicated for the typical home griller. Julie knows her stuff and is down to earth. And, no, Julie had no idea I was going to say that. I’m an online reviewer as well as a barbecue writer, and I’m known for being really darn blunt.

Tips for Getting Your Own Grill On

I hear so many people say that they can’t grill. They’ve scorched an expensive steak or served up half raw chicken. And, they gave up.

Grilling is like learning to play the piano. You do not walk right up and bang out Bach. You don’t lumber out on the deck and throw on a pork shoulder without reading up and learning.

Things worth doing take time and practice. Grilling and smoking are no exceptions. The rewards are well worth it. You really can’t beat food cooked outdoors, and the fun is an added bonus.