| By Linda Brandt Tanner
A glowing cook fire acts as a magnet, pulling us forward to savor its warmth and liveliness and summer is the quintessential season to enjoy this oldest form of cooking.
Call it grilling or call it barbecuing cooking over hot coals creates finger-licking-good summer meals. Whether you opt for an ordinary wiener stuck on the end of a stick, sumptuously thick chateaubriand or plump, marinated game hens sizzling in all their glory barbecuing is a fragrant happy way to cook.
Although many of us have enjoyed meals produced by the traditional prolonged slow cooking of barbecue what I’m talking about here is the instant gratification of grilling. Meats seafood and vegetables quickly sear on the outside and take in the fragrance of the fire to entice many a sleepy summer appetite.
A barbecue is easily the most festive way to entertain outdoors. Most of the meal can be prepared ahead of time so you have a chance to be a guest at your own party. Most of the mess stays outside and guests can enjoy cool beverages and before-supper snacks while they take in the smoky aromas and sizzling sounds from the BBQ.

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