Don’t tell a soul, but I love grilling. Why the secretiveness, you wonder? You may assume that most people love the turn of the season, when warm weather arrives and cooking can be moved outdoors. Yes, of course, this is a huge part of its appeal. But there is something else—I don’t have to cook.

Photo Credit: Liren Baker

Hold on, what? Don’t I love to cook? Isn’t grilling cooking? Yes, and yes. But when we cook outside at my house, the testosterone takes over and my husband has to “man the grill,” so to speak. And that means I get a break for most of the summer. And spring. And early fall. God, I love living in California!

In all seriousness, husband or not, I love to grill too, and even when he is out of town, it is one of my favorite ways to prepare dinner. On busy days, I can marinate meat, poultry or fish in advance, and return home to meat that has already been infused with flavor. But on days when I have zero plans for dinner—or did not have the foresight to marinate—I can call in the rubs.

Photo Credit: Liren Baker

Photo Credit: Liren Baker

One of my favorite ways to grill is by harnessing the flavors of herbs and spices in simple rubs. You can, of course, purchase fantastic blends of rubs—whether it is a simple salt and pepper blend, or one that calls to mind the flavors of the Southwest. But once you begin to blend your own mixes, you will find yourself experimenting with a whole world of flavors. It’s easy, it is simple, and you will be dining al fresco in no time.

Photo Credit: Liren Baker

Rubs for Grilling

Here are some rubs to get you started this grilling season. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Southwestern Style Rub

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Tuscan Rub

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Lemon-Pepper Rub

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

METHOD

Combine ingredients for desired rub. Lightly oil your meat/poultry/fish and generously season about 15 minutes before grilling.

Happy grilling!

- Liren

Finder's Keepers

A serious machine for the serious griller. If you can handle the heat, this gas grill can handle any-thing your stomach desires.

Feel likes James Bond with this swanky grilling tool set. You may be tempted to pull out the tux.

Burns are no fun. Protect the hands with this heavy duty bbq mitt.

Sometimes there is nothing like the smoky flavor from a charcoal grill. The ceramic body in this grill makes it super efficient and conducts heat excellently.

Leave the lighter fluid for the pyros. Trust me - if you grill with charcoal, a chimney starter is all you need to get a flame going. It works like a charm, every time.