July 4th Grilling Basics: 4 Easy Steps To Firing It Up Like a Pro

It's July 4th and you want to try your hand at the grill, if you can somehow manage to push all the boys out of the way! There's just something about an open flame and big slabs of meat that gets the guys in the mood to cook (for once).

We figured it was high time us ladies got in on the fun. Even if this is your first time manning the flames, have no fear! We consulted Grill master extraordinaire and Godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine, Norman Van Aken for the 411 on how to get fired up!

1. First things first chicas, you have to buy a quality grill. Van Aken says skip the gas and head straight for the charcoal grill. The live wood fire imparts flavors impossible to replicate on a gas grill. Plus, once you start grilling like a pro and move past the burgers and hot dogs into steaks, ribs, chops and fish the superiority of charcoal becomes even more evident. Van Aken suggests purchasing a kettle grill, they are a great investment (you can find one for around $100) and will last you at least 10 years. Weber makes the most popular one on the market.

2. Prepping your grill is easy and key for a no-hassle cooking experience says Van Aken. You'll need to make sure you have a stiff wire brush to clean the wire wrack before and after each grilling session. Van Aken suggests you buy an electric starter which can be obtained in most general hardware stores. You should also be sure to keep a wiping cloth and a bit of vegetable oil on hand.

3. Van Aken suggests stacking plenty of charcoal in the middle of the grill. Then, insert the starter and ignite the charcoal. Carefully remove the starter. Allow the coals to completely catch fire before you spread them out evenly. Then, place the wire rack over the coals and coat it with the vegetable oil using the cloth rag and some tongs to help prevent sticking.

4. Van Aken says it's important to place whatever you are cooking on the hottest part of the fire initially. Let the food sear and then gently flip it over. Time and temperature are now very important. Van Aken compares the art of grilling with dancing, suggesting you move the food around the grill to evenly cook it. You can dance for real later.

The most important thing to remember says Van Aken, is that grilling (like most skills), takes practice in order to gain confidence. Summer is here and the time is right for dancing with that meat!

Norman Van Aken is owner of the award-winning restaurant NORMAN'S located in Orlando, FL. To learn more about World Renowned Chef Norman Van Aken's delicious and original take on Nuevo Latino cuisine be sure to check out his website: www.normans.com