I love baking & cooking. Most people who know me know this. But what I don’t tell people is how limited I am at certain things. For example, I had never cooked fish until this year. It’s always been so intimidating. Since moving up to Almost Canada I have cooked salmon & it goes without saying, Walleye. Lots of walleye.

One of the other things I have never done is grill. Please, hold all gasps. I realize I am a 30 year old woman from Minnesota (where backyard BBQs are a way of life) who has never grilled. I think it is because my family never grilled when I was a child. I was never exposed to it except for Memorial Day picnics where we grilled at a park.

Luckily, I did end up with a man who can grill. Not just burgers or brats either. Actually, he never grills those things. I think he has grilled burgers once or twice since I’ve known him. When he grills it is an all day experience.

It starts with a plan. Yes, even he meal plans. I usually end up helping with sides & dessert. Then it moves on to a marinade or rub which could be 2-24hrs.

After that, he starts the grill. Of course it is charcoal, but a good portion of the time there is smoking involved. Apple, cherry, hickory, or mesquite wood are all options depending on the recipe.

I don’t claim to understand all the aspects of grilling but I do know that the end results are always fantastic. He made the best pulled pork I have ever had in my life a little while ago & most recently he made the best brisket I have ever had which is pictured here.

 Once done, it is paired with sides & dinner is served.

Perhaps one day I will try my hand at grilling, but for the moment I am content to let him take care of that aspect of cooking. He does the grilling & I do the baking. It’s the perfect match.