Are you going to celebrate the 4th of July with a cookout?  If so, I have two questions for you:

1.  What are you making?

2.  What grill are you making it on?

I ask because I’m always looking for yummy ways to use the grill, but also because we’re in the market for one for our new house, and I’m a little overwhelmed by the options.  We had been all set to get the grill Consumer Reports (my purchasing bible….) listed as their ‘Best Buy,’ but it turns out that it’s been discontinued.  What am I to do now, rudderless without that little blue check mark signifying “CR Best Buy?”  So please advise–are you a Weber person?  Ducane?  CharmGlow?  We’re looking for something reliable, middle-of-the-line, and durable.

Anyway, back to question 1.  Do you have a recipe you’re famous for on the grill?  Me, I love to marinate asparagus or thick, bias-cut zucchini in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and thyme, and then grill until browned but still tender.  My mother-in-law makes delectable chicken thighs on the grill, dusted with a simple spice mixture and cooked in an aluminum pan (no drippings, but just enough grill-smoke-itude).  What are your legendary grill adventures?  Please share!

Meanwhile, with 4th of July recipes on the brain, I just had to share this delectable-looking list of goodies from Heidi Swanson over at 101 Cookbooks.  I have 3 words for you: roasted tomato salsa.  Mmmm.  Check out her list here.

Finally, not to be Debbie Downer, but while we’re on the subject, I feel the need to remind you that charring meat on the grill has been linked to pancreatic cancer.  So hold off on the well-done, and happy 4th!

(image via: http://moonmountain.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-grill-corn-on-cob-even-indoors.html)