[katiesue]

So a couple of months ago I got a new BBQ. I LOVE it. It has infrared heat. Basically there is a metal shield between the grate and the gas jets so it distributes heat more evenly and there are no flare ups because the drippings from the meat never hit the jets.

I'm a horrible judge of when things are done as my parents were questionable cooks at best. For my Dad grilling meant black all the way through. So I've been cooking using a temperature probe and letting that be my benchmark. Things have turned out so darn good. If you like your meat crispy then it's not the grill for you but we don't really so it's perfect.

We've been doing steak, chicken, corn, asparagus, brussels sprouts and pizza. I got pizza stones and it's taken a little experimentation to get the sauce and cheese amounts right but they turn out really good.

While I'm grilling it's been cooling off so much in the evenings that it's been just lovely to sit out and read. We're close to the freeway maybe 300 yards tops so there is a bit of noise. I got this great fountain that makes a lot of water noise so its been very pleasant to sit out there and read while I grill then have dinner.

When Maddie has homework she either sits out with me or just inside. Its just been a wonderful start to summer.