Today's Kool Idea: Weber's Way to Grill Cookbook

Summer vacation is finally here, and if you haven't done it already, it's definitely time to break out the barbecue grill. Many childhood memories feature Dad commanding our little charcoal grill, while the rest of us frolicked in the pool. Unfortunately, his skills were pretty much limited to puck...achem, hamburgers and hot dogs. The side dishes more than made up for it, though...particularly Mom's amazing pasta salad. Besides, it's more about the joy of being in the company of family than about the food, especially for the kids...yeah, right!

We were hanging out at our local bookstore a couple of weeks ago and came across the Weber's Way to Grill cookbook. A quick peek inside was all it took to determine that this was a definite "must have" in The Daily Kool household. Jamie Purviance, accomplished chef and teacher, has impressed us with this cookbook in so many ways. Diverse recipes, detailed instruction and beautiful photography are just the beginning. We love how Weber's Way to Grill focuses on culinary details to produce a winning meal every time, instead of settling for the mediocrity (sorry, Dad) that comes with just "winging" it. Clearly a lot of thought and effort went into the organization of this book. Weber's Way to Grill is chock-full of tips to maximize the flavor of your beef, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables and even fruit, along with tempting side dishes to complement every recipe. Plus, there is an entire section on grilling basics that gives equal coverage to wood, charcoal and gas techniques. The resource section complete with rubs, marinades and sauces are worth the price of this amazing cookbook alone...not to mention the grilling guides that help to ensure cooking perfection...yes, even for Dad.

Weber's Way to Grill is one of the most comprehensive cookbooks on the market today....an all-in-one master class in every way. It is definitely an indispensable asset for novice and expert grillers alike. Dad is getting this one from the kids for Father's Day...a perfect gift, especially since we're planning on barbecuing dinner that night anyway. Okay, so the gift might be more for us than our father. Here's hoping we can get a medium rare steak out of the deal!

Check out this terrific recipe from Weber's Way to Grill. And, if all else fails, we've also included Mom's famous pasta salad. Enjoy!


Garlic-Crusted Rib-Eye Steaks
Paste Ingredients
4 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 bone-in rib-eye steaks, 10 to 12 ounces each and about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat

Directions:

1. On a cutting board, finely chop the garlic, then sprinkle with the salt. Use the side of a knife to smash the garlic into a paste. Put the garlic paste into a small bowl and add the remaining paste ingredients.
2. Smear the paste evenly over both sides of each steak. Let the steaks stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
3. Prepare your grill for direct cooking over high heat (450-550 degrees F), and brush the cooking grates clean.
4. Grill the steaks over direct high heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until cooked to desired doneness. For medium rare, this will be about 6-8 minutes, turning once. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
   

A Different Kind of Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 lb box tri-colored rotini noodles
1 small jar sliced olives
1 small red pepper, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup mayo
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook noodles until al-dente. Drain well.
2. Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
   

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