Around the world in kebabs
Why did it take us humans so long to think outside the straight stick? OK, so round skewers aren’t quite as dramatic an innovation as the invention of the wheel. But for folks with round grills, they might just be close, especially if they’re grilling veggies or pineapple chunks and want to keep those kebabs at the low-heat edges of the fire — or simply want them to look pretty on a plate. These skewers from are dishwasher-safe and a little over 7 inches in diameter, and applicable to more than grilling: Imagine them threaded with angel-food cake cubes, with a buffet of berry and chocolate sauces alongside. $9.99 at
Sweet, hot and Savory
Local spiceheads Mike and Janet Johnston of Savory Spice Shopare old hands with rubs. So we couldn’t talk about the thrill of the grill without a nod to the Denver-born spice juggernaut now franchised in seven other states in addition to its six stores here in Colorado. If you’re gifting a grillhead, try the Chops & Bones BBQ gift set for $25, which includes four spice blends: three named after Colorado landmarks and one that nods to Kansas City. If you’re shopping for inspiration, bring your taste buds to a store and pick up a bag of rub and some recipes. Four locations in metro Denver, plus Boulder and Fort Collins.
Is it cooked yet?
There are a lot of digital grill geegaws out there, but the Admetior Digital BBQ Tong tells you just how close to dinner that piece of chicken — or lamb, or pork, or brisket — you’re turning is, with multiple settings for meat type and desired doneness. Plus it has a flashlight for those evening grilling sessions that take place in other seasons than midsummer. The electronic parts detach so that the rest can be washed in the sink or dishwasher. $34.99 at
Which is the veggie burger?
And which was the salmon sans lime-chipotle rub? Hey, we’re Colorado, and if you don’t have a food allergy, you’ve probably at least got a food opinion. Help the grill master or mistress keep track with Grill Charms. Stab them into that slab of fish or flesh (or tofu) before putting it on the fire. Serrated edges help them stay in. Invented by momtrepreneur Leslie Haywood, they’re made of solid stainless steel and come in four different sets of six, including a classic steak set. Ten percent of profits from the Pink Six set benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation; Haywood and her mom are both breast cancer survivors. $19.99 at or
Arm yourself against grill grunge
Sometimes, old tech is the best tech. Fire and hot iron are old tech. But old grease is just plain yucky. Enlist a venerable ally: baking soda. Splash one part water into three parts good ol’ Arm & Hammer, slap it on a scrub brush and attack last year’s leavings before firing up this year’s party. (That’s Arm & Hammer’s recipe; if you’re cleaning cast iron or a surface that can take abrasion, we’d add a little kosher salt to the mix.) Rinse with cold water and rejoice in a clean slate for summer.
Photos provided by homewetbar ; ; Grill Charms; Arm & Hammer and Savory Spice
