Mike Greenberg’s Grilling Tips

Recipe and entertaining tip from My Father’s Wives author Mike Greenberg.

To me, fall means only one thing. Football. And nothing goes better with football than the tantalizing aroma of smoke streaming off a large hunk of meat on a grill. Here is the secret to successful grilling. In fact, it is the secret to many things in life. Take the basics, and dress them up a little. For example, when you have guests over to watch football, throw the traditional burgers and hot dogs on the grill, but then take it to the next level. Caramelize some onions, roast some peppers, slice a little eggplant and zucchini. These extras will turn the typical into the terrific, the mundane into the memorable. After that, all you need is for your team to win and you have yourself a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Mike Greenberg’s Grilling Tips:

Feeds 4 people

• 1  1 /2 lb of ground chuck
• Salt
• Pepper
• Herbs (your choice)
• Package of your favorite brand of hot dogs
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Sliced Buns Rolls

To make the burgers, season the ground chuck with salt, pepper and whatever herbs you want–have fun with it! Roughly divide into four balls and lightly press down with your hands to shape into patties.

Side of grilled vegetables:

1. Drizzle everything with olive oil, season with salt and pepper to your liking:
2. Two onions sliced into rings, grill for 4 minutes each side or until lightly charred
3. Green, red, orange peppers, slice into rings, grill for 2 minutes each side or until lightly charred
4. Eggplant, slice into half-inch thick rounds, grill for 3-4 minutes each side or until lightly charred or done to your liking
5. Zucchini, slice into half-inch long strips, grill for 2 minutes each side or until lightly charred
6. Toss everything together and serve with your favorite wine or beer.