Grill Crazy!

Women Across the Country Are Catching Grill Fever

As your recipe repertoire in need of a makeover? Are you searching for a quick, delicious and healthy meal? Well, the answers can be found no further than your own backyard. The time-honored tradition of firing up the grill is taking on a new look as more and more women catch "grill fever."

According to a recent National Pork Board survey of more than 1,000 women, six out of every 10 women are handling the grilling duties at home at least once a month.

"Each year, more and more women are picking up the tongs and experiencing the thrill of the grill," says Elizabeth Karmel, America’s female grilling expert and author of Taming the Flame: Secrets for Hot-and-Quick Grilling and Low-and-Slow BBQ, which was released in April of 2005, just in time for the grilling season. "Preparing meals on the grill is a win-win for everyone, the food tastes great, it is intrinsically healthy, everyone loves a cookout, it is a great change of pace from cooking in the kitchen, and best of all, there are very few dishes to wash!"

In fact, more than half of women grillers (57%) say they fire up the grill for a variation from indoor cooking, while others grab the tongs for a quick meal solution (40%) or a low-fat cooking option (35%). Clearly, grilling is no longer just a man’s domain as women turn up the heat to create delicious and easy meals.

Step Out of the Kitchen: Get Grilling

While women are indeed utilizing the grill, the survey revealed that 64 percent of women would head to the backyard to grill more often if they had access to easy-to-prepare, convenient grilling recipes.

"Women are hungry for new recipes and ideas to help them ‘heat’ up their daily meals, and firing up the grill is a perfect solution for combating dinnertime doldrums," says Traci Rodemeyer, Pork Information Manager for the National Pork Board. "There’s no question that pork is a natural choice for experimenting with different flavors because of its versatility and affinity for the grill."

To inspire women to hit the grill this season, Karmel offers delicious recipes that are bursting with taste, yet are quick and easy to prepare. "I am passionate about taste and that is, for me, the number one criteria for creating a recipe. And that means, if the recipe only needs a few ingredients to make it great, then that is all I call for. Similarly, I tell lots of trade secrets and give tips that really make the difference from a fair to a fabulous grilling experience," explains Karmel.

For quick and easy weeknight meals, Karmel suggests using smaller pork cuts, such as chops and tenderloin, which can be prepared in just minutes on the grill. A 1-inch-thick chop cooks in just 10 to 12 minutes and a 1 to 1-1/2 pound pork tenderloin is done in just 15 to 25 minutes when cooked directly over the heat source or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoky Pork Tenderloin Tacos (recipe attached), featuring pork tenderloin grilled over indirect heat for 15 to 20 minutes, are a perfect solution for anyone short on time, but craving a smoke-infused, flavor-packed meal.

Planning on entertaining family and friends outdoors over the weekend?

For those with time on their side, large, less tender cuts like pork shoulder or ribs make for a delicious leisure pursuit. Karmel suggests preparing her specialty North Carolina-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches (recipe attached). "When cooking low-and-slow, enlist your family to share barbecue duties and give their input on options for favorite sides, such as potato salad, baked beans, cornbread and coleslaw--and don't forget dessert! After a meal of home-cooked barbecue, everyone is up for a little something sweet," finishes Karmel.

Grill Power! A Girl's Guide to Grilling

Additionally, the National Pork Board commemorates grilling season by offering a free booklet titled, "Grill Power! A Girl's Guide to Grilling." Whether you're a seasoned "grill girl" or this is your first date with the grate, the booklet offers "grill-friendly" recipes and guidelines--from choosing the right grill to cooking methods to incorporating flavorful rubs and marinades into your repertoire. The booklet also offers tips for hosting the perfect outdoor gathering, whether it's for the family or girlfriends.

To order the free recipe booklet, and for hundreds of other grilling meal ideas and tips, visit the newly redesigned website TheOtherWhiteMeat.com and click on "Freebies" on the menu bar. The booklet also is available by sending a self-addressed mailing label to: "Grill Power! A Girl’s Guide to Grilling," National Pork Board, P.O. Box 9114, Des Moines, IA 50306. While online, look under "All About Pork" on the menu bar for demonstration videos "Fire Up the Grill" and "Grilling with Food Safety in Mind."