Tie Fresh Herbs to a Basting Brush

By Kristin Donnelly

Mayonnaise in marinades, sauce on a stick and burger patties basted with butter: We polled some of our favorite grilling experts to get their most extraordinary ideas for everyday cooking.

Chef Robert Del Grande swears by his grandmother’s trick: “I saw her do this when I was a kid. She would tie fresh herbs to a brush and baste chicken on the grill with it. Some things just stick in your mind.”

20 Grilling Tips

Tip 1: Baste burgers with butter
Tip 2: Dip meat in cold water
Tip 3: Use mayo in marinades
Tip 4: Crisp vegetables in ice water
Tip 5: Tenderize in onion juice
Tip 6: Add yogurt to marinades
Tip 7: Prevent bones from burning
Tip 8: Sweeten rubs just a little
Tip 9: Leave some fat on steaks
Tip 10: Grill your sauce on a stick
Tip 11: Cook ribs low and slow
Tip 12: Know your ribs
Tip 13: Create faux wood flavor
Tip 14: Grill with real wood
Tip 15: Tie fresh herbs to a basting brush
Tip 16: Use a citrus squeeze
Tip 17: Try different leaves
Tip 18: Wrap delicate fish fillets
Tip 19: Build one fire for two dishes
Tip 20: Plan for leftovers

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Published June 2009

20 Smart Tips for Everyday Grilling