Trares
Summer is so close I can taste it.
And it’s making my mouth water.
I’m no whiz in the kitchen. My culinary skills consist of making big pots of spaghetti, maybe putting together a slow cooker full of chili and letting it sit. And don’t even get me started on baking.
But when it comes to grilling, it all comes together for me. Something about standing in front of those blazing hot flames, smelling the cooking meats and veggies.
From brats to burgers, steak kabobs to shrimp skewers, I’ll try anything on the grill. Meat is my go-to main dish, but that’s not to say I’ll skimp on veggies as an off-setting side dish — something that only gets better as fresh Indiana produce comes into season throughout the summer months.
Sliced red, yellow and green peppers, mixed with some onion shards and seasoned with a little pepper just screams summer. I’m a big fan of asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with some coarse salt. And let’s not overlook the kind of Hoosier farm goodies: sweet corn on the cob.
Growing up, both my mom and my dad would work the grill when we needed a quick dinner, or on lazy weekends when we had time to relax in the backyard. That sizzle combined with the smokey smell is as essential to the summertime experience as cannonballs in the pool or chasing fireflies at dusk.
Now a dad myself, I like to imagine I’m creating those same memories with Anthony. He loves to come out and help me grill, which usually means lugging out the package of hot dogs then playing soccer in the yard.
Still, the other day he asked if he could watch me make burgers. Though he was a little grossed out as I flattened the ground beef and seasoned it just right, he wanted to know why I was doing that and how I’d know when the meat was done. As I tossed some slices of cheese on the nearly done patties, he wowed at the drippy, melty addition that turned the burgers from good to great.
Even more than taking an interest in what I’m doing, I’m happy to see him enjoying the food I’ve cooked. Anthony has always been picky when it comes to eating meat; if it’s not chicken or a nugget, no thanks.
But he’s started to get slightly more adventurous. He’s tried one of my burgers, and he loves a good hot dog. Maybe he’ll sample some different foods as he gets a little bit older.
And if not, oh well — more food for me.
Ryan Trares is a senior reporter and columnist for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
