The Tri-Tip steak is an oddity. I hadn’t heard of it until a recent visit to the local farmers’ market where the steak guy (that’s what we call him) explained. He said the Tri-Tip was an under-appreciated piece of meat that required a little more attention, but would be as flavorful and tender as many of the surround and more expensive steaks.

Right then, I thought how the care necessary to create a great grilled meal was analogous to the care uncles and aunts need to take when preparing outdoor meals with their nieces and nephews nearby. Attention, patience and timing are all key facets of both endeavors.

Using that comparison and those ingredients, here’s how to keep your loved ones happy, entertained and safe when grilling this summer.

1 - Explain what you’re doing. Just as the steak guy told me how to prepare and care for the Tri-tip, you need to share information with your loved ones. Grilling is akin to magic if you haven’t seen it before and nieces and nephews are naturally curious. Explain the process to them before you even start warming up the grill.

Tell them how long the meal will likely take to cook. What foods (burgers, dogs, chicken, steak, corn and other vegetables) can be cooked on the grill. Why the grill is fun and good for summer cooking - you’re outside, it gives different flavors to the food that you don’t always get from the stove.

Then go through grill safety with them. For kids who might be younger, they won’t automatically equate a gas or charcoal grill with a stove, so keeping curious hands from touching hot metal is key. Share the dangers, but do so in a way that helps them learn.

2 - Next, allow them to help choose meals that you grill. Talk about their favorite summertime foods including hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken wings. I once grilled a grilled cheese on the grill for one of my nieces…seriously. Show them that it can be a fun tool for crafting family meals.

Perhaps the day you’re going to grill, have them make their own menu from items you know you’ll be able to get and prepare. Corn, asparagus, fish and steak are a few of the fun ones. Also let them know that even pasta and breads can be cooked on a grill if you have time.

3 - Finally, think about the fun factor. If they haven’t seen a grill or used one before, your nieces and nephews will be delighted by the ability to toast marshmallows, make smores and even roast fruit on the grill. Peaches and pineapple are great when roasted over a flame, and they’re healthier than a pile of sugar.

Whatever the fare, be sure they look at grilling as just one facet of the entire family meal experience. The biggest benefit from grilling is bringing the family together to prepare a meal and spending some time outside.

Next time you’re hungry for an activity that will delight and enrich the lives of your nieces and nephews, try grilling a meal with their help. You’ll both remember the experience and it will bring everyone closer together.

Jeff Cutler is a freelance journalist, social media trainer and content specialist who writes for more than a dozen blogs. The best way to see Jeff's world is by going to http://jeffcutler.com or using the social media links at the top of his Website.

Photo: chrisgold via Flickr cc
Published: July 21, 2014