The Depths of Despair Hold No Flame

It was the weekend. We had a lovely relaxing afternoon. Soon, I had the bright idea of firing up the grill to cook some burgers.

It began as a cheery, bright sunny day (literally).


But in the time it took to try and light the fire, a torrential down-pour arrived, dampening the struggling fire...

 

Take rain-soaked air +

damp'ish charcoal +

poorly vented grill +

2 hours futile attempts to get a hot fire

= despondent cook!

There were several firsts for me this day. I've never seen a lit charcoal fire cool off instantly after adding meat, then proceed to gently dry them without a tantalizing pop or sizzle. It was like placing raw meat in a dryer on the 'delicates' setting! It merely warmed the patties sufficiently to soften them into a goo that slid inexorably through the wire mesh grill!

To add insult to injury, just after dinner (Monica saved the meal with sauteed vegetables and caramelized potato with onion), the fire roared to life--just in time for marshmallows.

I abhor marshmallows--the only reason I heat them is to make 'smores' (I like chocolate and graham crackers).

Monica joined the children in toasting perfectly bronzed marshmallows.

Even the 'fire-brick' charcoal that refused to start in my last attempt lit and produced an intense heat!

Inspired, and not wanting to waste a hot fire, Monica went back into the kitchen to gather anything she could cook in the fire!

Oiled Potatoes sprinkled with coarse salt and wrapped in foil.

Skewered Tomatoes that became fire roasted tomatoes that became a salsa after being processed with garlic, onion and cilantro.




Monica was having so much fun stoking the fire with bellows that we did not notice the plume of white ash billowing into the air with each puff, drifting then gently settling like snow in our dining and living room.

~ Shien