June, 2004

Your memories of Dad probably involve grilling. Oh, and backyard barbecues too. Your dad always gave you the third degree about your grades, your friends, your college plans, all the while flipping hamburgers (or turkey or veggie / tofu burgers). Life hasn't changed since you were growing up, Your dad is still king of the grill and still questioning you about your Roth IRA, kids' college savings plans, latest family trip or, you guessed it, your kids' grades and friends.

One thing has changed though: People are eating healthier. Your dad may have been reminded to watch his cholesterol, his blood pressure, his weight, or his diabetes. Or he may still be the same dad who never got sick and packed you off to school in snow with mittens and a scarf. Either way, he can benefit from new healthier grilling ideas. When your dad starts in on your taxes, you can do a little "grilling" of your own.

"Dad, did you choose lean meat, fish, chicken or turkey? Did you pick white-meat poultry?"

"Did you rub or coat the grates with oil or spray a nonstick cooking spray before you added that beef? Did you use peanut oil? It doesn't burn as easily and it's better for you."

"Did you cut down on those mammoth steaks? Three ounces reduce fat."

"Dad, that steak sauce and barbecue sauce doesn't taste as good as marinating meat in fresh marinade. Have you tried fat-free salad dressings, low-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice or Mom's favorite wine?

"Dad, have you basted the chicken with orange juice or olive oil to keep it moist?"

"Dad, did you grill that skinny tuna fillet in foil with veggies and herbs? You can cook that huge salmon you caught last month right on the grill."

"Dad, you know how Mom likes you to eat more vegetables? You can cook eggplant, summer squash, bell peppers, not to mention mangoes and pineapples, on the grill. Did you oil the grate liberally so the veggies and fruits won't stick? Did you grill the fruit with the pulp side down? Did you grill with low heat? Did you baste the veggies with vinaigrette or brush them with olive oil? Are they cut into large chunks or one-half inch slices?"

"Are the fruits and vegetables tender instead of mushy, and lightly browned instead of charcoal black? Did you use low heat?"

"How about grilling sliced apples, figs and pears and dusting with some cinnamon, Dad?"

At this point, Dad will probably tell you to mind your own business, or say, "Go ask your mother." Some things never change.