Really. I do. Because that smell signifies the beginning of summer. Growing up, it was the smell of my Father putting the match to the VERY soaked (Homer Simpson has nothing on my Dad when it comes to lighter fluid use!) Kingsford Charcoal sitting in our round top Weber’s grill that meant, AAAAAH Summer is FINALLY here! And to this day, every time I catch a whiff of burning lighter fluid, it brings on a flood of memories from summers past and the fabulous grilled meals I enjoyed during them.

I grew up before the ubiquitous “outdoor kitchen”.  You know, fancy gas grill, counter space & working sinks. When we grilled, we did it the old-fashioned way, Weber grill pulled far away enough from the house to not start a fire, plenty of charcoal, lighter fluid and fireplace matches to keep the thing burning and tupperware filled with marinated chicken, hot dogs & hamburgers.  We normally dusted off the Weber around Memorial Day and kept it out until the end of September. Though my Mom went through a period where she grilled our turkeys for a couple of Thanksgivings, the May to September schedule was pretty much standard.  While my Dad manned the grill, we girls were in charge of making the ice cream. Usually fresh peach. We would take turns cranking our old-fashioned model that was covered in rock salt. I always got first shift, because as it froze it got harder to turn and me being the youngest didn’t have the strength to turn the darn thing at the end. In between shifts we would swim in the pool and peer over my Dad’s shoulder at all the great things he was grilling. Then after a day of swimming, turning ice cream & smelling lighter fluid, it would finally be time to eat!

We would eat outside, sitting at our wooden table with benches covered with paper plates and condiments. Nothing tasted as good as those grilled burgers and dogs in buns, smothered in ketchup and eaten while we were still wearing our damp swimsuits. Of course, then we got the ice cream. Lush vanilla speckled with fresh peach. Really the best I ever had. Nothing in any five-star restaurant has even come close.

That really is summer to me. People you love, a Weber grill aflame and sharing great food. What could be better? Happy Memorial Day! Now get outside and light your grill!