Wood Fire Grilling

Michael and I decided to pull out the ole charcoal grill on Saturday night, and found that we did not have any charcoal, but we did have some wood leftover from camping! So we decided to use that and we were pleasantly surprised with the flavor and aroma it gave our dinner.

A quick story about this wood: Michael found a rustic furniture company on KSL selling a wheelbarrow full of wood for $15. It seemed like a good deal, so Michael picked some up a few months back. I'm pretty sure they gave him more than a wheelbarrow's amount! This wood has been amazing. Because it was to be used for furniture, it is high quality, and incredibly dry from the baking process I'm sure the store put it through. It only takes a little bit to make a really great fire.

I'm not even sure what kind of wood it was that we used, but I can't stop thinking about the flavor and smokey-ness it gave to our steaks and sweet potatoes. I felt like we were at an authentic BBQ restaurant. It was that good. If you've never tried grilling with wood, you're seriously missing out. When you try it, you will not regret it and may very well refuse to grill with anything but wood or wood chips from now on!

The recipe I am sharing with you is not for the steak, because you've already seen my Garlic Marinade before, but for the yummy sweet potatoes we had on the side. They were delicious. I love sweet potatoes in all their forms, but I think these particular ones are on the top of my list. They are incredibly simple to make and make a great side for any dinner, whether it be and inside or outside BBQ. You'll love it I'm sure!

Wood Fire Grilled Sesame Sweet Potatoes

(adapted from REAL SIMPLE)

Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes
1 tbs. canola oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sesame oil

Directions:

1. Heat grill to medium. Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2 inch wedges.
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with canola oil, salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Grill until tender and lightly charred, 5 to 7 minutes per side. 
3. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds once removed from grill. Serve hot and as a side to some good barbecue!

Makes about 4 servings 

And here's a little picture of yours truly, in all my backyard BBQ-ing glory! I love Summer!