I’m not even going to pretend that I’m a gourmet cook. I generally make the same meals over and over each week because it’s easy, the kids eat it, and really I just get in a cooking rut. But sometimes I like to mix things up, especially in the summer when it’s barbecue season. I love barbecuing because it tastes delicious and there’s usually less cleanup. If you’re like me, you will love using wood barbecue planks to add new variety and flavors to your summer cooking.
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How to make grilling planks
Tony and I went to The Wood Source in Ottawa. They have so many different and exotic types of wood, and the store smells so delicious! For my grilling planks I bought red cedar, red oak, and maple boards that were 5 inches wide and 5 feet long. Make sure you get untreated wood.
To make the grilling planks I just cut the boards into 12″ long pieces. I sanded them and rounded the corners using a palm sander to make sure there were no splinters.
How to cook with grilling planks
Here are some other wood grilling planks that would make a great gift for someone that likes easy cooking ideas!
Love this! It really is easy to get in a food rut, especially when you factor in all the afterschool sports and activities. I make a point of always making something instead of getting into the drivethrough habit but my son has said he’s bored of having all the same things over and over! Will definitely be trying more BBQing this summer and love the idea of making your own planks!
Hey Jess, I didn’t even know these things existed cooking wise 😉 Thank you for teaching me something new!!! I can imagine how delicious meat or veggies will taste when they soak in the unique smell of wood! I love that smell by the way – same as I love the smell of fresh cut grass <3
Jessica, I love this idea. My hubby recently got a BIG Green Egg and loves to grill all the time……which is fine by me 😉 I will show him this post he will love it!!!
I’ve heard the green eggs are really great!
Oooh this is such a good idea! I love grilled everything!
It’s true, anything barbecued is better!
An important step you should take to get a richer, smokier flavor: after soaking, turn your grill up high and char the cooking surface of the plank before using. Heat until you see a few curls of smoke, or hear the surface of the plack “crackle” as it starts to char! Get a nice, even tinge of brown or black. Remove from heat before it actually turns to charcoal–you don’t want bits of burnt wood in your food! This is especially helpful for flavoring meats and fish that are in direct contact with the plank.