It’s time to start cooking out. One of the best things at the end of winter is the opportunity to go outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather along with all the spring flowers and a delicious meal. Cooking on a stick is an easy way to start. A limitless variety of foods can be cooked on a stick.

Methods of Cooking on a Stick

There are two methods for such cooking: end-of-the-stick cooking and kebab or whole-stick cooking. When you use end-of-the-stick cooking, food is placed on the end of the stick, then held over hot coals to roast. All you need to remember is the larger the item, the farther it should be away from the coals.

Roasted Apples on a Stick

My favorite food to cook on the end of a stick is an apple. All you do is place a cooking apple on the end of a stick and rotate it over hot coals until it starts to brown and the peel becomes loose. Peel off the skin and roll it into a mixture of sugar and cinnamon; hold it over the hot coals to glaze. When the sugar melts and the apple begins to cook, let it cool. Slice off thin slices and sit back and enjoy until you have eaten all the glazed area. Repeat until the apple is all eaten.
   

Kebabs with Meat and Vegetables

Using kebabs is another method of stick cooking. Have a kebab bar by putting items that can go on a kebab, so that everyone can assemble his own. Select foods that require approximately the same cooking time. I often select meats that have been pre-cooked and only need to be warmed. Kids will love cutting up sections of hot dogs. Kielbasa and precooked ham are also good choice.

Select from the following vegetables: green or red peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, pineapple chunks and tomatoes. On the skewer, alternate the meat and vegetables. Place on a grill and rotate often until all items are cooked.

Shaggy Dogs (Marshmallow Dessert)

You will need 1 (16-oz.) package of marshmallows, 1 cup of caramel syrup, heated; 1 cup shredded coconut; and a stick or skewer for each person. Roast each marshmallow on a stick over a bed of hot coals until golden brown. Dip into warm syrup and roll in coconut to serve. Now is the time to block out a weekend afternoon to get out the grill and enjoy!