How To Build A Fire Without A Chemical Fire Starter

Grilling plays a vital part in Italian cooking. The chemicals used to start fires can taint what's cooked over them; here's a way to avoid the problem.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: Varies

---

Here's How:

1. Procure an 8-inch or greater diameter, 8-10-inch high tin can (coffee or tomato will be fine).
2. Remove both top and bottom. Punch holes in the metal around one extremity of the cylinder.
3. Rest the can, punctures down, in the fire grate of your barbecue.
4. Gently crumple 1-2 sheets of newspaper and put them into the can.
5. Cover them with kindling (don't pack it in too hard)
6. Fill the remainder of the can with charcoal (untreated brickettes or whatever you prefer)
7. Slip lit matches into the holes at the base of the can to light the paper in several places.
8. The fire will spread from the paper to the kindling, which will light the brickettes.
9. Be patient! In 10-20 minutes the brickettes will have a fine white coating of ash.
10. Use a pair of pliers to remove the can and spread the coals a little
11. Add more charcoal and gently fan the coals to help the fire spread
12. Once it's going, you're in business !
    

Tips:

1. Be sure to use enough kindling, and make sure that it's dry.
   

Related Features:

• Vittorio's grilled chicken. Heavenly!
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The ultimate steak.
• About.Com's Barbecue Site!