Plank Grilling

I know I've already posted today but I have to share this with you all. It not only has amazing flavors but the presentation can be gorgeous if thought out properly. Check out allrecipes.com if you want to find out more. I found a six pack of grilling planks at Costco for $9.99 including Alder, Maple and of course my dearest favorite Cedar.

How to Plank Grill
In choosing a plank, pick only untreated cedar, alder, hickory, or maple. Here are a few other tips to ensure plank-grilling success:

Prepare the plank by soaking it at least one hour in a bucket or cooler filled with water. This adds moisture to the wood and prevents it from burning on the grill.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt or 1 cup of white wine, apple juice, citrus, or berry juice to the soaking water to accent wood aromas.
If a plank is being used for the first time, season it by placing it on a preheated grill for 2 minutes, turning once. Lightly toasting the plank on both sides will intensify its smoky flavor and prevent warping. When the plank starts crackling, it's ready for cooking.
Place marinated or ready-to-cook foods directly on the plank. Keep the grill's lid closed as much as possible to maintain temperatures and maximize smoking. Note: planked food does not have to be turned during grilling.
Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy so flames can be extinguished if the plank starts to burn.

King of the Plank
Salmon is the original partner for the plank. It's a pairing that dates back to the native people of the Pacific Northwest, who grilled salmon over open fires on planks of cedar and alder. Salmon's still the champion. Here are some top-rated planked salmon recipes.

Pairing salmon can be tricky depending on flavor of the plank. If your using an Alder I would suggest Cave Spring Riesling, it's drier and will enhance the wood flavor.

If the choice is Cedar I would choose a Pinot Noir. Pinot’s are a lighter red that will not overpower the food. They also do not usually have a large amount of tannins. In short, they proved to be an excellent match for Salmon. To match a Pinot with Grilled Salmon, it seems to make some sense to look to the Pacific Northwest.

HAPPY GRILLING FRIENDS!!