The Countdown

More than with virtually any other type of cooking, time management is key to successful barbecuing and grilling. This is especially true when working with charcoal: You need to budget time to light the coals and let them burn down to the proper temperature before you start cooking. That doesn’t include the time you need for rubbing and marinating, smoking, or letting the meat rest before carving or pulling. And because you’re cooking, and often serving, outdoors, allow extra time for setting up your cooking and dining area.