I love my Weber Q100 gas grill. It’s portable, large enough to prepare a meal for four and it works so well. The flame is proportional to the settings on the  knob, making it easy to control the temperature.

Last night I grilled the tastiest, juiciest chicken breasts ever. I used an unconventional technique that provides such great results, I have to tell you about it. Start with skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts. Sprinkle your favorite herb seasoning; Donna used a mixture of minced garlic, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and herbes de Provence.

While the grill was heating, I wrapped two bricks with aluminum foil. Reduce the flame on the grill to medium (about 350F). Place the chicken breasts skin side down over direct heat. Then place the foil wrapped bricks on top of the breasts and close the cover on the grill.

Foil wrapped bricks on chicken breasts – start with skin side down

Grill for 10 minutes, then use an oven mitt or tongs to remove the bricks and set them aside on the grill. Turn the chicken breasts over and put the bricks back on them. Grill for another 10 minutes. Remove the bricks, place the chicken on a platter and voila, you’ll have tasty, juicy chicken.

Flip the chicken and replace the bricks

Ready to serve

I’ve read that this technique comes from Italy, created by either the Tuscans or the Romans. They call it pollo al mattone, although they usually cook a whole chicken with this technique. The weight of the brick presses the meat into the grill, crisping the skin and helping it to cook evenly. The brick also covers the meat, keeping it moist. I know it sounds a little weird, but it really works. Donna found this technique in a magazine called (The Best of) Fine Cooking Grilling. Try it. I think you’ll like it.

Served with brown basmati rice and spinach sauteed with diced sundried tomatoes and sliced garlic

Yesterday, Donna went out to lunch and spent the afternoon with her friend, Paulette Ensign, who says she is one of our biggest blog fans. After they left, went for a bike ride. Later, I went to the tavern and collected my football pool winnings. I bought a round for the other guys there who participated in the pool. It’s their tradition. I’ll have to study the match-ups for this weekend and try my luck again.

This morning it’s overcast with a thick marine layer. I expect it to burn off later and we’ll have another fine day in San Diego.