Before I was pregnant with my first child I was practically a vegetarian. I really hadn’t been a fan of red meat in my life and I was started to have issues with eating chicken. I would say my meat issues had more to do with the texture than a health or ethical issue. Regardless, I was nearly a vegetarian until my 18^th week of pregnancy. That’s when I began craving meat.

I was at the grocery store staring at the raw red meat while the butcher put out freshly cut steaks. Normally I would have been completely grossed out to even look that directly, but today I was hovering over the counter and nearly salivating over the thick cuts of meat. He asked if he could help me find anything and I replied, without thinking before speaking, “I want meat.” He looked at me a bit puzzled, so I felt the need to explain my condition. I touched by my blossoming bump and said, “I’m pregnant, but I don’t eat red meat, but staring at this meat is making me want some. Now.”

He laughed and said, “What kind do you want?” I had no idea what was what or how to cook any of it. He began giving me the 411 on beef and I was hooked on grilled beef for the rest of my pregnancy. (Ironically, all of that meat eating produced a nearly vegeterian child. Go figure.)

Since many Americans will be serving up favorites from the BBQ grill this weekend I thought I’d pass on of my favorite and easiest recipes from the grill. Enjoy!

Question: What do you like to grill? What’s your favorite tip for perfect food hot off the grill?

Canadian Grilled Meat

Your favorite meat (poultry, fish, pork or beef all work well with this mix of seasonings)

¼ cup Canadian Steak Seasoning (a.k.a. Montreal Steak Steak Seasoning)

¼ cup olive oil

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

½ cup water

Let marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Grill and serve with your favorite side dishes.