Barbecue is one of the defining American foods, but it can be hard to cook properly if your coals aren't hot enough. They should be at medium temperature, with no flames visible. If you can hold your hand at cooking height for about four seconds before pulling away, they're hot enough.

Brownies are done when the edges look hard, the surface looks glassy, and the center doesn't jiggle if you shake the pan. If you love edge brownies, you're in luck -- an inventor has recently patented an all-edge brownie pan, so you can enjoy all the best of this all-American food every time.

To get the best hamburger patties, don't compact them too much; shape them carefully, with a gentle touch, or you'll end up with a hard patty after cooking. For the same reason, don't press down on them with the spatula too much while they're cooking.