Cedar plank grilling infuses food with a delicious smoky flavour. It's a refreshing change of pace from typical barbecue fare.

Follow these easy steps for cedar plank grilling:

1. Immerse plank in water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. You may have to weigh plank down with a soup can.

2. Preheat barbecue to medium heat. Using a barbecue or pastry brush, brush one side of plank with vegetable oil. This will help prevent food from sticking to wood. Top plank with meat; place on centre of barbecue grate. Close lid.

3. Barbecue to desired doneness. Check back occasionally to ensure cedar plank doesn't flare up. Spritz any flames with a water bottle if necessary. Brush meat or fish with barbecue sauce during last 20 minutes of barbecuing time.

4. When done, remove meat from plank and turn off barbecue. Let plank cool on barbecue grate before removing.

Plank Basics

• Buy untreated cedar planks at your local grocery, specialty food or hardware store. It should measure about 14 x 7 x 1 in.
• Be sure to purchase untreated planks to avoid chemical contamination of food.
• You don't have to limit yourself to cedar. Try untreated oak, maple, cherry or apple wood planks for different flavours.