This grilling season, get on the stick

Just as humans are mysteriously drawn to things landing in water — whether baseballs, golf balls or skipping stones — so, too, are we mesmerized by the crude majesty of meat, stick and fire.

To prove it, I'm sharing four recipes from different parts of the world.

First, a few things to keep in mind:

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water at least an hour.

When skewering meats or thick vegetables, corkscrew the screw for quick passage through the target.

Leave space at either end of the skewer for easier handling.

On to the recipes.

First, a couple appetizers.

Chicken Yakitori is one of Japan's most popular dishes, typically served as an appetizer. Yakitori means “little bird,” and the sweet, bold flavors of the sauce are unmistakably Asian. A sprig of charred green onion adds balance and color. A sprinkle of Japanese chili powder called nanami togarashi, which I sourced at Super Cao Nguyen Market, adds just enough kick.

The Spanish are renowned for tapas, or small plates. These are my kind of dinners, lots of flavors eaten late at night with good wine. Pinchitos are little skewers, and for this interpretation I went with some densely seasoned pork that will make friends with practically any other vegetable, starch or bread.

The first shish kebab most of us born and raised in these parts ever had was the beef, bell pepper, onion and cherry tomato variety. It was always one of my favorites growing up. Typically, a 2-inch by 2-inch hunk of meat shared the same skewer as the aforementioned vegetables — all marinated in sherry wine or Teriyaki sauce at my house. I've modified the recipe with smaller pieces of meat and separate skewers for each veggie. Meat typically takes a little longer to cook, so the tomatoes often end up drained and the onion over-charred with the classic preparation.

My marinade is a variation on what I do for fajitas. I always loved that sherry flavor, and adding it to soy sauce and rice wine makes for a fusion of Mom's two marinade favorites.

While Greece might be challenged economically, its people are masters of the cookout. Souvlaki is one of their most delicious and most simple offerings. With grilled pita and cool, creamy Tzatziki, skewers will disappear fast.