EAST PEORIA - Toss out the denim aprons with "King of the Grill" emblazoned on them, because queens of grill are now taking up the reins to gas-powered grilling, with metal tongs in hand.

As charcoal grills have taken a back seat to the more popular and convenient gas grills, women are firing them up in record numbers, according to self-titled "grillologists" Mad Dog and Merrill from New London, Wis.

The pair displayed their cooking techniques Saturday at the third annual Home, Lawn and Garden Expo, which continues today at the East Peoria Convention Center at The Oaks. The event is sponsored by the Peoria Home Builders Association.

Find out more at http://www.pjstar.com/stories/020506/TRI_B8T6OL1V.048.shtml.