For those of us who like to set things on fire... and then cook something over the flames, I stumbled across a nifty new product this past weekend: the Lazzari Baja Firepack! We were planning on making use of the BBQ grills out at a picnic area in Point Reyes, and I wasn't really hot on packing up a big chimney starter and bag of charcoal, nor was I thrilled with the prospect of using one of those "matchlight" bags that's chock full of nasty petrochemicals. So, understandably, I was thrilled to find the nifty little Baja Firepack on sale at Harvest Market in Novato.

What it is is a squat little tub, made out of 100% recycled paper, filled with two pounds of natural lump mesquite charcoal. I only use hardwood lump charcoal to grill anyway, since I don't really like the idea of coal, petroleum, and other nasty stuff found in standard old charcoal briquets finding it's way into my food. I like my carcinogens all natural. Anyhow, you set fire to a small starter block at the bottom of the tub, plop it into your grill, and let the whole thing catch on fire and light the charcoal. Spread your coals, and you're ready to go! It's healthier for you, your family, and the environment, and it looks cool, too, since it was designed by award-winning S.F. product designers Mike and Maaike.

Check it out on Mike and Maaike's website: the Lazzari Baja Firepack. Harvest Market is on San Marin Drive in Novato, although you should be able to find the Firepack elsewhere, with all the fancy-pants grocery stores around.