This may be old news to some but I just discovered it.
To avoid the "petroleum" taste from using lighter fluid to start coals you can shell out $15-$20 for a starter can at K-Mart or you can make your own from metal coffee cans.
2-3# cans; both have (4) 1-1/2" holes in sides near bottom.
Bottom can has crimped lip on top to stack top can.
Top can has several 1-1/2" holes in bottom.
Loosely fill bottom can with crumpled newspaper or kindling.
Fill top can with charcoal; will hold about 24 briquets; stack on top of bottom can.
Light bottom can through holes in bottom. When top coals are burning, dump can with Channel-Lock pliers or tongs.
If your cast iron doesn't have legs, use 3 rocks or even cold briquets instead.
If I'm not cooking on a big rock, I use an old cookie sheet to cook on and contain the ashes for EZ cleanup.
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