Barbecue Tricks

BBQ Tips and Tricks

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MAKE A GRILL HOTSPOT MAP WITH BISCUITS

GRILL BISCUIT hotspot
If you find yourself shuffling your food around the grill haphazardly hoping to find the cool or hot spot this may be of service.  At least you’ll end up with brunch.

Here’s a fun and fast way to pinpoint the hot spots on your grill.   We use a few tubes of refrigerated “poppin” biscuit dough.    A few tips:  get your gas flowing freely first… start with all your dough the same temperature… and make sure the dough slices are of identical thickness.   Take a biscuit selfy and save if for future reference.  Carolina Pitmaster Jack Waiboer suggests this as the first cook on any new grill.  A GRATE idea.

 

Watch the Grill HotSpot Video HERE

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Cauliflower BBQ Pizza – Low CarbBQ

pizza2.Still003My family loves a good pizza… I’m from Chicago so it’s kinda in my DNA.   I always go for the DEEP dish heavy thick slices from Pizzaria UNO (one a pretty wide spread chain that has it’s origins in Chicago).

But, alas, the pizza caught up with me and in January of this year I signed up with MediWeightloss.   Thankfully MJ, my wife. was on board too and in the next few months I lost 55 pounds.

Part of the routine was a low carb Acute phase.    Needless to say pizza is a tough one.  However we found that on YouTube cauliflower pizza crust is all the rage and we loved it.  Watch us make the BBQ version HERE on YouTube.

No, it’s not exactly the crun-chewy crusty carbloaded bread we may be craving, but if you love cheesey toppings equally as much this faux crust should be a suitable base to curb your craving for a heavy slice.

cauliflowerHere’s what you’ll need to make the crust:

1 head cauliflower
1 egg
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup parmesan cheese
¼ cup almond meal

Wash and dry the cauliflower before cutting off the florets. Discard the stems and leaves. Chop florets into small pieces and pulse in a food processor until it looks like snow (about 30 seconds).

crust2Pour cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl, cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Let it cool slightly and pour cooked cauliflower onto a clean dish towel or cheese cloth. Wrap up tightly, and holding over the sink, squeeze repeatedly to remove as much water as possible. This is key! Dump squeezed cauliflower into a mixing bowl. Add egg, spices, cheeses and almond meal, mixing thoroughly.

Pour mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and spread out, shaping into a circle about ¼ inch thick. Press a paper towel over the top to remove excess water. Place parchment paper on a preheated grill stone on the grill, close lid, and grill approximately 10 minutes on medium heat until browned.

While it cooks, gather the toppings:

¼ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup pulled pork
½ red onion, sliced
¾ cup Mozzarella cheese, divided

low carb cauliflowerTo turn the crust, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a second baking sheet, slide the crust off the grill onto that second baking sheet. Place the parchment lined baking sheet upside down on top of the crust, carefully flip and remove the original piece of parchment paper from the top. Now using the new parchment paper, slide the flipped crust onto the grill stone. Close the lid and grill another 5-10 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Add toppings to the pizza right on the grill:

BBQ sauce
(I mixed a sweet tomato based BBQ sauce with a low fat vinegar based sauce and added a little sugar free syrup)
Mozzarella cheese
Pulled pork
Red onion
Mozzarella cheese

1pizza 1Close grill lid and cook 5-10 minutes. Remove using a pizza peel.

To cook this in the oven, preheat oven to 450° and follow the same procedure. Alternate toppings:

Marinara
Turkey pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese

You can also prepare this with frozen cauliflower florets. Thaw the florets completely and prepare the same, decreasing the microwave time from 4 minutes to 2 minutes. The turkey pepperoni will curl in the oven, so put some cheese on top.

 WATCH the BBQ Pizza video HERE

Competitions

Zac Brown Food Festival

Just announced – another Zac Brown Music and Food Festival for October – here’s a look at the 2013 event.

If you like the look of the STAGE Boxes shown in the video… act fast… the special all you can eat and drink seating sold out last year and the 2014 tickets JUST went on sale — more HERE

You can usually find some great BBQ or other Southern fare from a bunch of local vendors (and Zac himself).

Not a BBQ competition… but definately a good time when weather in SC is at it’s best.

zac brown food

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Pros and Cons of Gas & Charcoal

Charcoal

charcoal chimney

Warmer weather is finally here, and that means it is officially grilling season!

 

There are few things that feel more like summer than standing around a grill with friends on a warm evening. While some people fire up their grill without putting any thought into how they will be cooking their meal, others are dedicated to certain methods and techniques.

Some people prefer the convenience of using a gas grill, while others are fiercely loyal to charcoal. Traditionally, grills are designed to cook with either gas or charcoal. If you like to use both fuel sources, hybrid grills are a great solution.

There will always be a debate about which fuel source is best when it comes to grilling. Here is a quick guide to help you determine which fuel source is best for the cooking at hand:

 
gas burner replacementGas
There is one advantage that gas grilling has above all other fuel sources: convenience. To start a gas grill, you simply have to turn a knob and press a button. Once lit, you have an easily controllable heat source to cook your food. Gas grills are also relatively easy to clean because there are no leftover ashes.
While gas grills are probably the easiest to use, grilling enthusiasts often have one major complaint: a lack of flavor.

  • Pros: Easy to light and control temperature, very little clean up.
  • Cons: Gas adds no flavor to food, and produces a more moist heat.

 

Lump Charcoal
When you burn wood in the absence of oxygen, the remains of this natural process is lump charcoal.
One of the great aspects of lump charcoal is how quickly it gets extremely hot. This typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Because lump charcoal gets so hot, it can sear foods rapidly. It also produces a very dry heat, which creates that delicious, caramelized crust on the outside of your food.
This quick heating process makes lump charcoal great for grilling foods that cook quickly.
Once lump charcoal reaches maximum temperature, it loses heat quickly, which can be disadvantage. If you want to use lump charcoal and sustain a high temperature, you will need to replenish the charcoal periodically. Because you are using charcoal, there will be ash cleanup involved.

  • Pros: Lights quickly, burns hot, great for searing.
  • Cons: Burns quickly, more expensive, takes time and effort to light.

 

Briquettes
Briquettes are similar to lump charcoal in how intensely they burn, but the similarities end there. One of the easiest ways to discern them is to look at their shape. While lump charcoal is inconsistently shaped, making it difficult to stack, briquettes usually have a uniform shape.
An advantage briquettes have over lump charcoal is that they burn for long periods of time, which makes it easier to cook at a more consistent temperature than lump charcoal.
While lump charcoal is created through an all-natural process, briquettes are not. Briquettes typically contain additives that help them light, burn and keep their shape. These chemical additives will give off a distinct smell when they are lit, but if you wait to start cooking until all the briquettes are covered in white ash, that smell shouldn’t transfer to your food.

  • Pros: Burn time, consistent temperature, cheaper.
  • Cons: Chemical smell, ash to clean.

 

Author Bio:

This is a guest post by Arianna on behalf of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Visit kalamazoogourmet.com to find out more about our hybrid grills.

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Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Dutch Oven How To

More fun with a BBQ dessert in a Dutch Oven!  We claim this is the World’s Easiest Pineapple Cake Recipe.  Watch as we spell out the sweet details using only 6 ingredients (Our cake batter is only 2 ingredients – icecream and self rising flour!). But don’t try this at home… watch and tell us what you think of the surprise ending…

Watch Pineapple Cake HERE via YouTube

cake recipe

click and watch on YouTube

GrateTV

BBQ For Mothers Day

starbucks_microwaveJust posted a quick (probably the quickest video I’ve done) on why a Starbucks Ceramic Mug  – SEE it HERE if you’ve ever wondered why some thing’s warn “do NOT microwave.”  Guess who got burrrned??

But more pressing is that I saw a killer deal on some BBQ gear
and Mama’s day gifts (the kindle fire price is sweet) on Amazon that you may appreciate – but they expire quick… here goes:

First I was suprised to see about $100 bucks off one of the most popular grills out… you’ll know the name… If you are a charcoal fan Check out the deal HERE…Kettle Grills that rhyme with Bebber 🙂

Me… I honestly have been looking at a few pizza ovens (love a toy like this).  Cuisinart just cut about $75 off it’s price on this baby – You can Really show off withCuisinart CPO-600 Alfrescamore Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven

And Mother’s day is next weekend and Amazon (buy thru them and they pay me an advertising fee – no cost to you) has two specials I think Mommie dearest will love…$40 off Fire HD 7

If Mama likes to do the shopping try this – Give the Gift of Amazon Prime

Or maybe you want to tip her off on something new called Amazon Mom?
Try Amazon Mom for Free

Ohhh BBQ fans just saw these Meat Claws at a 75% off but it ends in about a week – I like these – pretend you’re Wolverine on your butt… View the CLAWS HERE

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Ten Burger Tricks and Tips – Lid Up or Down?

burrgerr

hamburger tricks

Burgers are a summertime staple in the USA.   Everybody can handle ’em.   Still – your cook out might just go a bit smoother when you are ready to take on the grill with these quick tips and tricks for America’s favorite BBQ food.

1–Keep it Together…Make your patty out of
good ground beef.  Use some egg and bread crumbs too.  Not only will it add flavor and moisture but it will help the beef hold together.

2–Chill Out.   Pop the patty in the freezer or fridge for fifteen minutes before hitting the grill  The chill will also help em hold together.

3– The Dent.  You can help keep the patty from balling up by starting with a little dent in the center of the burger.   When the meat cooks the dent will diminish and you’ll have a flatter patty.

4—Plan Ahead.   Have all your supplies on hand.  Think through it before you put the meat on the fire.  A trip back
to the kitchen could mean disaster if there’s a flareup when you are gone…

5- Keep It Clean.   Start with a clean grill – fire it up, brush it clean… oil with towel.   The grill bits left over from Labor Day’s cookout are not flavor this time around!

6–Check Yer Lid.   Lid up?  Or down?… the rule is if the meat is thicker than your palm close the lid.  If thinner… keep your eye on it.

7 – Keep it simple.   Don’t over season.  But DO add a secret ingredient to a few patties for fun and conversation.

8–Get Cheesy.   Add the cheese at the very end…  I use Kraft American singles.

9–Is It Done Yet?  Go medium well.   It’s best to use a thermometer.  Should read about 140 in the middle of the thickest part of the meat.

10–Let It Rest — When you’re done… let it rest.   Cutting or biting in too soon will allow the savory juices to drain out onto the plate.  Plus the cheese is HOT!  Let it rest 15 minutes  it’s tough but  it’s worth the wait.

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Breakfast BBQ on GrateTV

Wake up and Grill!  Or smoke!   GrateTV BBQ and Grill show has been cookin’ up a few BBQ breakfast how to videos that are must see BBQ TV!  Take a look and try one in the morning.  Or take two and call us in the morning.   Better yet just take a minute to watch then comment and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.  It’s free and we’d love the support!

First Off – You need to see this Breakfast Fatty How To.   

What’s a fatty? You ask?  We explain it all HERE…

breakfastfatty

 

Maybe you’re looking for something over an OPEN FIRE or you’re camping.  Here’s our tribute to the annoying orange (ask your kids).  It’s our Orange Cinnamon Bun How To.

bbq orange

 

Finally Pizza gets the breakfast treatment with this Breakfast BBQ Pizza on the Grill recipe:

breakfast pizza

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Biscuit and Gravy Pizza and Breakfast Pizza Post

A Few Things You Should Know About Pizza Dough

BANDG

Click to watch us make a GrateTV Biscuit and Gravy Pizza

By KC Kudra

Many people are intimidated by the thought of making their own pizza dough from scratch although the process is a relatively simple one especially once you have made your first batch. In addition, although frozen pizza dough may be convenient and relatively inexpensive, the taste rarely mimics authentic, handmade pizza dough giving you even more reason to try making your own.

Flour is your friend when it comes to working with pizza dough. Always have a few tablespoons nearby in case your dough is unmanageable or sticks to your hands when kneading. You will also need to add some flour to your dough if you are rolling it out with a rolling pin to keep it from sticking and ripping apart.

Always roll from the center to the outer edges and sprinkle some flour on the underside of the dough as well. Keep rolling the dough until you notice it losing most of its elasticity. Then, using a fork, prick a few holes through the dough before baking to keep air bubbles from forming.

Once you have become familiar working with the dough, making a double crusted pizza is another way of creating a delicious dish and satisfying meal. Use two balls of dough and roll each out into circular shapes as you would when making an ordinary pizza but overlap the two pieces after adding the sauce and fillings.

The easiest way to tell your pizza has cooked for the proper length of time is when you notice the dough turning a golden brown color. The crust or edges should be slightly darker and the bottom of the pizza should be browned evenly. The cheese will also darken and be completely melted on a pizza that has cooked long enough.

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Pizza Recipe

What You Need

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 11 ounce package refrigerated pizza crust
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups liquid egg whites, refrigerated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1-1/2 cups frozen vegetables, your choice, thawed
  • 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
  • 3 frozen turkey sausage patties, thawed

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coat a large baking sheet with the nonstick cooking spray and unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto it.

Bake the dough partially for about 5 minutes and then set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the tablespoon of butter then add the egg whites, salt and pepper, and onion powder and scramble the eggs until they are just firm.

Spoon the scrambled eggs over top of the partially baked pizza crust and then top with the thawed, frozen vegetables. Cut the thawed patties of turkey sausage into small, bite sized pieces, and distribute evenly on top of the pizza.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top of everything and bake for about 8 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is a golden brown color.

Slice and serve your healthy breakfast pizza while still hot.

Serves 8.

Vary the pizza recipes you use when making dinners for your family to keep everyone interested. You can also make variations to the pizza dough recipe you use by changing the types of flour as well as using butter instead of oil for coating the dough before baking.

GreatPizzaRecipes.com You Make the Pizza, We Help You Make It Great!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Kudra
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